The couple: Lauren Jones & Michael Stoltz

Wedding date: May 11, 2013

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Lauren’s serendipitous gown story began at Stanley Korshak, where an off-the-rack dress by Nardos Imam caught her eye. After meeting the designer behind the gown, Lauren was thrilled to learn that Nardos could adapt the inspiration dress into a couture creation that was sure to wow her 300 wedding guests.

“She made the experience so personal, and she was so sweet and detailed,” Lauren recalled.

Our bride dreamed of a unique silhouette that combined the elegance of silk and timelessness of lace. To accomplish this, Nardos created a removable jacket with delicate three-quarter sleeves and covered buttons that beautifully accented Lauren’s arms and shoulders as she walked down the aisle of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. The gown’s white silk skirt began at Lauren’s natural waist, skimmed over her hips, and flared ever-so-slightly at the knee in a classic but subtle hourglass shape.

For the couple’s reception at Arlington Hall, the bride removed her jacket to reveal a strapless lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline and a stunning fan-shaped bow that gathered at the back of the gown. Traditional touches abounded, too—a piece of vintage lace from Lauren’s mother’s wedding gown was incorporated into the dress design, and was embroidered with the bride’s wedding date in blue. 

The result? A bridal style that was all southern charm with definite high-fashion flair.

Congratulations, Lauren and Michael!

A Dallas-based writer and artist, Nardos Imam guest blogger Karley Kiker has interned for US Weekly and D Magazine, worked as an au pair in Southern France, and attended parties as a society columnist for People Newspapers. Her forthcoming bridal guide, Hitched in a Hurry: The ultimate how-to for a speedy “I do,” releases March 2014. To learn more, visit www.hitchedinahurrybook.com.