Designer Spotlight: LAUDAE
We are thrilled to welcome Laudae as one of our newest designers at Moondance! Laudae is designed and manufactured in Canada by designer Gaby Bayona. The line started in 2014 and is Truvelle’s spirited younger sister brand. The Laudae gowns are all fitted, with leg slits & mesh inserts & really rad statement laces. Laudae is also a brand with an eco edge: all of their linings are recycled & everything is ethically produced in their Vancouver studio.
LAUDAE is the answer for brides looking for forward- thinking gowns that are just that: forward-thinking in style & forward-thinking for our environment.
Interested in trying on one of these gorgeous designs? Click before to book and appointment! We look forward to having you in the shop.
Real Bride: Karen in Rue de Seine
We were lucky enough to have met and helped both Karen and her beau, Travis, in the shop. Yes you heard right, Travis was involved in the shopping process and it was the sweetest! She picked Avril by Rue de Seine for their intimate destination wedding in Mexico and boy did it look like it was made for her! It’s like that dress was meant to be worn in Mexico, the lace motif was pure magic against all the beautiful backgrounds. Even though their nuptials took place internationally, the couple made a point to do all of their wardrobe shopping locally with small businesses- makes our heart happy! (See tags below)
Photography: @chrispluslynn // Venue: Las Ventanas al Paraiso by @grandluxury // Dress: @ruedeseinebridal from @moondancebridal // Headpiece: @untamedpetals // Rings: @baxtermoerman // Groom’s Suit: @julesdslo // Shoes: @romp_california
Cactus Garden Romance
Beautiful blooms, a simple yet striking gown, and a stunning backdrop full of cacti and we’re good to go! Loving all the earthy tones and pops of color.
Photography: @ashleyraestudio // Dress: @moondancebridal // Accessories: @untamedpetals // Models: @carolineshepperd, @chasecovell // Florals: @albertsflorist // Makeup: @meggsahriot // Hair: @hairisartinmyhands
Pink Streets
Guadalupe, CA
We took a little drive to chase pink walls (and have tacos of course) with Alexandra Wallace recently. This one street town is chock full of historical buildings and great backdrops… a real blast from the past!
Photography: @thelittlealli // Dress: @anaisanette from @moondancebridal // HMU: @twigandarrowsalon @meggsahriot // Model: @leahtb // Shoes: @anthropologie
Motel Matrimony
Los Alamos is a little gem of a town and the newly remodeled Skyview Motel is the coolest new addition, full of photogenic character. So when Alexandra Wallace asked us to take a little drive to Los Alamos we jumped at the opportunity to check out the new digs. We thought we might get rained out but the dreary day made for some great moody lighting!
Photography: @thelittlealli // Venue: @skyviewlosalamos // Dresses: @ruedeseinebridal from @moondancebridal // Rings: @marrowfine_ // Models: @kaitlan.bryan and @inkristyland // Hair & Makeup: @twigandarrowsalon
Moondance White Rock Shoot
We’ve been eyeing this local beach spot as a shoot location for a while now and finally made it a reality. We love the natural starkness of the white rocks and how they somehow transport you to another untouched beach far, far away. Pair that with some fabulous gowns and a couple beauties and VIOLA!
Photography: @ashleyludaescherphoto // Dresses: @ruedeseinebridal + @tara_lauren from @moondancebridal // Makeup: @everafter.artistry
Summer Romance at the White Barn
Love this fresh summer shoot with fun color pops at the ever beautiful venue, The White Barn in Edna Valley. Honored to be included in this project with some of the industry’s finest. Don’t you want to cozy up on one of those those floor cushions and enjoy some rose at sunset? Yes please!
Venue @thewhitebarnednavalley // Design & Floral: @vinofioreevents // Photography: @thepoffs // Specialty Rentals: @avenuetwelverentals & @scout_rentalco // Rentals: @allaboutevents // Dress: @emmy_mae_bridal from @moondancebridal // Hair: @nichole.hair // MakeUp: @tamibernardmakeup // Linens @bbjlinen
Real Bride Dianna in Rue de Seine
When Dianna came in for her dress appointment and described her Big Sur elopement we immediately knew she was destined to be a Moondance bride. We fell in love with her kind, easy-going spirit and when she fell in love with the Lily Jagger gown by Rue de Seine, we knew it was a match made in heaven. This gown has THE SOFTEST lace around (we swear it's like butter) and was the perfect choice for this genuine bride and her intimate wedding. Just all around effortless!
Photography: Paige Nelson Photography // Location: Point 16 in Big Sur, CA // Dress: Lily Jagger by Rue de Seine from Moondance Bridal // Florals: Lori Boe Floral Design //
Linden Clover Sunchaser Workshop
So honored to be a part of another Linden Clover workshop! Located at Flying Caballos Ranch and their beautiful new barn. We chased the sun and had all kinds of fun. The talented attendees got some superb shots of this lovely real couple. Enjoy!
Venue: @flyingcaballosranch // Photographers: @lindenclover // Design & Planning: @sparkandsparkleevents // Florals: @adornments_flowers // Bridal Gown: @watters from @moondancebridal // Bridal Jewelry: @sweetbellajewelry // Groom's Attire: @heygorgeousformalwear + @staghandmade // H+MU: @dani.cepeda.hair + @candancemillermakeup //
All About Events Summer Wind Up Party
All About Events hosted a wedding industry party at Higuera Ranch to gear up for the busy summer and the set up was to die for! One of their newer offerings are these amazing bell tents that Spark + Sparkle Events decked out with all the killer Avenue Twelve rentals for the occasion. We were ready to give up our homes and move in! They decided to take advantage of the epic setup and throw in some gorgeous models for a fun shoot. It was a blast outfitting these beauties and Cameron Ingalls did a fantastic job of capturing it all!
OH, and GOATS... there were baby goats, guys!
Photography: Cameron Ingalls // Venue: Higuera Ranch // Bell Tents & Rentals: All About Events // Furniture Rentals: Avenue Twelve // Styling: Spark + Sparkle Events // Dresses: Emmy Mae Bridal, Jane Hill Bridal, & Rue de Seine from Moondance Bridal //
What to expect at a sample sale
Okay, here's the low-down...
A sample sale is when a boutique sells the gowns that brides try on in the store; the gowns are sold 'as is' at a discounted price. It's a great opportunity to snag that dress of your dreams that maybe otherwise would be out of your budget.
Sample sizes do range but are often around a size 10. Our associates will do their best to help advise whether or not something can be altered down.
1. Do Your Research
Check our site to see what designers we carry and if they offer styles that appeal to you. It's best if you've gone shopping beforehand and have a better understanding of the styles you like because if you find the 'one,' you will need to be ready to say 'yes' and will take it home with you that day.
2. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Set that alarm clock and arrive early to get the best pick. You will be able to select 3 dresses to try on at a time, write those picks down, and be placed in the queue for a dressing room- this is done on a first come, first serve basis. If one of your choices is sold in that time you can replace it with another pick.
3. Choose Your Companion(s) Carefully
Because sample sales tend to get overcrowded, don't bring an entire posse with you. We recommend asking one trustworthy friend or family member to tag along.
Photo credit: Alexandra Wallace
4. Be Ready to Buy
Sample sale gowns are final sale, so know your budget and be ready to commit that day. Sample gowns must be paid in full. You'll also have to act fast, since there's typically only one sample of each style.
5. Inspect the Gown
The samples have been tried on by previous brides and some dresses will have a bit of wear and tear. Before you commit, look over the dress for any damages and be aware that alterations are not done in-house (however, we do have great local recommendations).
Photo credit: Alexandra Wallace
There you have it! Drink your coffee beforehand and be ready for a fast-paced, fun environment! There's nothing quite like scoring an amazing deal!
Real Bride Kelley in Tara Lauren
We feel so fortunate to have some of the sweetest brides around and Kelley was no exception. Some true magic happened while Kelley and her grandmother were in the shop that we'll never quite be able to explain but the stars truly aligned that day. Her deep and early connection to everything "moon" related seriously gave us chills and we feel so honored to add to that special theme. She was a true knock-out in the Tara Lauren "Harlow" gown and we'll always remember the way she lit up when she first tried it on!
Kelley wore the"Harlow"
gown by
Tara Lauren
Photography: Tessa Tadlock // Dress: Harlow by Tara Lauren from Moondance //
Nicole & Nichole
We loved being a part of this shoot and dressing up half of this adorable duo! Nicole and Nichole are a real married couple but they don't have photos from their wedding day so the fact that we could play a very small part in creating photos that they'll have forever is so special! You can really feel the love! Colleen from Eventful Wedding Planning put together a beautiful shoot with stunning florals by Sprigs Floral Design and a delicious spread by Flora and Fauna Catering. And of course Sarah Kathleen captured it just perfectly!
Photographer: @sarahkathleenphoto // Coordination & Design: @eventfulweddings // Venue: @biddle_ranch_vineyard // Cinematographer: @patmanang // Floral Design: @sprigsofslo // Rentals: @allaboutevents // Stationer: @pigmentandparchment // Hair & Makeup: @carpstylist // Caterer: @floraandfaunafinefood // Vintage Rentals: @embellishvintagerentals // Dress: @moondancebridal // Suit: @heygorgeousformalwear // Models: @nicholeleahy & @nicolenail
Dark Marquee Designs Summer Shoot
Yep, another stunner from the series of seasonal backdrop shoots for Dark Marquee Designs and Michelle Roller. And again, it did not disappoint! The Moroccan vibes out in the Pismo Beach sand dunes is giving us all the desert feels- only missing some camels! Tiana Evans looks striking in the Eden gown and Valentine gown by Jane Hill. Yes, yes, yes! If you missed the spring shoot blog post it's a must see... We can't wait to see what they cook up for the fall shoot!
Photography: Michelle Roller // Backdrop: Dark Marquee Designs // Design: Sandcastle Celebrations // Rentals: Avenue Twelve // Florals: Aurelia Flora // Model: Tiana Evans // Hair Makeup: Megan Navongsy of The Queens Bees // Dresses: Jane Hill Bridal from Moondance Bridal
Mediterranean Styled shoot at PRESQUILE WINERY
First off, if you haven't been to Presquile Winery, we highly recommend it. The grounds and tasting room are absolutely gorgeous and of course they have wonderful wine! The property made for a perfect backdrop for this beautiful shoot with a Mediterranean flair. The model wore "Henley" by Tara Lauren and matched the vibe perfectly. We love the soft hues with bold accents and stylish vintage rentals. In fact, those chic vignettes are making us wish we could be transported there now for a nice glass of rosé with our girlfriends.
Venue: @presquilewine // Photography: @tayler_enerle_photography // Planning + Design: @sparkandsparkleevents // Florals: @noonansdesigns // Rentals: @embellishvintagerentals // Linens: @blushfinelinens // Dessert: @sweetautumnbakery.co // H+MU: @weddingbeautyco // Model: @malmagicphile // Dress: @tara_lauren from @moondancebridal
Mauve Color Story
A studio shoot can sometimes be the most stunning. Just a beautiful model, a killer dress, stunning florals and you're good to go. We're so glad Ashley Ludaescher Photography and Noonan's Designs included us in this yummy, mauve color story shoot. It was a great chance to showcase some of Rue De Seine's most modern and clean, crepe gowns (Aria Violet and Gigi Galaxy) on this gorgeous redhead.
Photography: Ashley Ludaescher Photography @ashleyludaescherphoto // Florals: Noonan's Designs @noonansdesigns // Hair & Makeup: Angela Romero @beautybyknowledge // Gowns: Rue de Seine @ruedeseinebridal from Moondance Bridal @moondancebridal // Model: Kaitlan Bryan @kaitlan.bryan
We turned 2!
It's been an incredible 2 years and we're so thankful for our brides and the support of the community!
COCKTAILS by Sidecar Cocktail Co.
PHOTOGRAPHY by Alexandra Wallace
BEATS by DJ Damian Camacho
A BIG thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate and for all the wonderful vendors who made the night possible!
AWESOME VENDORS: Photography: Alexandra Wallace // Cocktails: Sidecar Cocktail Co. // Florals & Living Installation: Noonan Designs // DJ: Damian Camacho // Cotton Candy Treats: Haute Sugar Co. // Glass Rental: All About Events //
RAFFLE PRIZES: 10% Wedding Rental Order: All About Events // 90min Massage: Hush Studio // Spray Tan: OATS // Brow Shaping: The Brow Fox // Wedding Stationary: Karson Butler Events // Macrame Chair Hangers: Tied and True Goods // Custom Embroidered Denim Jacket: Lady Vagabond Vintage x Moondance //
Botanical Garden Spring Shoot
We're all about a good bridal hat over here and are loving this one paired with the ultimate boho gown, "Poppy Stardust" by Rue de Seine. This shoot got us excited for all the spring and summer brides! Are you bold enough to rock a hat on your wedding day? We say GO FOR IT!
Photography: @thelittlealli // Floral: @edenfloralslo // Gown: @ruedeseinebridal from @moondancebridal // Hat: @lackofcoloraus from @shopblackwater // Jewelry: @lencollective // Makeup/Hair: @twigandarrowsalon @weddingbeautyco // Model: @melanie_marica
Metallic Bridal with Taryn Dudley Photo
Open sand dunes + fun, metallic dresses + a stunning model + Taryn Dudley's artistic eye = PURE MAGIC. Enough said.
Photography: Taryn Dudley // Model: Jenna Leos // Florals: Revel by Moonlight // Dresses: Orion by Watters & Tiger Moss by Rue de Seine from Moondance Bridal // H&MU: Megan Navongsy
Dark Marque Designs Spring Shoot
We recently had the pleasure of participating in a styled shoot to showcase the talented Dark Marque Designs and his edgy, handmade wedding backdrops. The grassy fields at Rava Wines at sunset proved to be the perfect setting, along with this gorgeous redhead wearing "Wild Harlow" by Rue de Seine. You can see why they call it "magic hour".
Photos by Michelle Roller // Dress: Wild Harlow by Rue de Seine // Veil and headpiece: Untamed Petals // Backdrop: Dark Marque Designs // Florals: Eden Floral // Hair & Makeup: The Queens Bees // Model: Kaitlan Bryan // Location: Rava Wines