Snatched Waists & Silky Gowns: A Valentine’s Reflection on Love & The Dress of Your Dreams

Ahhhhh the day of love! Isn’t it so funny how Valentine’s Day has such mixed reviews? I mean, I get it … it can be overpriced, maybe this day has burned you in the past, maybe you're waiting until Saturday to celebrate once all the chocolate goes on sale (because same.) But it’s also time to reflect on your relationship and all the moments that made you fall in love with your fiancé.

Over the last seven years, I’ve spent this holiday with my now fiancé. We’ve done it all: exchanged gifts [both homemade and store bought], gone out, stayed in, but what makes this year different is that it's our first Valentine’s as a newly engaged couple! Realistically, we’ll be spending it at home, celebrating with a fully-loaded charcuterie board made by yours truly, snuggling our kitty Zephyr, and in sweatpants (talk about a fashionable queen). Besides, we can all agree that getting dolled up is for your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, and of course...your weddinggggggg day! Whether that’s something that sparkles or shimmers, a drop waist that snatches in all the right places, a shorter yet chic hemline, or a train as long as the aisle you’re walking down. It’s your day to wear whatever you want!

Being a photographer, I’ve seen soooo many gorgeous gowns and of course, have taken note of specific studios & designers. In Ottawa, we have several boutique shops and couture designers that carry dresses in all sorts of styles. I can’t wait to bring my friends and family to sit on a comfy couch, sip some bubbly and rate the dresses from wow this looks great on me to WOW this looks GREAT on me. Sinders, Revelle, and With Love should all be at the top of your list here in Ottawa. If you're looking for a more custom fitting, Bretagne has never failed to impress me with their bespoke designs and at this point, I might need a five weddings just to wear all the dresses I’m obsessed with.

On my short list of dream designers to document are Sarah Seven, Danielle Frankel, & Cinq. I would sell my soul to photograph a gown from Cinq’s first collection. They have mastered sculpture, texture, and balance that makes their dresses come alive on a lens. Take a look at Sarah Seven, she's modern, minimalistic, and oh so refined. Known for sleek silhouettes (SNATCHED WAISTS!), clean lines, and a mix of delicate and structured fabrics. Then we have Danielle Frankel, very artistic, fashion-forward, and slightly deconstructed. Traditional bridal elements are blended with their modern tailoring, unique textures, and unexpected details like draping and asymmetry (We love a perfectly, imperfect moment). And finally, Cinq. I've admired this designer for years now. Their gowns read as romantic, soft, and very vintage-inspired. Known for delicate lace, soft tulle, and dreamy silhouettes. We LOVE her. They’re all serving quiet luxury with just the right amount of main character energy.

Jordan owning her wedding day in a sculptural Sarah Seven masterpiece.

No matter your style, classic, anti-bride, or full-blown royal-core, there’s a dress out there that’s got your name all over it (We could probably make that happen with some embroidery, right?) Maybe it’s dripping in pearls, maybe it’s giving sleek and sculptural, or maybe it’s not even a dress at all (suits for the win). The best part? You get to choose exactly what makes you feel like that bride.

And when you find the one, the dress that makes your mom cry, your best friend scream, and your partner’s jaw hit the floor, I’ll be there, camera in hand, making sure every moment of it is framed forever. Reach out today to see if I’m available to shoot your wedding day. Limited dates are left for 2025 but 2026 is yours for the taking!

Oh & HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY LOVEBIRDS!

Written by Paulina Jay & Shawnae Mutch