Once upon a time, while “annual honeymooning” in the West Indies, I became shipwrecked on a treasure-filled island formally known as Saint Barthélemy (hereby know as St. Barts) – — and it served up major destination design inspiration!
If Monte Carlo and Capri had a baby, it would be St. Barts. It’s a first class, French-speaking mecca of retail, yachting, fine dining and hotels (ex: Monaco) — but if you can pull yourself away from all that you’ll find yourself at some of the world’s most beautiful and unique beaches. Enter Shell Beach.
Walking distance from Gustavia’s yacht harbor, Shell Beach is one of a kind. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean–don’t expect to find powder white sand here. The name comes from the main attraction – a beach of shells! No sand, just shells. One of a kind, intricate, collectible (it’s a popular hobby here)…. shells!
Special destinations – like Shell Beach – are what inspire seaside weddings and elopements. They also inspire me! And while I’m honestly not quite sure if wedding ceremonies are even allowed on this particular beach – it didn’t stop me from dreaming up a special destination-inspired wedding gown during my visit.
I’m a firm believer that any wedding gown looks amazing on a beach, but sometimes dialed-down drama plays best with an unbelievable backdrop. Here’s a first look at a brand new beauty dreamed up alongside the sparkling water and unique textured shoreline of Shell Beach– a silhouette designed to pair perfectly with bare feet in the sand….or shells.
First Look: “LUMEN.” She’s a sleek, form-fit silhouette with customizable train length that sparkles and glows with plenty of sea-shell inspired texture (compliments of pearl, sequin, appliqués and metallic embroidery detailing.) She’s features a nude illusion lace back, and beach wave-inspired horsehair scalloped hemline. “Lumen” is releasing soon, and is currently available for bridal fittings at the Lauren Elaine Flagship Salon in Los Angeles! Book your appointment here.