Julie T.: Mountains and Metallics

Julie T.: Mountains and Metallics

Mother of: Ally
Venue: Public House on Page Hill in Tamworth, New Hampshire
Vibe: Whimsical and rustic
Dress: Kay Unger 

Trust your first instinct—and your go-to designer, advises two-time mother of, Julie. She wore a Kay Unger walk-through gown for her son’s September 2023 wedding, so when it came time to shop for her daughter Ally’s May 2025 wedding, the Kay Unger website was Julie’s first stop. She searched all over the web for a month, but kept returning to Kay Unger for one of the very first dresses she’d spotted.

The benchmark gown:  a light blue belted sleeveless floral organza with metallic touches, and a high-low bubble hemline. Julie says the mix of floral print with silver metallic touches drew her in—giving the dress a “unique, but not overpowering shimmer.” The silhouette—fitted top, full skirt—was flattering and comfortable, with the bubble hemline for an extra flounce. And, the dress had pockets—very important as this mother of the bride was tasked with holding onto the groom’s ring. She also slipped in hand warmers: it was just 50 degrees on the wedding day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a favorite place for Ally and her groom Leland, who grew up vacationing there with his family.

(Note: Julie's dress is the "Vivian," it's sold out through Kay Unger, but do a search and you just might find it on Poshmark or other resale sites.)

Next decision: shoes. “I learned from my son’s wedding that shoes are truly so important so that you can last the day into the night.” Julie needed a block heel since the ceremony took place on grass. The high-low hemline meant they’d be visible. She bought two pair: a bedazzled silver ankle strap for the ceremony, and a slip on flat sandal–also covered in clear crystal rhinestones, both by Badgley Mischka. She also treated herself to a new pair of spectacles for the occasion, the Alderman by Warby Parker. “Sadly,” she says, “I can’t see a thing without them!” 

Julie’s best friend, Susie, also Ally’s Godmother, served as the wedding officiant. “I have never seen her nervous in our 45 years of friendship, but she delivered the most beautiful words of support and joy which allowed the bride and groom to deliver their vows with humor, grace, and genuine love. There was not a dry eye among us.” 


| Photography: Magic Arrow Photography

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