Also – this pattern (and will someone please wear that center dress as their wedding dress? Hello, most perfect barbeque wedding get up ever):

But really, go browse around her site and check out all of the patterns and styles. Because they’re almost without exception excellent. Really, absolutely any of them would be perfect choices for a casual-side spring or summer wedding. And if someone out there dresses your bridesmaids in any of these (or better yet, wears one as a bride,) please send me pictures!

photos: Whitney Deal

Stella Dress, floor length, $428

I’m also loving the full sleeves on Schone’s Adele, especially when paired with the deep v-neck. Loving.

Adele bridal gown, $878

*oh, Summer, why are you so, so far away?

photos: Schone’s etsy store

Cassandra gown from Leanimal, $1285

I’m definitely having a non-white wedding dress moment these days, and sea foam green seems like a sort of particularly lovely option, no? Also “The skirt is draped so perfectly that this gown literally dances with each step you take” kinda sounds like a lot of fun.

And yes, this breaks most of the regular rules of dresses I like (both over $1000 and strapless!) but maybe let’s just agree that there are no rules when it comes to gowns that dance as you walk.

images: Leanimal’s etsy shop

L to R: Breck, $420; Marilyn, $480; Maeve, $375

I especially adore the one of the far right, which is seersucker (and comes in all white if you’re so inclined) because, well, yes to getting married in seersucker. (this of course, coming from a girl who’s had a friend ask her to “please not get married in jersey.” the jury is still out on how that one will go.)

Also? It’s less than $400. Awesome. In fact, their entire wedding collection is under $1000, with most of it being well under. Rad.

images: Ann Taylor

Modern Mythology Gown, $1,400.00 and Tulle Tiers Skirt, $800.00

As we know, I’m a lover of non-strapless dresses, and this one seems pretty and like it could work in a variety of wedding situations. It’s also all silk & cotton which means you could dye it afterwards (hot pink?) and have a pretty awesome party dress. And I can’t help thinking that the right girl could really rock the skirt on the right with a cotton t-shirt or tank top (a la Sharon Stone at the ’96 Oscars) instead of a matchy top that makes it look like a dress (I mean, what is the point of a skirt if you’re going to disguise it as a dress?)

images: BHLDN

left: Doria Dress right: Summerstock maxidress

In general, I find J. Crew clothes to be overpriced for their overall quality, and these most likely wouldn’t be exceptions, but it’s also shockingly hard to find simple clothes, and sometimes it’s worth paying more for something that you will wear until it fall apart (assuming that won’t happen after 3 washes.)

images: J. Crew

on left: the Ashley, on right: the Pam

*most dresses that are official “bridesmaid dresses” are decidedly, really, when it actually comes down to it, not very wearable again. Unless you’re going to a high school dance, or maybe a really fancy garden party. In which case – sure! And while single-use dresses may not be a problem for you or your friends, let’s all just agree to stop pretending that pink-satin-knee-length is an easy look to pull off once you’re not flanking an alter.

images: LulaKate

One of the best parts? almost all of them are under $1000. on left: Collecting Starlight, $925. on right: Orbit, $790. (also: how super great are the dress names?)

Photos: Once Wed Boutique

I miss running into Natalie at Bay Area craft shows and openings (she is a super lovely person,) but am so glad that she’s up to such great things in Austin.

photos: Canoe