This wedding gown embellished with seashells would be any bride’s dream come true.
Artist and interior designer Melinda Graham made this stunning dress for the 2012 Shellabration fashion show celebrating the 75th Sanibel Shell Fair and Show earlier this month.
She painstakingly sewed and glued shells, beads and pearls for an extraordinarily elegant silhouette.
Her artistry in every detail is phenomenal.
I’m in awe of how beautiful she and the dress are in this back drop of Sanibel and Captiva.
Breathtaking!
Melinda made flower girl dresses embellished with seashells to complete her bridal collection.
Heavenly.
Laura and Valya were seashell princesses of the beach.
I was tickled to tag along on a photo shoot at Captiva’s Blind Pass beach with friend and producer Ilene Safron of Main Sail Video Productions as she and her team filmed Melinda for a national television segment. I have no idea what this shoot will be for or when it will air but I’m sure Nancy will let us know when she has details (fingers crossed!).
It was a day to remember with Nancy from Lee County VCB, Melinda, photographer Doug, Tracy (from Main Sail Video as well) and Ilene.
These talented folks have a lot of fun!
It was a beautiful day for Melinda to share with her mom as well.
melinda graham with her mom
To see her dress on display on Sanibel, stop by Melinda’s beautiful retail shop inspired by the sea called Surroundings.
Gorgeous!
Wow! that’s fabulous
OMG I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful…
That is just stunning. Did she wear it herself to get married in as well? Or is she selling it? It is really something special.
No, she didn’t wear it to get married, she was inspired to make it for the fashion show- wild, huh? One would have to get in touch with her through the links I added in the post to have her design another couture dress. That would be a very lucky bride!
How Beautiful is that!
You are really a very talented photographer Pam, all your pics are great.
Oh my god – not on is she so talented to have made that dress – she’s also the model – I thought they hired a professional to model it – wow she is multi-talented!
I saw a lovely bridal bouquet, once, that incorporated white scallop shells– as did the flower arrangements at the church and reception. Unusual particularly for the location, which was near Niagara Falls– not very near any oceans!
I am in AWE!! it is so beautiful. The whole entire thing, back drop, pictures, girls, crew everything.
Thanks Pam.
Exquisite!!
What about the “husband” something must have been made for him to show off.
She & the dress are out of this world – such talent. janet -AZ
Having seen this dress in person at the Shellabration Couture Luncheon, I can assure you all that this dress is truly beautiful, as are the the outfits for the Seashell Princesses. The shell work is all around the hem and train as well. Kudos to Melinda for the time, energy and talent. And thanks for sharing, Pam!
Beautiful! What a work of art.
We will be back in Sanibel on May 5th for 2-3 weeks. We hope to see you on the beach! Both of us will be wearing I Love Shelling hats. We are looking forward to using them for some night shelling as well! Any recommendations for where to shell at night?
Kathie & John
Southlake, Texas
What a beautiful dress and the lady makes it absolutly perfect. I even loved the way she wore her hair. The photographer did a wonderful job, but he did have a great model!
“he”? LOL
Did the shells add any significant weight to the dress?
Stunning! Didn’t have that at my wedding, but now I know what to wear to renew my vows!
That is a very stunning, beautiful dress! Absolutely gorgeous! We love Sanibel Island!!!!