Love is in the air, and not only because it’s wedding season. We’re doting over the union of dance, fashion, and fine art, as ballerinas don stunning gowns and jewelry on painted backdrops of spring foliage. Together, each art form coalesces to create a fantasy fit for a wedding or special occasion.
Many daydream about floating down the aisle, wearing a dress as romantic as the bond between two lovers. But you don’t have to get married to wear these stunning works of art. Follow your heart to a live performance, gallery opening, or fanciful event. Wear the dream dress, and whisk yourself into a landscape transforming fantasy into a reality.
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Special thanks to these participating boutiques and stylists for turning this romantic dream into a reality:
Fabulous Frocks: 228 Trade St., Greer | Bloom Bridal: 103 N. Main St., Ste. 200, Greenville
llyn strong fine art jewelry: 1322 E. Washington St., Ste. C1, Greenville
Special thanks to South Carolina Children’s Theatre for the generous donation of backdrop material.
Thank you to Carolina Ballet Theatre, whose ballet dancers modeled the gowns. The CBT is the resident professional dance company at the Peace Center. Find information and upcoming performances at carolinaballet.org.
- Photography by Will Crooks
- Creative Direction by Laura Allshouse
- Styling by Ashley Bickerstaff of My Style Envy
- Hair & Makeup by Katie Cotton of Cotton Rouge
- Modeled by Jordan Shannon, Gabrielle Moore, and Jonimarie Purtle of the Carolina Ballet Theatre
Spring Dress Spreads
Spread 1
Dress info: Dress by Anna Sposa. Custom embroidered veil. Prices available upon request at Bloom Bridal.
Dancer Bio: Jonimarie Purtle has been dancing for 12 years and is an apprentice with Carolina Ballet Theatre. Next year, she plans to join the Professional Training Division at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Spread 2
Dress info: Lauren gown by Hayley Paige. Price available upon request at Fabulous Frocks. Klimtastic cuff featuring sterling silver, diamonds, and carved stone by llyn strong. Price available upon request at llyn strong fine art jewelry.
Bio: Jordan Ann Shannon began dancing 16 years ago, at age 2, and is currently dancing with Carolina Ballet Theatre as an apprentice. She’s also earning a degree in marketing.
Spread 3
Dress info: Dress by Anna Sposa. Custom embroidered veil. Prices available upon request at Bloom Bridal (left). Olympia gown by Hayley Paige. Price available upon request at Fabulous Frocks (right).
Modeled by: Jonimarie Purtle (bio is in spread 1).
Spread 4
Dress info: Gown and jacket by Rara Avis. Price available upon request at Bloom Bridal. 18k rose gold Australian opal ring by llyn strong. Price available upon request at llyn strong fine art jewelry. Gown by Ange Etoiles (below). Price available upon request at Bloom Bridal (below).
Bio: Gabrielle Moore has danced with several companies on the East Coast and is currently dancing with Carolina Ballet Theatre. While dancing professionally, she has also completed her business degree by taking online classes at Anderson University.
