1920s Wedding Dress

It was both fascinating and enriching to rediscover my first vintage clothing shoot from 2011! Anita posed beautifully in a 1920s wedding dress and veil, creating an unforgettable glimpse into the elegance of this bygone era. At the time, I was just beginning to delve into 1920s period styling, and through this project, I gained such appreciation for the aesthetics and subtle details that defined this transformative decade.

The 1920s marked a significant shift in fashion history. Women’s clothing moved away from the restrictive corseting and excessive layers of the preceding Edwardian era, embracing simpler shapes and more relaxed silhouettes that symbolized the newfound freedoms of the post-World War I generation. The wedding dress Anita wore was a prime example of this evolution—its delicate simplicity and understated elegance captured the zeitgeist of the roaring twenties.

As women began to embrace practicality and comfort, 1920s wedding dresses were often characterized by loose, column-like shapes, intricate lace, flowing veils, and exquisite beadwork. The focus was not just on beauty but on a chic combination of modernity and romance. Hemlines rose (though for wedding gowns they typically remained floor-length), and sleeves were often loose-fitting or even sleeveless. Veils, as seen in this shoot, were an opulent extension of the style, often embellished with lace or fine embroidery to echo the patterns on the gown.

When styling this shoot, I kept the hair and makeup simple yet true to the time period—another trademark of 1920s fashion. Bobbed hairstyles or finger waves were popular choices of the time, representing the progressive spirit of the “new woman.” Anita’s timeless hair and makeup brought these concepts to life beautifully, complementing the wedding dress while allowing the vintage design to be the centerpiece.

Looking back at my original 2011 edits of these photos compared to my 2014 revisions reminds me of how my editing techniques have also evolved over the years. My initial edits leaned toward a nostalgic aesthetic but were more heavy-handed, while my later edits embraced a minimalistic approach with subtle enhancements, perhaps adding a touch of a Kodachrome-like effect to evoke the mood of vintage photography. I feel both styles capture something special in their own way, but my 2014 refinements better suit the simplicity and elegance of the 1920s aesthetic.

When I think about how revolutionary bridal fashion was nearly a century ago, especially set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age—an era bursting with cultural, social, and artistic shifts—it deepens my appreciation of these timeless designs. With economic prosperity and societal changes for women, the 1920s was an era where fashion liberation was more than just a trend; it was a statement about independence, style, and self-expression.

This shoot and these photos continue to be some of my favorite works. They highlight how history and fashion intertwine, and how clothing can tell a story. The Carondelet Historical Society made the perfect setting for this project—its historical aura complemented not only the vintage wedding dress but also the spirit of rediscovering a piece of the past.

I’d love to know your thoughts! Do you see the timeless appeal of the 1920s like I do? Let me know in the comments.