One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is finding THE dress. Most brides have imagined themselves in a particular type of dress their entire lives. Some have dreamed of walking down the aisle in a princess ball gown, others have imagined themselves in a fitted lace piece as they promise to spend the rest of their lives with the one they love. Regardless of what dress each bride chooses, the choice is theirs – and it is an extension of themselves, their style, and a reflection of how they want their wedding day to feel.

I shot over 25 weddings this year. And not one dress, not a single one, was the same. Each time I walked into the room and saw my brides’ dresses for the first time, I was taken aback. The second installment of my Wedding Inspirations Blog Series is dedicated to my brides out there looking for that one dress you wear on one of the most important days of your lives. The designer names are listed above each photo, and some of the bridal boutiques are listed as well. In case you missed the first post in the series: Bridal Bouquets, you can see it here. Check back over the next few weeks for more in this Wedding Inspirations Series – ideas for tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses, and centerpieces. Until then, take a look at the gorgeous gowns I’ve photographed this year so far, and hopefully you find some ideas for yours.

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1reTmWk | designer: Maggie Sotterro) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1reTmWk | designer: Maggie Sotterro)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1vB2N2L | designer: Paloma Blanca) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1vB2N2L | designer: Paloma Blanca) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1xuJVU5 | designer: Khrystyna at Macy’s) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1xuJVU5 | designer: Khrystyna at Macy’s) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1EU7iK7 | designer: Illiana Lopez, Kleinfeld Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1vrVDfh | designer: August Jones, Macy’s) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1kOaddM | designer:  Allure, Antonietta Ciaccia Cervantes)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1kOaddM | designer:  Allure, Antonietta Ciaccia Cervantes)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1yPzLvR | designer: Allure)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1yPzLvR | designer: Allure)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1k5CnTW | designer: Matthew Christopher, Wolsfelt’s Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1mY4PIy | designer: Enzoani Blue, Kathryn’s Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1qNAJZk | designer: Clarice’s Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1qVv7gt | designer: David’s Bridal Collection) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1uoBqIx| designer: David’s Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1wcge9K | designer: The Enchanted Bride)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1wcge9K | designer: The Enchanted Bride)

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1vPioJY | designer: ) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1l1M8zv | designer: David’s Bridal) 

(below: see more from this wedding: http://bit.ly/1t3w3gi | designer: Maggie Sottero, Martellen’s Dress & Bridal Boutique)