My First Experience at New York Bridal Fashion Week

New York Bridal Fashion Week

Earlier this month I spent a week in NYC for my very first New York Bridal Fashion Week! I was thrilled at the opportunity to attend, and it was everything I imagined and more. If you’re not familiar, NYBFW is an exclusive industry event that takes place every spring and fall at various locations throughout New York City. Designers from all over the world showcase their newest collections in bridal fashion to an audience of mostly buyers, press, and photographers, of course! As you may guess, these presentations have a huge influence on bridal trends for the upcoming season. It was so much fun to get a first glimpse at what’s to come! From my perspective, things to look out for include intricate, bejeweled designs, matching veils, dresses that transform to a chic reception look, and lots of COLOR.

Runway Shows and Bridal Market

The collections I was able to view were truly next-level. Over three days, I attended runway shows for Galia Lahav, Hayley Paige Bridal, and Esé Azénabor. I also had a press pass to attend the One Fine Day Bridal Market on Wednesday and Thursday, where I met various other models and designers, including fellow Chicagoan Alyssa Kristin Bridal! It was energizing to connect with so many fellow creatives! And let me tell you: the gowns were couture in every sense of the word. With hand-beaded details, bold silhouettes, and unexpected pops of color, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for bridal fashion in 2026-2027. It was truly an experience I’ll never forget.

Miss Hayley Paige

One of the biggest highlights of my first NYBFW was meeting the one-and-only Miss Hayley Paige! As expected, she was super down-to-earth and excited to chat about her new collection Twice Upon a Time (launched July 2025). We talked about everything from the importance of personal brand to fashion, Chicago-style pizza, and her adorable Bulldog Winnie! It was an absolute treat to view the Hayley Paige presentation in person, and steal a few minutes with her after the show. Check out our exclusive interview on ChiTheeWed TODAY!

Huge thanks to WedVibes and ChiTheeWed for the opportunity to attend New York Bridal Fashion Week this fall! It was both a whirlwind and a dream at the same time. Below are some of my favorite images from the event – stay tuned for more next year!

Seven models in elaborate wedding dresses pose on a purple carpet outside a boutique with large display windows, capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a lacy dress walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, viewed from behind curly-haired audience members.
Black and white photo of a woman in a strapless dress and chunky necklace, elegantly posing on the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a strapless gown walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with lights and racks in the background.
A model in a bridal gown walks on the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, while the audience watches and takes photos.
A model in a white gown poses on a runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with an audience and carousel horses in the background.
Models in white bridal gowns stand among decorative carousel horses in a brightly lit indoor setting at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a strapless white wedding gown poses on a wooden floor during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a strapless, pleated white gown poses indoors on a small platform, holding out the fabric—capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Woman in a fitted, lace white gown poses confidently on a round platform at an indoor New York Bridal Fashion Week event.
A model in a white lace wedding dress poses on a platform at an indoor fashion event during New York Bridal Fashion Week, captivating the onlookers.
A model in a dramatic white gown walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with onlookers in the background.
Model in an elegant off-shoulder wedding gown walking a runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with another model and carousel horses behind.
A woman in a ballgown wedding dress stands by a building under a
A woman in an elegant gown poses confidently on a city sidewalk, capturing the chic atmosphere of New York Bridal Fashion Week with stunning buildings in the background.
Woman in an off-the-shoulder, cream ball gown standing on a city sidewalk, reminiscent of New York Bridal Fashion Week elegance, with trees and buildings in the background.
Woman in an elegant off-shoulder ball gown posing on a city sidewalk near buildings and trees, capturing the glamour of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in an elegant white gown poses on a city sidewalk near historic buildings and trees, capturing the timeless glamour of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in an elegant, off-shoulder ivory gown stands outside a Galia Lahav boutique on a city sidewalk during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Cityscape view of modern and historic buildings, with a line of trucks parked below and a river in the background, capturing the bustling energy akin to New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Black-and-white photo of a bridal gown train near a round “I ♥ NY” #OFDBRIDALMARKET floor sign, capturing the elegance and excitement of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A mood board with fabric swatches, sketches, and photos labeled
Black cursive signature reading
Colorful tulle gowns and white wedding dresses hang on racks in a boutique-style setting, inspired by trends from New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a strapless white dress with a voluminous, fluffy pink skirt stands in front of white curtains, evoking the glamorous style seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a flowing light blue off-the-shoulder gown stands indoors before cream curtains and a gold screen, embodying the elegance seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a pastel, layered tulle gown stands indoors before white curtains and a gold-framed screen, embodying elegance inspired by New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A bride in a white gown with a large bow on the back walks down an aisle, capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week as seated guests watch.
Smiling woman in a strapless, lacy ballgown stands in front of a white and gold backdrop at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A bride in a strapless, lace mermaid gown poses, holding out a long, floral lace veil in front of white curtains—a timeless look inspired by New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a long-sleeve lace wedding dress walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with seated guests watching.
Woman in a ruffled white wedding gown stands smiling with hands on hips, in front of white curtains, capturing the elegance seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a lace wedding gown walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, surrounded by seated spectators in a white room.
A woman stands with hands on hips, wearing a strapless, full-skirted wedding gown in a bright room, reminiscent of styles seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Two models walk the runway in short, elegant dresses at a New York Bridal Fashion Week show, with audience members seated nearby.
Woman in a short white lace dress poses confidently in front of a gold-framed white divider, channeling the elegance seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A smiling woman in a sparkly blue mini dress walks on a runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, surrounded by seated spectators.
Woman in a short, strapless white lace dress and heels walks indoors with white curtains in the background, evoking the chic elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Six women in short white and pastel party dresses pose together, smiling in front of a white curtain backdrop, channeling the chic elegance seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Woman in a floral lace romper poses playfully, smiling with hands under chin, dresses hang in background—a chic moment inspired by New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Two women posing and smiling in front of racks of elegant, pastel-colored dresses at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Close-up of elegant Viero Bridal wedding dresses with beaded details hanging on a rack, capturing the glamour of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Display of pearl and crystal jewelry on beige stands, with a sign reading
Racks of white wedding dresses surround a pillar with
A woman tries on a wedding dress with the help of two others in a boutique filled with gowns, inspired by styles from New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A rack of white dresses beside a blue velvet couch with
Short white ruffled dress with a large bow on a hanger, displayed next to another dress in a bright room—capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Three mannequins display elegant white wedding dresses in a bridal studio with a Bessie Besana sign, capturing the sophistication of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Four women stand talking and laughing in a bridal boutique adorned with wedding dresses and floral decor, inspired by the latest styles from New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Bride in elegant white gown poses under
A woman in a white bridal gown stands in front of a
Two women in elegant white gowns pose under a sign that reads
A woman in a strapless white wedding gown stands by large windows in a bright, modern room, capturing the elegance showcased at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Woman in a strapless white dress standing by large windows, softly smiling and touching her hair—a timeless moment inspired by New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Two women wearing elegant white wedding gowns stand in front of a wall that reads
A cute rabbit doll dressed as a bride with a white lace veil and a fluffy hood over its ears, inspired by styles seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A floral wall with pink and white flowers surrounds a gold Esé Azénabor logo on a white backdrop, creating a stunning display at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a white dress embodies the elegance showcased at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a white lace gown poses on a platform at an indoor New York Bridal Fashion Week show before a seated audience.
A model in a ruffled, floor-length gown graces the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week as photographers capture the moment.
A model walks down a marble runway in a sparkling jumpsuit at New York Bridal Fashion Week, with people seated on both sides.
A model walks a runway in an ornate, beaded jumpsuit with intricate detailing at New York Bridal Fashion Week. Black and white photo.
A model in an ornate, beaded jumpsuit and high heels walks the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, captivating a seated audience.
A bride in an elegant white gown stands in a decorated room surrounded by seated guests and photographers, capturing the essence of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman models an elegant off-shoulder lace wedding dress with a veil at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a lacy off-shoulder wedding gown stands on a platform as an audience watches in a bright room at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a white mermaid wedding dress poses on the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week, surrounded by seated spectators.
A model in a dramatic white floral gown poses on a runway platform at an indoor fashion show during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A model in a floral, pastel gown with a matching veil stands under a chandelier in a bright room, capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Four women in elegant bridal gowns and jumpsuits pose together outside a bridal shop in black and white, capturing the chic spirit of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
A woman in a voluminous white wedding gown stands on a sidewalk next to a boutique window display, embodying the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Three women in ornate bridal gowns pose on a pink carpet in front of a bridal shop window display, capturing the elegance of New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Six women in elegant, ornate wedding dresses pose and smile in front of a bridal shop window display, capturing the glamour of New York Bridal Fashion Week.

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