Fashion Fantasy at The Palace:

A Bridal Dream

Published On: December 30, 2011

On opening day, September 1, 1928, the $2 million Loew’s Theatre, showed MGM’s movie Excess Baggage. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, movie theatres truly were palaces where moviegoers were king and queen. Named to the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1982, The Louisville Palace is still a popular venue for movies during its summer series, but is more popular today for live entertainment and private events, including weddings and receptions. Drawing on the theatre’s rich history and current popularity, we staged a fashion fantasy at the Louisville Palace where the bride reigns supreme.

Photography by
Lana Wilson

Styling by
Mona Simone

Hair by
Bobby Lardner
of Blades Salon & Spa

Make Up by
Micah Severo Ruelas

Photography assisted by
John Haley

Stylist assisted by
Erika Doll & Jakeva Thomposan

Tinseltown Palace

With a Spanish courtyard, dimly lit grottos, and a ceiling of twinkling stars as her set, Cosmo model Scout Hardin dreams of starring in a magical wedding production. In her Maggie Sottero “Jackie” gown, she steals the show and rules the day. Gown by Sher’s Bridal, $1313; pewter snake shoes with smokey rhinestones: Pelle Moda (Dillard's); crystal in silver ring: Anna & Ava $15 (Dillard's); crystal & silver wide bangle: Natasha $178 (Dillard's).

The Balcony Scene

During Hollywood’s Golden Age, audiences often gazed upon the silver screen from theater balconies. Graced by model Astou Mbaye, the Palace balcony brings to mind another kind of balcony scene. In her Nika gown she truly is, in Romeo's words, "a bright angel glorious as" the Palace’s "night sky." Gown from Sher’s Bridal, $658; T-strap stiletto with spikes Sam Edelman (Dillard’s); pewter with pearl & jewel motif Jessica Simpson $48 (Dillard’s); 3-tier crystal drop earrings Givenchy $135 (Dillard’s).

139 Famous Heads Turn

The image of Palace architect John Eberson, along with Socrates, Beethoven, and Abraham Lincoln, is among the famous faces carved in the spectacular curved vaulted ceiling behind Cosmos model Ashley Pedigo. Kicking it up in her flamboyant Marisa gown, she is so hot she could turn all 139 heads. Gown from Sher’s Bridal, $2559; shimmer giraffe pattern shoes: Chinese Laundry (Dillard's); interlocking rhinestone & gold bangle: Natasha $48 (Dillard's); large pearls & rhinestone encrusted gold ball bracelet: Anna & Ava $30; rhinestones in gold bracelet: Natasha $38; rhinestone encrusted ring: Anna & Ava $15 (Dillard's); blush loop earrings: Cezanne $48 (Dillard's); pearls & rhinestone encrusted gold ball necklace: Anna & Ava $58 (Dillard's).

Silver Screen Glamour

Framed by the Spanish Baroque doorway, Cosmo model Taylor Bell is as glamorous in her Enzoani “Dakota” gown as any of the stars who have graced the silver screen or played the stage in this historic theatre. Gown by Sher’s Bridal, $2228; blush with rhinestone stilleto shoes: Betsey Johnson (Dillard's); triangle motif choker: Cezanne $51.80 (Dillard's); silver with rhinestones choker: Natasha $48 (Dillard's); gold with large stone ring: Anna & Ava $15 (Dillard's); multi-broach bracelet: Betsey Johnson $165 (Dillard's).

Arcade Dream

Treading the Palace’s elaborately crafted arcades, model Cassidy Gedling can’t help feeling like a princess in her romantic Tara Keely gown. Gown from Sher’s Bridal, $1,645; satin leopard with black patent stiletto: Gianni Bini (Dillard's); amber teardrop earrings: Cezanne $28 (Dillard's); burnished gold circle chain necklace: Natasha $58 (Dillard's).