Donna Beth and Alejandro Gaeta Collaborate, Crafting an Intimate Runway Bridal Collection

As the most important day in a bride’s life, a wedding is guaranteed to be an emotional experience. With modern and sophisticated bridal couture on display during La Mariée, a runway show at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club on December 2, local bridal designer Donna Beth of Donna Beth Creations and Creative Director Alejandro Gaeta encapsulated the feelings, emotions and admiration for a bride on her special day.

The crowd gathered for the mid-morning show and were instructed to embrace the theme by wearing white and ivory. Wearing white as a wedding guest is traditionally frowned upon; however, this thoughtful touch tied the entire show together and allowed the audience to feel part of the designs on display. 

The collection featured three runway segments, beginning with looks for bridesmaids, a mother-of-the-bride and even cocktail attire; followed by non-traditional and modern looks for bachelorette parties, bridal showers and for the bride who doesn’t fit with the status quo; and concluding with true bridal couture with various wedding gowns.

The first set of looks stunned the audience as models showcased dresses fit for multiple seasons and occasions. With rich natural colors and royal silhouettes and shapes, the looks aimed at a mother-of-the-bride, a bridesmaid and others attending a wedding embodied modern princesses. Beth and Gaeta embraced the use of different shapes, fabrics and cuts, resulting in stunning and flattering dresses that would be a show stopping statement without taking away from the bride on her special day. 

Carefully selected music to accompany each collection encouraged the crowd’s increasing energy as the show continued. As arguably one of the most talented couture designers in the city, Gaeta never fails to bring incredibly constructed and equally stunning pieces to the runway. This show was no different, with several looks embracing the modern bride. From a jeweled jumpsuit to a short, ballerina-esque gown with a pearl bodice and dainty straps tied in bows, every bride was represented. Each model was the perfect person to showcase their respective look, as the collection itself was flattering but also embraced the diversity of brides who are of different heights and body types. Not only do these looks belong on a runway, but they are truly works of art. 

The final collection of gowns left audience members with tears in their eyes, transforming the Clayton into an aisle featuring the most beautiful brides embracing one of the most tender moments in their lives. The perfect dress is a pivotal aspect of a wedding, where brides are meant to feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. The elegant and carefully constructed gowns reminded the audience how a bride should look and feel on their big day, shining a light on the importance of fashion for women getting married. We were enchanted and completely consumed by the beauty of the gowns that featured various materials like sequins, lace, tulle and more, offering a larger-than-life perspective of bridal fashion that ultimately mystified the audience. While these were wedding gowns, the designs themselves were also very innovative and modern, unlike any wedding dress you would expect to see. The sense of admiration and gratitude remained after the final gown graced the runway, a jaw-dropping shimmering dress paired with an equally sparkling veil, so much so that the lights had to be dimmed and the gown lit up the room on its own.

“Let me tell you, I am so damn proud,” expressed Beth as she and Gaeta addressed the audience following the final walk where every look was on display once more. “We are the perfect team.” 

In addition to the looks themselves, the hair and makeup served as a form of art. Artists from THE LOOK Salon & Med Spa, located in Cherry Creek, helped bring the fashion to life with natural and stunning hair and makeup that proved how important it is for a bride to feel beautiful but also like the truest self on her wedding day. The jewelry accompanying the designs was designed by Heidi Hull. 

The show offered an incentive for future brides and guests attending as well. Beth and Gaeta coordinated giveaways for guests who entered a raffle to win a custom couture atelier gown, a custom evening gown for a mother of the bride, a gift certificate for a bridal bouquet from Bloom, a one-night stay and valet and a $50 gift certificate for food and beverage from the Clayton, a “Save the Date” photo session with Rhandi Rheaa who shot the editorials with the models before the show, a $500 gift certificate from Metalmark, makeup and lashes from THE LOOK Salon & Med Spa, and much more. 

The prices of the gowns on display range from $950 to $3,500, and working with Beth and Gaeta is an all-inclusive experience that includes alterations. Their team proved that brides can feel their best even if they are on a budget.

Visit donnabethcreations.com to book an appointment.

All photography by Victoria Glidden.