Project Runway alumna and designer Heidi Elnora is back and better than ever. She's the star of a new series called Bride By Design , premiering Friday night on TLC, which follows the bridal designer as she creates gorgeous bridal dresses for customers in her Birmingham, Alabama-based Heidi Elnora Atelier boutique. But don't worry, you don't have to hop on a plane to Dixie in order to get one of her stunning white dresses for your big day — Elnora's designs are available in more than 30 retailers across the United States, including Nordstrom.
Elnora got her start designing children's clothing for Carter's after graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2002. After appearing on Project Runway, it wasn't quite easy sailing for her — she was hit by a car and moved back to her hometown of Birmingham to recover. But going home again proved to be a new beginning for Elnora. During that time, she began dating a man named Jeff Baker and she opened up her boutique to follow her dream of designing wedding gowns, which have been featured in Brides Magazine, Town & Country, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Elnora also co-founded Birmingham's Fashion Week, which showcases Southern fashion. Then in 2009, Elnora herself walked down the aisle to marry Baker, and today they have two sons: Jack and Bo.
The Heidi Elnora brand has three very unique collections for brides to choose from. Here are the one-of-a-kind dress categories that Elnora can make into your own.
Heidi Elnora
Elnora's self-titled collection includes the colorful "Valerie Lynn" (featuring a V-neck bodice and a full gathered skirt with a purple floral print, above) and the "Rachel Leah" (a ball gown with beaded flowers and a sweep train). Each white dress has its own personal touch and no two are alike. And some aren't even white — the "Lucille Lowe" gown is made with blush-colored Italian lace.
Hello Darling
These designs, which each include "Darling" in their names, are simple, but elegant. The "Gweneth Darling" is a strapless sweetheart dress with a flowing organza skirt and an overlay of soft cotton lace. Looking to go a bit more bohemian? The "Casie Darling" is a scoop neck mini with a a sheer crinkled chiffon skirt, and a subtle sweep train.
Build-A-Bride
Every bride's dream is to have and find the perfect wedding gown. But if you can't find it, Elnora can help you make it, step-by-step in her Build-A-Bride collection, which is described as an affordable couture experience. Brides pick from 15 basic white designs and 25 add-on pieces to make a dream dress. The No. 1 best-seller of the collection is the "Coco Marie," a fit-to-flare sweetheart gown that flatters all figures.
Images: Paul Johnson/TLC (4)
