Weddings, for a long time, have followed a traditional formula of white dresses, cascades of flowers, and plenty of dancing. Hundreds and hundreds of brides celebrated the tradition, and many still do.
But some people want something that reflects them and their style a little more.
One such couple was Australian blogger Sophie Cachia, who wanted her wedding to now-husband Jaryd to be an expression of their unique and striking style.
More and more couples are leaving the tried-and-true traditions behind in favor of something more individual and fun, like the couple who eschewed a human ring-bearer for a white owl.
The couple's unique choice came in their choice of clothing. Cachia opted for an ornately beaded, form-fitting dress with a plunging neckline and sheer sleeves, but not in the traditional white, but rather in the opposite: black.
If the thought of a bride in black seems strange, wait until you see the dress. It's stunning, and even better, it's exactly what the bride wanted on her special day.
Check it out below, and let us know what your daring wedding look would be in the comments!
[H/T: BoredPanda, The Motherish]
When she was planning her wedding, Sophie Cachia knew that she didn't want a traditional, expected wedding, and she simply never saw herself in a white dress.
Instead, she wanted something a little more striking, and opted for black.
And the color carried over to the bridesmaids, too, who wore simple, but elegant sheath dresses with high collars. It's a decidedly unconventional look, but it's totally chic.
After pouring over plenty of traditional white dresses, Cachia decided to take matters into her own hands.
She teamed up with designer Anthony Montesano to create a custom wedding gown in black with a dramatic silhouette.
And there's one important thing Cachia would like readers to know.
"The first thing I must state is that my choice had NOTHING to do with the old 'white wedding dresses are for virgins,'" she stated emphatically, and added, "My 18-month-old son, Bobby, is proof that boat sailed years ago."
Actually, the white wedding dress was started by Queen Victoria in the 19th century, and the color isn't linked to virginity at all, but the idea has taken hold in recent decades.
So why black and not some other color? Cachia's answer is very direct: "Because I wanted to."
She went on to say that black is a timeless classic, universally flattering, and bolder, sexier, and more daring than other colors.
Combined with beautiful beading and a deep V neckline, this dress is certainly all of those things!
And the rest of the bridal party isn't too shabby, either.
Cachia says that her now-husband, Jaryd, and mother were fully supportive of her choice, and that Jaryd even suggested she wear black when they first got engaged.
Cachia also freely admits to enjoying standing out. "Why would you want to look the same as everyone else?" she says. "Especially on the biggest day of your life."
The rest of the wedding was pretty non-traditional, too.
In fact, the couple surprised their guests, who were invited to what they thought was simply Cachia's 25th birthday party.
They served pizza and paella, and instead of a cake, they had an ice cream truck!
And as you can see, Cachia's husband has some style of his own, and opted for a red velvet jacket, paisley shirt, and leather-look pants.
And Bobby, the baby, also looked pretty fashionable.
"We don't see the point in doing anything traditional because traditional simply isn't us," Cachia says.
And we think non-traditional suits them perfectly.
Cachia's choice was really about making her and Jaryd's day special and memorable for themselves and their friends and family.
"I simply see it as me wearing exactly what I wanted to on my wedding day, not what I thought I had to wear."
You can see more of the Cachia family's adventures on her Instagram, and read about their lives on the blog.
If you love women who aren't afraid to stand out and be themselves, be sure to SHARE this non-traditional wedding dress with your friends!
