Picking the perfect wedding dress is arguably the most important fashion decision some women will ever make. Los Angeles–based stylist Jessica de Ruiter (a former Vogue editor and Toronto native) pulled off an enviable mix of timeless and contemporary for her big day. We caught up with the newlywed—pictured here with her husband, artist Jed Lind, outside their reception at the Gardiner Museum—to get the scoop on stylish simplicity and why wedding conventions were made to be broken.
(Photo by Jon Barber)
As a stylist, you must have been imagining your wedding dress for years. How did you decide on this one?
I was never one of those girls who dreamed about her wedding. I started looking in L.A., where I live, after we decided to get married. I went to Saks and found some amazing Oscar de la Renta gowns. Turns out the only other place to find his wedding collection in L.A. was at a tiny trunk show in the Valley, so I went there, which is where I found the dress. I took Jed to see it.
You took the groom to see the dress before the big day? Isn’t that against the rules?
I know, but I trust his opinion so much, and from the start we’ve been doing everything together. I decided to buy the dress in Toronto so I wouldn’t have to worry about shipping. I went to White in Yorkville, and it was the best experience. The ambience was perfect: they serve cookies and champagne. There is nothing like that in L.A.
What exactly did you love about this dress?
For me it was all about avoiding the trends. I tried on a really great strapless gown, but everyone has been doing strapless for the past few years. This dress felt timeless.
What about the groom’s suit?
It’s Dior Homme. He bought it a few years ago, and he loves it, so it seemed like the perfect choice. He just got a new shirt and tie for the wedding.
You guys seem pretty low maintenance.
I really tried hard to keep things simple with the hair, the jewellery, the makeup. I had one of those test runs where they did an updo and a lot of blush and eye makeup and everything. It looked nice, but at the last minute, I decided it wasn’t me and went natural.
So you’re one of those no-makeup girls that everyone hates.
Ha! No. It’s not like I just hopped out of bed; I had my hair blow-dried. I’m wearing mascara and lip gloss.
Is there a famous wedding gown that you really love?
The first thing that comes to mind is Carolyn Bessette walking out of the tiny chapel in Narciso Rodriguez. At the time, I don’t think anyone had ever worn a wedding dress like that. So not fussy and frilly. Totally unstructured.
Got any advice for future brides?
The day should feel authentic, feel like you. With all the Web sites, magazines and TV shows, it’s so easy to get stuck in what you think you’re supposed to do. The wedding industry is insane!
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You look gorgeous Jes! Congrats!
June 3, 2009 at 6:16 am | by AllieSimply chic! Funny she mentioned Carolyn Bessette because she’s the first person I thought of when I saw this pic.
June 3, 2009 at 9:39 am | by TartiniLooking great isn’t that hard when you’re in Dior and Oscar de la Renta. How about showing people who make everyday pieces fashionable? Now THAT would be a real story…
June 3, 2009 at 11:00 am | by MiLeJess- you looked beautiful on your wedding day! Congrats!
June 3, 2009 at 11:02 am | by BorschkeWow, a wedding gown. I could have picked up 1 of the 10000 bridal magazines from Pinder across the street.
This whole best dressed section of this website is really retarded and feels pretentious.
Bullshit.
June 4, 2009 at 3:13 am | by AlanThats your opinion.
June 4, 2009 at 1:02 pm | by Kate YoungThe use of the word retarded attached to something derogatory, mr. alan, is the picture of pretentiousness.
June 4, 2009 at 1:07 pm | by johncheers.
When did Toronto Life turn into HELLO! magazine?
June 4, 2009 at 1:19 pm | by JayGorgeous photo, simple dress, everything goes – you will look back on this and love it.
June 4, 2009 at 8:47 pm | by CathrynNobody important enough who actually lives here is good enough for Toronto Life. This Best Dressed thing is such a joke.
June 5, 2009 at 11:55 pm | by Like gag me with a spoonBo-Ring.
June 6, 2009 at 1:57 am | by AnaOh, come on, people! Fashion is FUN! Style is FUN! This is not Maclean’s or The Economist. I’m a high-IQ, well-read feminist who occasionally likes to strap on a pair of Manolos – does that make me less serious? – I hope not!
June 6, 2009 at 1:22 pm | by FoodieOf course..
A lot of money goes a long way! It is well known that taste can be bought.
I agree that showing people with a personal style makes more sense. This “best dressed” series should be re-named, perhaps it could be called “What Money Can Buy”
June 8, 2009 at 8:07 am | by PaulI agree. This is nothing more than a who’s who of the socialite crowd. I am here to appreciate fashion, not a rundown of what money and popularity can buy. Get serious Toronto Life!
June 9, 2009 at 11:17 am | by two shirtsNot another strapless wedding gown! Yay! This is a wedding dress for the successful business woman. It’s so crisp, tailored and unique. I’ve never seen one like it!
To all those complaining about the designer threads being featured in this column: there are a lot of great Street Fashion blogs out there, as that seems to be what you are looking for. hel-looks.com, anyone?
Jessica looks smashing.
June 9, 2009 at 7:41 pm | by HeatherThose on the list may or may not be ‘best dressed,’ but it is definitely not a who’s who of the city’s best looking.
June 24, 2009 at 2:41 pm | by Well if no one's going to point it out...Poor Jed looks terribly uncomfortable and not at all happy about his recent nuptials.
July 14, 2009 at 1:28 am | by Embarassed for you@Embarrassed for you: RUDE! Get over it.
December 18, 2009 at 1:34 am | by What?