For Kennedy Schmidt, founder of The Bisou Bride, styling a wedding is about more than the dress—it’s about creating a wardrobe that reflects the heart of the woman wearing it. Known for her editorial eye and fresh perspective on bridal fashion, Kennedy has built a reputation for guiding brides toward looks that feel personal, expressive, and entirely their own. As both a stylist and a bride-to-be herself, she chose Kinn to be part of her own celebration. We sat down with her to talk about the evolution of bridal style, what defines the unexpected bride, and why timeless jewelry plays a quiet but powerful role in it all.
Q: Your styling work always feels personal, yet elevated. How do you guide brides toward a look that feels true to them—especially if they’re looking for something a little less traditional?
A: This is such a fun but very intentional part of the process. It all starts with stepping into the vision together—getting to know them, spending time, and painting this dream wardrobe like an art piece, side by side, each with a paintbrush in hand. I love having brides share their Pinterest boards, runway moments from old magazines, vintage film stills—anything that sparks the feeling they want for their wedding weekend. From there, I weave in a playful twist or a touch of fashion risk to uncover something truly unique yet deeply true to them. In the end, it’s like the perfect recipe: every piece we choose reflects a piece of who they are and how they want to feel as they step into one of the most special weekends of their life.
Q: Can you tell us about your own wedding band and what made it feel right for you? What role did jewelry play in your overall bridal look?
A: I searched everywhere for my wedding band, but I couldn’t get the Provence Band from Kinn out of my head. I knew this piece was calling my name — not just for its beauty, but for its meaning. My husband and I got married in June 2023 in the South of France, right in the Provence region, so the name felt like it was meant for us. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of that perfect Riviera sun shining on June 12th, and the feeling of walking down the aisle to see my beloved waiting for me. What’s even more special is that almost two years to the day after our wedding, we packed up our life in NYC and moved to the South of France — and yes, we ended up right in Provence! Now when I look down at my band, it holds an even deeper significance.
Beyond the story, the band itself immediately captured me with its unique style — the diamonds are set side by side, almost like a tiny crown, which felt so regal yet delicate. I also love how versatile it is: I can wear it above or below my engagement ring, or even flip it upside down — every way looks chic and fresh. For me, jewelry played such an important role in my bridal look because it wasn’t just an accessory; it told our story and continues to remind me, every day, of where we’ve been and where we are now.
Q: In your experience, what are some of the most exciting shifts you're seeing in bridal fashion and personal styling right now?
A: One of the most exciting shifts I’m seeing right now is how couples are really pushing the boundaries with their bridal wardrobes and making them deeply personal. It’s no longer just about ‘the dress’ — it’s about creating a whole weekend of looks that feel like an intentional reflection of who they are.
This brings me so much joy — guiding people to express themselves in a way that feels true, elevated, and completely unique to their story. It’s such a beautiful reminder that wedding style isn’t about rules anymore — it’s about celebrating love and individuality in the most personal way possible.
Q: What advice would you give a bride who's trying to express her individuality through her jewelry choices?
A: My biggest advice is to choose pieces that feel like you — not just what’s trending or what you think you ‘should’ wear. Jewelry is such a powerful way to tell your story, so look for pieces that hold meaning: maybe they remind you of a place, a person, or a moment you love. And don’t be afraid to mix it up — layer modern with vintage, or pair unexpected metals or stones if that speaks to your style.
Above all, make sure it feels comfortable and yours — remember, your wedding band isn’t just an accessory — it represents your love and your story. Choose a piece that means something to you now and will continue to hold that weight and significance for you and your person for years to come.
Q: If you had to define the “unexpected bride” in three words, what would they be—and why? Bold, unconventional, and authentic.
A: Fearless because the unexpected bride confidently breaks away from traditional wedding norms and embraces your own path.
Unconventional because they embrace unique, personal touches that reflect your true self rather than following a preset formula.
True-to-self because they stay authentic throughout, prioritizing what feels genuine and meaningful, creating a wedding experience that’s uniquely yours.
Explore Kennedy’s Kinn Edit here.
Follow Kennedy on Instagram and The Bisou Bride for more!