Here comes the . . . surprise!

Today's brides continue to turn tradition on its head as weddings carry on their migration from holy grounds to "Holy cow!"

Some first-time brides are super-young; others are in their 40s. And more than a few women are - gasp - marrying younger men. A lot younger.

So it's no wonder the selection of bridal attire reflects the varied tastes of soon-to-be-marrieds. In addition to the strapless princess options, designers are surprising us with a bevy of irreverent yet sophisticated details: plunging backs, décolletage, shades of champagne, and slinky silhouettes.

The styles may be endless, but the one thing that's consistent this season is throwback Hollywood glamour. It's all about class with a touch of sass. Veils may be optional, but we are discovering that a well-placed flower and bold lips - deep reds and rosy pinks - are musts.

"The best way to define bridal style today is a refined opulence," said Diane Forden, editor in chief of the New York-based Bridal Guide magazine.

"The silhouettes are slightly slimmer. Trumpet skirts are big. And we are seeing a lot of beautiful pleating, gathers, and draping. It's all very romantic."

Where better to capture the mixture of classic and funk than East Passyunk Avenue, the heart of South Philly, for this issue's fashion shoot? Pairing our decked-out bride with locations such as the Italian Market, the kitchen at Paradiso Restaurant & Wine Bar, and the comic-book store RKO South conveys the message of the moment: Mix it up.

It is the visual contrast between the traditional and the surprising that makes this season's gowns so beautiful. We usually expect wedding gowns to be snow white. But when those white dresses stop at midthigh like Amsale's Little White Dress, innocence instantly morphs into knockout.

Other nontraditional dresses include an elegant Nicole Miller with an alluring deep-plunging back with a satin bow at its base, as well as a to-die-for Douglas Hannant halter with rippling petal skirt. Monique Lhuillier proved lace doesn't have to be dainty.

Brides are breaking rules with color, too, said Susan Maslowski, owner of the Haddonfield bridal boutique Jay West. Think soft pink, platinum, and silver.

"They haven't gone as far as red, but they are willing to experiment in the cafes and the mochas," Maslowski said.

So pretty.

Will the new ever trump the old? It doesn't really matter; all brides are beautiful. I