SUMMER GETAWAY

Summer's just around the corner and what better set of inspirations than a getaway picnic and lilacs.  This board has all the earmarks of a summer getaway to a B and B, the making of an intimate honeymoon.  I know a couple who Bed and Breakfasted all the way across the country.  Thanks Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for bringing us lovely images once again . . .

COSTUME-INSPIRED

Curiously Alice

 I sometimes find images like this on other blogs and sites referred to as vintage.  For me vintage means what it means in wine-speak: A harvest not so recent though not exactly ancient.  Any piece of clothing dating further back than pre-20th century belongs either in a museum or with folks specializing in restoration. The images above and below are reproductions of costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries by Etsy designers Curiously Alice and Romantic Threads.  They hark back to Marie Antoinette and Victoriana with some steampunk thrown in.  If you're a bride looking to add elements of the historical to her look these could be just what you're looking for . . .

Curiously Alice

 Romantic Threads

 Romantic Threads

FROM THE DESIGN STUDIO

THE MADELYN DRESS. Square necklines are beautiful.  Add shirred tulle over Chantilly lace and this hourglass has real  individuality.  Underneath, a mocha satin skirt cut on the bias gives volume. A tulle sash is bustled by two hand-rolled silk dupioni roses. Hook and eye closures up the back are a spin off of traditional satin buttons . . .

Want to do something exotic to top off your look? Try a silk jersey turban and cathedral length veil.   Add an aurora borealis jewel and you have some real drama.

 THE BEATRIX DRESS.  Cut off an authentic 1950s  cocktail dress pattern, this dress has a fitted embroidered organza bodice with a tulle skirt.  The underskirt is cut on the bias for tons of volume.  Silk satin sash is accented with three white silk Hydrangea blossoms.

 THE EMMA GOWN. A silk dupioni sheath covered in Chantilly laces.  The look is pre-1920s especially with the antique jewelry and accessories added.

All  bridal wear available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

A NEW SPIN ON TRADITION

The 'Kate Dress' showed us a new spin on tradition for sure.  This Vogue pattern hinting at designer Helen Rose's Grace Kelly masterpiece has been out there a couple years for all you brides who couldn't find a gown with sleeves.  My prediction is, designers will offer up a whole range of sleeves next season, mostly long and fitted mimicking Kate's Sarah Burton  classic.  Kate's dress was indeed traditional from neck to hemline with no over the top surprises.  For instance, her train was rather modified compared to the royal wedding gowns of the 1980s; Diana's 25-foot train moved more like a snake still outdoors while she was well inside St. Paul's making her trek down the aisle . . .Covered buttons lining the back of a gown as well as  down the wrists spell tradition.  And of course lace.  Lace is the mainstay of bridal fashion: Alencon, Chantilly, Val and Cluny to name just a few, all lend that adornment that says, bride . . . .

ENCHANTED SPRING

 If you caught Enchanted Earth back in March here is the long awaited follow up shot by uber-talented Bay Area photographer, Aura O'Brien..  Adding earth elements to your look is one path to going green . . . Here we've woven in real and silk foliage combinations.  Below Hana is wearing the Magnolia wreath of silk florals mixed in with sprigs of real ivy.  The neckline of her gown is framed in variegated ivy as smaller pieces are dappled all over the tulle skirt.  If you want to try adding real flowers, leaves or ivy to your gown you can do one of two things: Have a florist do it or get with someone who's handy with a needle.  Sewing live foliage onto a gown isn't rocket science.   If you (or someone else) can bead, you can sew leaves  Just be sure to dry out the leaves/flowers/ivy a couple days before so as not to soil the silk.  Also you want to add all the pieces a couple nights before the wedding . . .

 

 

 

  

 

CREDITS

Photography by Aura O'Brien

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Makeup by Zoe King

Hair by Kao Vey Saephanh

Model Hana Alyssa

FASCINATING . . .

Hopefully the dose of Friday's 'fascination' from the royal wedding is still lingering. Here are a few of my toned down versions of fascinators perfect for brides, more to be found in my Etsy shop, Amy-Jo Tatum  Bridal Special orders are especially welcome; I love discovering new and different ideas with my clients . . .

HOLLY GO-PINKLY

The combo of pink and navy has always inspired me.  A happy and classy mix these colors work for decor, clothing and paper.  Thank you Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for putting together such fabulous images . . .