AWESOME SHOOTERS SERIES

I've decided to start an ongoing series featuring some of my favorite photographers who have shot my gowns and headpieces over the years.  Most have gone above and beyond the call of duty, working with such love and sensitivity that in the end I had an awesome study of images worthy of not one but two or three editorials.  Some I worked with are wedding photographers dabbling in a couple photography genres; others concentrate on fashion but all have had the instinct it seems for shooting my creations as if each piece had been their own . . .

I met Stuart Lirette through a friend of another photographer in the spring of 2010 when we shot an editorial for Bride Chic called Destinations . We spent a day working our magic against the Italianate backdrop of St. Vincent's in San Rafael, California. With the help of a truly awesome team of fashion pros, the shoot was one of the most stunning editorials we've ever done in regards to makeup, hairstyling, and of course the photography.  Nine months later Stuart shot these photos for the Art Meets Fashion shoot in Petaluma, California.  I'm always put in the difficult position of having to narrow down the 20-25 best images--here are some of Stuart's images that didn't make either feature--not because they weren't worthy but due to space issues.  Now it's time for me to shut up and let them speak for themselves . . . . 

CREDITS

Photography- Stuart Lirette

Wedding Dresses and Bridal Headwear- Amy-Jo Tatum

Jewelry- Denise Hazelton and Hot Rocks for Studiolo

Makeup- Pretty by Julianne

Hair- Intertwine Design/Salon Glam

DROP ME A VEIL

 Contemplating a more romantic but simple look perchance? Check out the drop. Yes, the drop veil is exactly that: actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace.  We dropped this delicate circular veil of ivory tulle bordered with Chantilly lace on top of Libby's pretty little head.  How else could she wear it?  Most brides would layer it into a triangle and tack it to the back of a bun--that's how versatile the drop veil is.   The exquisite hairstyling underneath it all by Kao Vey of San Francisco even adds a little mystery. . .

Veil by Amy-Jo Tatum

Photos by Dale Nabeta of Piximage. 

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . .

photo by Dominic Colacchio

Today you'll find me over at Savvy Scoop talking all about the The Little White Dress Phenomenon. When Amsale Aberra launched her LWD capsule collection a couple years ago the trend really took off.  Both large and small wedding industry designers followed her act with their own versions creating a whole new niche in the market.  Above is Natalie who did a shoot for Bride Chic a couple weeks back and as it turned out, wore this Little White Dress of my own creation to celebrate her up and coming anniversary.    Happy anniversary Natalie and Dave and to all the couples out there celebrating August/September nuptials . . .READ MORE  

HEADS UP ON HEAD CHIC

Simply stunning!  Ava Ray working out of a design studio in central London fashions these Oh La La!  head pieces so perfect for a bride.  Topping off your look with one of these little confections is like putting on that  final touch that pulls it all together. Pieces from her collections are like wearing contemporary sculpture with the addition of some whimsical fabrics and adornments thrown in for good measure.....

EXPOSED

 

Sometimes fashion is all about light and getting the right inspiration.  Moving along the right path to finding your gown can often seem like a dream or even  adventure.  For me these beautiful images by photographer Monica Eng are visual poetry symbolizing the intimacy of the dressing room . . . the vulnerability of shielding oneself behind sheer curtains only to be caught up in the beauty of the white light. . .

Photography: Monica Eng (http://www.vividshots.com) Styling: Marcus AC (http://www.marcusac.com.sg) Makeup: Jyue Huey (http://www.the-makeuproom.com/) Hair: Jyue Huey (http://www.the-makeuproom.com/) Models: Alexandra K & Lyuba A, Carrie Models Gowns: Silhouette The Atelier (http://www.silhouette.com.sg/) Silverlining Bridal Couture (http://www.silverliningbridal.com/) Z Wedding D'sign(http://www.zwedding.com.sg/)


All images from Singapore Brides

UP AND COMING

 For many of you in the east and mid-west roasting under record-breaking temps, I'm hoping this great photo by Rob Martel will cool you off for a few seconds.  Believe it or not winter will be here before you know it. If you're going to be a winter bride you won't want to miss Winteresque, a feature focusing on wedding fashion for holiday and winter weddings.  This shoot is all about being an Ice Queen, Czarina or how about snow bunny?  Festive and magical, yes, the back drop of snow and raw climate can be challenging; working it you can create a haute chic look all your own via accessories, wraps, capes hats and luxe fabrics.  Even if you're anti-fur we'll look at alternatives like some of the new faux fabrics.  And don't forget our furry friends out there who need to shuck their coats to make it through the kind of summer we're having now.

ZARA AND MIKE WED

As if two royal bashes this year weren't enough, here's another to top 2011 off. Saturday in Edinburgh, Zara Phillips, married British rugby captain Mike Tindall.  The once upon a time rebel grand daughter of the Queen lived up to her image breaking royal wedding tradition on two fronts: She will not take her husband's name and she opted for an off-the-rack gown by Stewart Parvin rather than concocting that one-of-a-kind gem commissioned by most royals.  The gown however looked every bit couture; a body hugging ivory silk faille with organza sleeve/straps.  This piece de resistance was topped off with a silk tulle cathedral veil.  She wore the Greek ‘Key’ tiara, lent to her by Princess Anne (mom) that once belonged to Princess Alice, her paternal great grand ma.  Alice gave the tiara to her daughter-in-law, then Princess Elizabeth, as a wedding gift back in 1947. The Queen has never worn it in public and zoning in on it's detail you can see why.  Elizabeth went for the more traditional gems.  The tiara itself is a cut diamond encircled by a wreath.  Given how moderne the look, I'd say its a perfect topping off symbol for Zara's forward spirit . . .

Above are some of the most flattering bridesmaid dresses I've ever seen for both women and kids.  MOH Dolly Maude is sporting a Stewart Parvin duchess satin cap sleeved cocktail dress. The rest of the dresses were designed by Sue Palmer; don't they remind you of something Janie Bryant might whip up for the fourth season of  Mad Men . . . ?

All in all, for a bride who has broken tradition, Zara somehow managed to look every inch tradtional as well as royal on her wedding day.  She added her own personal touches to a highly unique spirit encompassing herself as well as her groom . ..  

 images courtesy of The Daily Mail

tiara images via The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor