SHOOT CHIC

My last bridal shoot of the season and look how gorgeous.  Jen modeled today for about 12 Photographers from the Bay Area Photography Group, Renegade  We spent the day out in Golden Gate Park where we shot some of my longer veils, something I'm not as known for producing but have nonetheless.  This one is a full cathedral length in ivory tulle, heavy on the drama soon to go up on ETSY.  I want to take this time to thank the photographers from Renegade for taking so many shots of my work.  And if you're perchance a Bay Area Bride, here's a clue-you-up on one of the best bridal and fashion makeup artists I've ever worked with.  Her name is Aliya Qazi and her skill with the palette and powders is incredible.  These are not photoshopped images, so you can see the deft hand Aliya used on Jen, just what wedding day makeup should be . . .

You can contact Aliya via aliyaqazi@hotmail.com

A DAY AT THE RACES

Looking for a theme for your wedding perchance? A few inspirations? Go ahead and borrow some ideas from the horsy set. Ascot has inspired some of the greatest hat and gown design through the decades worth putting your own spin on. I especially love the Dolly Couture dress with the full skirt and jaunty black derby. . .

THE OTHER HEPBURN: STYLE ICON EXTRAORDINAIRE

Left: In Adrian Gown                           Right: Woman of the Year

One word comes to mind when we think of Katherine Hepburn: Strong.  Because that dynamic persona eclipsed her astute fashion sense, this Hepburn usually rates second billing to Givenchy's muse and mannequin, Audrey Hepburn.  Make no mistake, Kate Hepburn was and still is a fashion icon.  She set her own personal style on and off screen. Wearing pants and bringing sportswear  into the everyday fashion arena for women was the biggest trend she pioneered.   Her basic Kate Hepburn look was made up of  wide legged pants, a button down shirt with tailored jacket and a chic pair of loafers  Despite that masculine style she created, she  kept her wavy, long locks, slim figure and femininity in tact, making her all the more glam and truly, KATE.

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Her roles had her wearing sportswear out on the golf course while her at home and evening- chic were the ultra-fem confections of Hollywood designers like Adrian and Howard Greer.  Hepburn's wardrobe in Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story could  indeed inpire some delectable bridal wear.

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SHOES IN HUES

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In the last couple years brides have broken tradition on all fronts of wedding fashion, accessorizing included. In my own experience working with brides, it started when dresses with touches of color came into play. With that purple sash, red corded collar or black lace overlay, some clients wanted to experiment with picking up some of the color. Now it's caught on and even brides all dressed in white from veil to hem are sporting green, blue, red or yellow shoes under their gown. Actually I'm not certain this is a passing trend so much as tradition broken. White pumps and sandals with white gowns will always be with us. Now though, so will any shoe in any color that works under your gown . . .

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NEW ON ETSY

Now that we have such gorgeous photos to show front, back and every which way of the Ondine gown, this silk dupioni treasure has just been posted on Etsy.  A modified A-line with lace added to the upper bodice and halter, it ties in back at the neck and back forming a sash.  The front of the bodice has an added cameo to give it that vintage twist.

Thanks to Stuart Lirette of Lirette Photography for these off the charts images

MORE ON DITCHING THE VEIL

Yes, our model is a bit Goth but not all Goth is goes into the deep and dark.  This version I call 'Spring Goth' and comes from hairstylist and genius in her field, Kathie Rothkop of Salon Glam here in the SF Bay Area.  Like many of us artists, she's kept awake nights with visions of how and what she can weave through hair to make it worthy of looking like a masterpiece.  Here she replaces the customary veil with wigs. I think a certain kind of bride would really go for this idea.  If you're into looking at some really edgy work in hairstyling, check out Kathie's galleries.  Awesome is to tame and ordinary a word to describe her talents . . .

Photos by Henley Photography

A SAN FRANCISCO TREAT: DONNA AND MATT TIE THE KNOT

CREDITS  

Photography: Loic Photography

Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Headpiece: Portobello

Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Flowers: Soulflower Floral Design

Cake: That Takes The Cake

First Look Venue: Top of the Mark, San Francisco

Wedding Venue: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House

Reception Venue: Sauce

Whenever one of my brides actually ties the knot, I'm jazzed! I know weddings can all be so different,  still I'm intrigued with how each couple''s unique personalitiy fuses into a particular theme. With Donna and Matt it all started with the colors purple and red. Donna sat down for her initial consultation totally in love with the embroidered organza 'April' dress.  She wanted to incorporate some of her own touches to make the design her own and truly unique. The result: check out the punch under the full skirt via a red and black polka dot and purple tulle petticoat. Pulling it all together with a red satin sash and 'I heart you' shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Donna made a great tribute to Valentine's week . . .

Says Donna: "Our whole goal for the wedding was having a laid back fun vibe which I think we achieved. We picked the Top of the Mark as our 'First Look' venue because that is where we got engaged. We both fell in love with this location the very first time we saw it, it was beautiful but not stuffy. 'Sauce' was suggested to us by Loic, our photographer, as our reception venue. We told him the vibe we were going for and that we wanted comfort food. It turned out to be the perfect spot.  I loved the red velvet walls and am a cupcake fanatic, so having cupcakes was a no brainer.  We were able to get a lot of different flavors and they're so cute. "

Donna and Matt having their 'First Look' moment at The Top Of The Mark . . .

Donna and her mom, Flora going down the aisle . . .

Vows.

Even the deserts were color coordinated

Donna and her sister Desi.  Aren't these bouquets some of the best you've ever seen?