WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

This is my first of six dresses planned for 'Short Stories' a capsule collection of above-the-knee chic for brides going the cocktail/civil ceremony route.  This dress is called, 'Jocelyn', with a silk dupioni fitted bodice and full  embroidered organza skirt.  The organza sash ties at the waist accented with two hand rolled silk roses and a black and white polka dot ribbon.  The petticoats are separate.  I usually design the slips as a separate component for versatility, especially with the shorter styles that can be switched around and worn under other skirts in your wardrobe post wedding.  This dress will go up on my site, Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture soon.  The good news is, shorter dresses like this one run around $1,100.00

ROBIN'S EGG AND PEACH

What a beautiful combination of textures in pastel.  Decor, florals and attire all work in tandem with this palette for a spring into summer theme.   I'd like to thank Cara Bella over at Style Circle for this contribution.  Her blog, titled, Handful of Treasures is a visual showcase of decor, fashion, food and pure inspiration . . . 

SOFT ROMANCE

Soft Words
The woods it speaks to me
With a calm and soft melody
One of acceptance and condolence
Telling to the depths of the heart will return no such a consequence
The woods you understand me inside and out
When fear overcomes I have no doubt
You are protecting me with your gracious might
Your presence is observant day or night
The woods it speaks to me
Now our connection is everlasting
For it is where I am resting forevermore happily

© By Robert K. Lehnhoff

HOT SHOTS: THE WORK OF KEVISSIMO

Gown by St. Pucci. 

Recognized for his unique style, Kevin Rolly has been published in such magazines as ELLE, Mirabella, W, Detour, BRIDES and many other publications. Rolly does seem to bring out the haunting beauty in a bride and his portfolio is full of them.  Known for his techniques in  OILGRAPHING-- a blend of traditional photography and oil mediums, his works are in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the world. His exhibition -Until the Road Forgets- premiered at the Pasadena Museum of California Art in the Summer of 2003. He lives and works from his studio in downtown Los Angeles.

Dress by Venus Couture

Dress by Monique Luo Couture

AFROCENTRIC

Celebrating heritage is one way to add some individuality to your wedding day.  My husband and I shared Scottish tradition, he donning a Black Watch kilt and my bouquet wrapped in my family tartan.  Celebrating African heritage is something like the Scottish thing in the sense certain patterns represent a particular clan or tribe. If you're already incorporating Afro-chic into your everyday look via jewelry and prints you probably have some knowledge of the background of Afrocentric dressing.  The gowns here are by New York designer, Cassandra Broomfield, who has brought Afrocentric dressing into the bridal and gala arena.  I've been watching this designer's work for some time.  Broomfield's gowns  while ethnic still keep all the fine charachteristics of couture and modern dressing in place. Her trademarks are her use of patchwork and cowry shells, a tribute not only to her cultural heritage but her unique style that sets her work apart.  

RED AND WHITE

I took one look at these vintage inspired dresses by Peppermint Pretty and knew they'd bring a real sense of joy and fun to a wedding.  White dresses with red accents remind us of the colors of Valentine's Day, a day of which had its inception in Victoriana.  With the pert derbies perched aside the head, Peppermint Pretty does have a rare and interesting mix of something Victoriana, a dash of 1940s Pin up as well as some real modern chic.  This is definitely a look for girls who really want to show curves and paint their wedding bold.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

The 'Lucinda' Gown is everything vintage. When I first laid eyes on this Chantilly lace and crepe backed satin sitting side by side on the shelf,  it evoked images of vintage Hollywood and and Art Deco.  Once I sketched out what I envisioned I had a long, sleek skirt with a lace halter bodice and cummerbund.  The five pearl buttons down the front were added later.  Appliques of beaded Alencon lace accent the neckline and lace waist drape. The skirt has a wisp of sweep train in back.

I was flattered when my husband complimented me on designing this gown.  He's a very precise guy and lover of all things symmetrically beautiful.  I also think Lucinda has a particular, body-hugging sex appeal perfect for women who want to bring out that wedding day diva.