Wednesday, July 31, 2013

THE FINE ART OF CUSTOMIZING A GOWN

Customizing a gown is one way of fusing your individual stamp so that design is all yours!  Take a very simple sheath or A-line, add a detachable train or overskirt and adorn it with embroidered ribbons and handmade florals.  Viola! You have a customized gown.  This isn't the only route to customizing.  You can go for a removable shrug that adds sleeves, a capelet that looks like part of the gown or a lightweight overdress you doff come reception time.  Believe me, your possibilities are endless here. Some brides opt for the most basic gown like I described then take it to the dressmaker or designer to get it personally customized?  And how is customizing your gown different than a custom made gown?  A custom gown is made from scratch, that is, you and the designer working with a pattern and raw cuts of fabric to create it from the ground up.  Customizing a ready-made gown is different.  It involves remodeling and/or embellishing one already put together. It can be store bought, sewn or inherited as long as it’s fairly basic and free of mass adornment.  
 Above: A basic sheath//Below: The same sheath accessorized with a detachable train, hand made flowers and sprigs of ivy . . . .

Monday, July 29, 2013

A LA PLUME!

The plume. It proffers a touch of the sophisticate as well as pure whimsy. Plumes are hot right now with the revival of  Downton Abbey and Gatby styles.   While they go with pretty much anything formal, try a plume or a few of them if you're going with more of an evening gown look.

Head Chic by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photography Credits
Photos 2 and 3: Sweet Light Studios

Sunday, July 28, 2013

HIGH TEA/ EWAM





 


 
We wanted to create a series of images somewhere between Gatsby and Downton Abbey, reminiscent of the early 20th Century styling.  What could be more romantic than women dressed in lace, silk and gossamer tulle against the background of flowering gardens and nature.  Throw in a high tea celebration, a once upon a time daily custom and the drama is created.  The climax of this story unfolds as one of halcyon days spent in idyllic English country gardens.  Thanks again to shooter, Jim Vetter who has an eye like no other for creating scenes like these.  And none of us could have found a better spot than the picturesque Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, California to bring this unique study of dreams to life . . . .

CREDITS
Gowns and Headpieces: Amy-Jo Tatum
Makeup and Hair by Rachel Gardea
Models: Alex and May

Friday, July 26, 2013

THE SURPLICE BODICE

Why are surpliced bodices so popular all of a sudden?  Surplices wrap the midriff ergo they're flattering and show off a beautiful, wide open, decolletage as well.  Another advantage to the surpliced bodice is it proffers a goddessy, classic look.  These two dresses are about as different as night and day--one an evening gown cut and the other a full skirted romantic silhouette-- yet both sport unmistakable elegance . . . .
Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum
PHOTO CREDITS
Bottom Photos by Greystar Pictures

Thursday, July 25, 2013

HERE COME THE BRIDES

What a super colorful and inspiring bunch of images I have for you today! Like a bouquet of many different flowers, this styled shoot is infused with a ton of details perfect for a summertime celebration.  -- Al-fresco dining in a rose garden with lots of sunshine.  Add in a few cobalt vases filled with bright pink roses, tulips, ranuculus, sweet peas, azalea and what is practically the official flower of Southern California--bougainvillea. Additional accents adorning the tablescape include a colorful runner, contrasting napkins and gold chargers A lounge area was created with a fun rug and bright turquoise cushions to carry on the alfresco style theme.. In lieu of a full dessert bar, we opted for a Sweet and Salty Bar, which surrounded the beautiful cake. And of course, a signature drink, the “LGBTini”, a Lemonade Ginger Berry Tea. 
Finally, what would a day in the outdoors be without a few adorable pups? These cuties joined the festivities and were even pampered with their own beverage and snack station, which included chicken and bacon flavored water, and doggie treats.   
 

 




 

CREDITS
Photographer:  Cakes & Kisses
Equipment Rentals: A1 Event Rentals
Calligrapher: Calligraphy Katrina and Maison du Papier
Invitation Designer: Details by Oksana
Floral Designer: Enchanted Garden Floral Design
Cake Designer: Fantasy Frostings
Event Coordinator: First Pick Planning
Sweet and Salty Bar Styling: The Events Boutique
Dress Designer: La Soie Bridal
Doggy Bar and Alcohol Bar Styling: Night Owl Productions
Hair Stylist: Ryan GentryMakeup Artist: Makeup By Jackie C