Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CORAL


Did you know this magnificent color between orange and pink goes with just about any skin tone, season or mood?  This makes coral the perfect option for bridesmaids dresses.  I love it for flowers either as a whole bouquet or mixed in with other colors.   Be bold and mix monochromatics of this color--the range you'll get is superb . . .
CREDITS
Header Photo: Luisa Beccaria 
Photos 2 and 3: Dresses Via Tumblr/Short sheath via 
Photo 4: Tea set via Tumblr
Photos 5 and 6: Cake via Dazzle Me Elegant Cake Toppers/Bouquet via Tumblr
Photo 7: Necklace via Obaz
Photo 8: Shoes via Tumblr
Photo 10: Stone architecture via Tumblr

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

STEPHANOTIS: THE NOW AND FOREVER FLOWER

Little clusters of flowers in the shape of stars with a pearl in the middle.  Stephanotis  seems the traditional, now and forever bridal flower not only for bouquets but hairstylists and clothing designers are incorporating them into wearables. The Victorians put Stephanotis up there as the end all be all for a happy marriage.  Check out almost any mid-Century wedding photograph and Stephanotis is most likely in the bride's bouquet. Fast forward sixty some years and designer Yumi Katsura has brought out the ruffled organza dress below and a bodice covered in them. Just how would you use this little flower to brighten up your special day . . . .?


 CREDITS
Photo 2: Dress by Yumi Katsura
Photos 3 and 4: Boutonniere via Colin Cowie Weddings
Photos 5-8: Henley Photography//Hair by Salon Glam//Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photos 9-10: Bouquet via Little Miss Wedding//Boutonniere via Lillie's Flower Blog

Monday, April 28, 2014

STYLED SHOOT AT BULL RUN WINERY

Every so often that one of a kind submission comes along where just the right colors meet the mood the photographer was trying to create.  Kim Hall of Kim Hall Photography shot this concoction of pure romanticism from the decor to mash up vintage fashion notes. I especially love the mix of elegant table appointments against the rustic backdrop. Says Kim about this editorial, "Gretchen Wade of Dragon Fly Events and Design planned, designed and executed a lovely styled wedding shoot that would be a dream for any photographer. I was mesmerized how the dark rustic woods of the winery played with the light airiness of soft pinks and creams in the flowers and table scapes. Crystals all around and details to make anyone swoon. The rustic wood and the elegance of the soft tones and finer details were a match made in heaven. The gorgeous model Emilee Austin was captivating in her gown and accessories. As a photographer I was inspired by the vision of Dragonfly Events and Design and was delighted to be part of capturing that intimate elegance and rustic charm at Bull Run WInery, located outside of Washington, DC."
   CREDITS

Photographer:  Kim Hall Photography//Dress Store: Blush Bridal Boutique//Reception Venue:Bull Run Winery//Event Designer: Dragonfly Events and Design//Bakery: Salsa Sweets//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Thursday, April 24, 2014

SUPER CHIC SPRING AND SUMMER FABRICS


Swoon!  Spring and Summer fabrics are lightweight and pretty with just the right hint of girly to them.  Eyelets, dotted Swiss and Point d' esprit to name just a few, are fabrics that come out to play for Spring/Summer bridal.  Which are your faves?

DOTTED SWISS
To me there's nothing prettier than a white dotted swiss or point d'esprit dress. Regaining popularity lately, Point d'esprit and Dotted Swiss are probably as old as any lace or weave there is out there. It was first made on looms in Switzerland circa 1750.  As a weave or lace, it's made up entirely of evenly spaced dots.  As a heavy weave dotted swiss is typically cotton.  On fine mesh or tulle it is commonly known as Point d'sprit.  Also lovely on veils and netting for hats....


EYELET
There's something so crisp and pretty about wearing eyelet.  Did you know certain eyelets like Swiss cottons are considered to be some of the finest fabrics in the world and not just for kids and doll dresses? First-rate cottons like eyelet have always been a stylish option for summer brides and garden weddings. Defined, eyelet is a light to medium weight cotton with cutout patterns of embroidery along the border. Pictured above, it is a classic summer time favorite for informal brides. Eyelet is especially pretty made up into long or short hourglasses, sundresses, chemises, shifts, shells.

ORGANDY
Bad Girl Vintage
Organdy is a light, plain weave of cotton or poly that is transparent and permanently stiffened. Sometimes used for jacket interfacing and making lightweight hats. Lends itself well to the once popular daytime formal concept of afternoon garden receptions —the kind a Katherine Hepburn character would have attended. Crisp and pure, it makes up into lovely structured hourglass silhouettes and A-lines. 


VOILE

Voile-Voile means ‘veil’ in French so you get the idea of how light it is. Sheer, voile is a plain weave of cotton or polyester. Dubbed ‘poor man’s chiffon, its less formal in appearance than its counterpart, silk chiffon. It is however, in some cases, more expensive than silk chiffon for the reason it’s not as readily available as silk chiffon that you find everywhere.  Best example of that would be the fabric here in Geraldine Le Blanc's empire wedding dress.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

CELEDON





 

Celedon is one of those, "it can't get much better than nature" colors subject to lots of different shades.  For me, the most primary shade is that of cactus and various succulents so perfect for spring and southwest weddings.  Celedon also pairs up nicely with just about every color out there, especially other greens and pastels.  But what I love best about celedon is the pure visual calm it brings to any palette.
CREDITS
Top Photo: Celedon dress from the Juliet and Romeo Collection--Atelier Aimee
Photos 2 and 3: Burlap purse by Sew Ruby Moon /Necklace via Vintage Virtousa
Photo 4: Wearable Art Wedding Dress via Tumblr
Photos 5 and 6: Casual paper bag booms via Martha Stewart Weddings/Waverly Casablanca Celedon Dinnerware Set via Amazon
Photo7: Celedon dress via Tumblr
Photo 8: Shades of celedon room via Pinterest
Photos  8 and 9: Dress on mannequin via Tumblr/Celedon, aqua and black necklace via Anthropologie
Photo 10: Dress by Valentino spring/summer 2013
Photos 11 and 12: Celedon 'Crystal' vest via My Tuxedo Catalog / Celedon tie via Ties.com
Photo 13: Armani Prive via Tumblr
Photos 14 and 15Celedon glazed pottery via Tumblr/Celedon loose leaf tea cups via The All Travler Store
Photo 16: Mermaid dress by Katastrophic Design spring/summer 2013

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

THE BEST OF NYC BRIDAL MARKET

Today you'll find me over on One Wed Blog talking all about the 2015 Bridal Market.  I see about four major trends that took over the runways--my favorite being the trend for slip dress style bridal gowns.  The above photo is part of the Elizabeth Fillmore Collection.  You can see and READ MORE . . . . . . .

Monday, April 21, 2014

PAIRING UP YOUR POSIES WITH ALL THE REST

Bouquet by The Flower Divas//Photo by Strotz Photography

Okay so this is mostly a how-about-it and how-to match a bouquet with your dress post.  On the other hand it's about all those other ways to incorporate  flowers into your theme as well.  Think head wreaths, boutonnieres, center pieces and of course, finally, that most symbolic touch, your bouquet.   I think certain flowers have a particular significance for each of us. Finding an inspiration point and blending that idea with your dress is just the beginning of working one or a few colors into an overall theme. Size and proportion are something else to consider. Some of us like the idea of carrying a huge burst of three to four different kinds of flowers in an arrangement while someone else goes for the simplicity of a small nosegay.   Since flowers are a seasonal thing--tulips in spring, mums in the fall, your dress is probably going to reflect that too.  
BY SEASON

SPRING
Photographer Diana Maire and event planner Holly Sanneman captured spring at it's finest here using pink and yellow roses and lemon blossoms from table decor to the bright burst of bouquet

SUMMER
Though Baby's Breath is widely known as a year round  filler of bouquets, by itself it's stunning and makes a truly beautiful bouquet.  Aka Gypsophilia, personally I associate Baby's Breath with summer--something about A Midsummer Night's Dream and all those wood nymphs running around with sprays of it in their hair.This bouquet by Victoria Marshall of Victoria's Floral and Event Design is wrapped up in white tulle.  Tablescape via Tumblr 

FEELS LIKE FALL
I love the rustic color palettes of Fall---Libby is carrying a bouquet of Japanese Maple and yellow Roses--the perfect compliment to Autumn..  Photos by Pixamage
A WINTER'S TALE
Winter weddings are especially fun if they're full of the holidays even if the actual wedding date is post December 25. Winter florals and accents like pine cones and naked branches add drama mixed with flowers and greenery.  Red roses, pine an ivy make a festive bouquet to match the formality of luxe taffeta.Photos by Rob Martel

BY ERA
 1930s-- Like  fashion and furnishings, bouquets and floral decor of the 1930s went streamlined.  Calla Lillies were big as were the Star Lillies shown in the images below.  Photo by Jim Vetter Photography//Florals by  Floral Ornaments
 SEASON 1 DOWNTON ABBEY --The first and second seasons of Downton Abbey harked back to a time of English country gardens and afternoon teas.  Think pre-WW1--upswept hair in waves and tea gowns in intricately woven patterns of lace.  Here, Roses and Gladiolas make beautiful bouquets mixed with Privet leaves. Photos by Jim Vetter Photography

BY TREND OR JUST BECAUSE . . . . WELL . . .  YOU LOVE THE COLORS . . . .
 THE CITY BRIDE--Natalie and Dave  spent their fifth wedding anniversary in this improvised trek through San Francisco city landmarks as bride and groom again.  Once we added photographer, Dominic Colacchio into the mix, the element of surprise began big time. We started our adventure atop the Crocker Galleria Roof Terrace and continued downstairs through the Galleria where the Farmer's Market was in full swing. The stunning bouquet of yellow roses and privet leaves were bought and made up on the spot at a little kiosk called, Abigail's Flowers. 
JUXTAPOSE: The ideas is, complete opposites attract and make great harmony.  An authentic vintage lace dress is paired up with a wild flower bouquet of leaves of grass mixed with wild oats. Photo and florals by Taralynn Lawton Photography
FOREVER BOHO--These bouquets and head wreath by Cindy Sheridan say spring all over.  Floral halos adorned with spring posies are the perfect Boho touch. Photos by Antonio Crutchly Photography via SMP

All Gowns and head chic by Amy-Jo Tatum