Tuesday, December 31, 2013

TREND ALERT: ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

Popularized in the 1950s, illusion necklines allowed modesty as well as showing off a little skin.  Albeit it was opaque but sexy and demure since baring your arms and shoulders in church was considered sacrilege. There's been some news on the 'you can see right through it fabric front '. These days illusion--that transparent stuff found in a few varieties of sheer fabric is available in stretch tulle, power netting, organza and chiffon to name just a few of your options.  Designers (me included) are using softer and stretchier fibers for the max in comfort . Add lace over top for that genuine all time traditional favorite bridal look. 

Top Photos: The Rhonda Dress: Stretch tulle over a strapless lace bustier bodice//  Photo 2: The MARISOL Dress. Opaque stretch silk chiffon over an ivory under-bodice--photo by Stephanie Williams Photography//Photo 3: The GEORGETTE Dress. All over Chantilly lace bodice backed with stretch tulle.  


All dress by Amy-Jo Tatum

Monday, December 30, 2013

LAURA AND CHRIS' LAKE TAHOE WEDDING

Here's a really magnificent combo: A wedding in beautiful Lake Tahoe shot by Bay Area great Brian MacStay.  I had the opportunity to work with Brian a couple years back. He gave up his Superbowl Sunday to do a shoot with us in Berkeley called, Bridal Sweet at the Hotel Shattuck. Recently Brian sent me this gem he shot in one of my favorite places on earth--LakeTahoe.  For me, the backdrop this couple chose to tie the knot is just  incredible.  Said Brian about shooting the wedding, "Laura and Chris’ wedding on Lake Tahoe was gorgeous as you can imagine!  It took place at the beautiful Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma.  The intimate ceremony took place right on the edge of the lake, and the reception up near the mansion.
It was a beautiful afternoon, and the weather was perfect!  The day was filled with joy and family and friends!  We hope you enjoy the moments we were able to capture of this amazing union!"
 
 Photographer:  Brian MacStay Photography//Equipment Rentals: Camelot Party Rentals//Event Designer: DJ Jason Mitchell//Location: Hellman Ehrman Mansion//Catering: Mountain Magic Catering and Sugar Pine Cakery//Floral Designer: Sweet Peas Florist//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Thursday, December 26, 2013

HIPPIE BRIDE STYLED SHOOT

 I thought maybe I'd died and gone to heaven once these images by Manhattan Beach photographer, Chloe Moore came through my inbox!  I just love her use of light.  The DIY head chic you see was actually done up by the shooter herself . Here's what Chloe had to say about putting together this shoot and the floral crowns and bouquets: " The lovely Hayley Thayer of Free People was out here visiting LA and we threw together this little inspiration bridal shoot for all of you free-spirited little boho brides out there! I made the flower crown and small bouquet with succulents, garden roses and some wispy purple wheat things found locally here in Manhattan Beach. We also used a wheat bouquet wrapped with lace, twine and burlap as an alternate bouquet." For instructions on how to make this whimsical flower crown, here's the link to her blog post. 


Photographer:  Chloe Moore Photography//Dress Store:Free People//Model: Hayley Thayer//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!  Best wishes for a happy holiday from Bride Chic . . . .

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS . . . .

The Nutcracker--one of my very favorite fairy tales and so apropo for Christmas Eve!  If you're lucky enough to have a free block of time and want to do something festive why not check out a performance of this wonderful and unforgettable balletSearching for these lovely photos, I found just about every city, college, community theatre, ballet school and company on the planet has a production. It's become as much a Christmas tradition worldwide as eggnog and Santa Claus. The corps de ballet always reminds me ballet is one place all those tulle ballgowns we associate with bridal originated. Here are a few images from the corps de ballet that have been an inspiration point for me for years . . . .
 Top Photo: Via Pinterest
Photo 2: Via Ballet News
Photo 3: Via Pinterest
Photo 4: Via Pinterest

Monday, December 23, 2013

RUSTIC MEETS MODERN CHRISTMAS

I was elated when I found these gorg images from The Storytelling Experience in my box!  So much so I'm tempted to incorporate a few of the DIY details into my own Christmas Eve tablescape.  I'm loving how the  palatial Bella Collina acts as the perfect backdrop for the rustic outdoor touches meeting the elegance of modern. Here's what Jennifer Lee of The Storytelling Experience had to say about this incredible styled shoot: This "Woodsy Winter Charm" styled shoot incorporated touches of winter wedding details along with a mix of rustic and modern elements. Our model, Melanie, wore a Hayley Paige gown with an incredible open back that featured silver beading and a soft flowing skirt. The dress was provided by Calvet Couture, a cutting edge new bridal boutique in Orlando. The Story Telling Experience's hair and makeup artists were drawn to Melanie because of her stunning red hair and thought that along with her porcelain skin and a pop of bright red lips, she looked the part of a winter wedding bride. Our tablescape featured a rustic wooden farm table adorned with a centerpiece of of woodsy winter accents like snow-dusted pine, pine cones, wood stumps, and glossy white antlers along with gold mercury glass, gold rimmed chargers, and an assortment of vintage china. We chose to mix up the seating around the table as well, with ghost chairs, a wooden bench, and white leather seating to continue the rustic-meets-modern influence. White sheepskin throws added warmth and extra texture to the seating arrangements. Menus by Pearl Beach Paperie were modern and fresh in a circular shape that fit perfectly on the vintage china. Place cards were pinned to real figs to add more winter warmth to the tabletop.

 




 
 Photographer:  The Story Telling Experience//Hair Stylist:The Story Telling Experience//Equipment Rentals: A Chair Affair, Inc.//Event Venue: Bella Collina//Linens and Coverings: Suzanne Nichols Design//Event Planner: Tickled Pink Brides//Dress Store: Calvet Couture Bridal Boutique//Invitation Designer: Pearl Beach Paperie//Submitted via Two Bright Lights