Wednesday, March 30, 2016

GOING TO GREAT LENGTHS: YOUR HEMLINE

About ten years back the length of your gown was a deciding factor in how formal your wedding would be. These days the new code on lengths has more to do with how you feel about wearing a certain gown than what's proper before or after five. So lets get right into what those lengths actually mean. Did you know there's a difference between tea-length and ballerina length? Short and mini? Here are some images to inspire you along to finding your perfect hemline. . . .
 FLOOR-LENGTH-Most common length for bridal gowns, this hemline is graceful and elegant; the hem typically doesn't touch the floor in front BUT MEASURES 1-3" above for ease with walking.


BALLERINA-Ballerina-length skirts fall just above the ankle and are wide and full just like the skirts seen in the corps de ballet.  Full skirts look awesome worn over layers of crinoline petticoats.  A dress this length can go semi and informal depending on the materials and workmanship.
 TEA LENGTH-Falls mid-calf and can be either full and voluminous or fitted. Mostly worn for the informal or semi -formal wedding but showing up more and more at larger celebrations.
 
SHORT-This shorter style of skirt from those finishing just below or above the knee to the micro mini flatter brides with great legs. Usually worn for cocktail and the less formal civil-style wedding.
ASYMMETRICAL-Irregular hemline falling diagonally. Can start as a mini and go to the floor. Tres chic the last few seasons along with asymmetrical necklines.
GRADUATED OR HIGH-LOW HEM-Hemline is short in front and generally extended into a train in back.
HANDKERCHIEF-Another irregular hemline that falls to a point, more a treatment than length as the longest point usually falls anywhere from the knee down.  Typically in sheer fabrics like chiffon.  Very chic and in now.

All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

Header Photo and Photo 3 by Dominic Colacchio Photography//The VALERIE Dress from The Midsummer Bride Shoot
Photo 2: The HARMONY Dress from The Shoot for Ceremony Magazine//Photo by Strotz Photoraphy
Photos 4 and 5: From The City Chic Bride Shoot//Photos by Dominic Colacchio Photography
Photo 7: The CALLIOPE Dress//Behind the scenes shot from The Autumn Champagne Tea In The Woods Shoot
Photo 8: The ANGELIQUE Dress from The Wine Country Rustic Shoot//'Photo by Grace Kathryn//Makeup and Hair by Julie Morgan
Photo 9: The ANASTASIA Dress//Behind the scenes shot from The High Tea Shoot

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

FRENCH BOHO STYLED SHOOT

Today we take a breather away from my own gorg designs and focus on an absolutely stunning set of images and gowns captured  by Jess Lauren Photography.  Admit it, if there's a designer who has the unique gift of creating Boho gowns in all their glory it has to be Claire Pettibone. Set her wood nymph chic against this incredible backdrop of Oak Canyon Ranch and magic is created.  Here's what the photographer says about putting together this shoot: "Oak Canyon Ranch, with its majestic trees and whimsical design elements such as a wishing well and bench swings made a perfect setting. Working with Orange Dove Events, I designed a stylized shoot that could tell a story. Evoking a French "boho" style we added a bit of fairy tale glamour--chose gowns and accessories designed by Claire Pettibone from her Still Life Collection--"Papillon" with butterflies and flowers trailing down her back.The designer describes it as "Ivory beaded floral embroidery lined in pearl silk with garden sheer back of flowers and butterflies. "And for the castle arch we featured from the Gothic Angel Collection"Evangeline" a three-quarter"length sleeve French silver lace bodice with flowing metallic silver lace skirt and jeweled appliqués. The pale pink dress is by Gemy Couture.  A few of the shots were taken at Lobo Castle, a nearby sister property. . Nestled in the hills of Malibu, California, Oak Canyon Ranch has never been opened to the public for weddings until now."
Be sure you check out the video by Chris Costa of this scenic property in all its splendor.  Also you can see the photographer at work up close getting all these amazing images of fashion, decor and scenery . . . .
 Photographer:  Jess Lauren Photography//Other:Chris Costa Video//Dress Designers: Claire Pettibone//Gemy Maalouf///Reception Venue: Lobo Castle Catering//Floral Designer: McCann Florist//Event Planner:Memoire Events//Makeup Artist:Nina Mukhar Makeup Artist//Ceremony Location: Oak Canyon Ranch //Event Planner: Orange Dove Events//Design and Decor:Pretty Vintage Rentals//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Monday, March 28, 2016

PIC OF THE WEEK

What an awesome way to start out the week with an image I just adore from The La Boheme Bride Shoot with the talented shooter,Erica Garlieb.  Something about lush greenery and a bride that really does it for me.  The dress is CALLIOPE from The Forever Boho Collection -- An ecru Chantilly lace sheath/evening gown silhouette with enough drama to make that serious grand entrance on the most important day of your life.  I especially loved creating this dress and knowing a few lucky brides out there will add their own interpretation to this gem … .
Hair and makeup by Bun Bun Bridal Lab///Jewelry by Novia Blanca

Friday, March 25, 2016

STYLED SHOOT AT LAKE OAK MEADOWS

It isn't often I want to publish every single image the photographer sends on but Lilia Parker of L Parker Photography has whipped up a confection of pure spring inspiration here.  From the details of soft pairings of pink and cream roses to he drop dead gorg gowns and outdoor decor, this montage of images is to die for.  Here's what Lilia had to say about putting together this absolutely awesome shoot: "Our Lovely Inspirations shoot was centered around the soft whimsy of hair and make up for those warm days of summer. Madam Palooza styled up the scene with their new blue settee, detailed with vintage glassware, and dresses to match. Unstructured florals from Soiree Event and Design along with the backdrop of Lake Oak Meadows, in Temecula, California, is sure to make any bride swoon over the season to come! Beauty and Glamour make this shoot one to remember."
 

Photographer:  L Parker Photography//Event Venue: Lake Oak Meadows Wedding Venue at Vitagliano Vineyards and Winery//Event Designer: Madam Palooza//Florals by Soiree Event and Design// Hair and Make Up by Wonderpin Hair and Make Up///Writing by Wedding Signs Designs//Models: Samantha Stiles and Camille Jolly//Favor Tins: Faithful Scents///Dresses: Vintage via Madam Palooza//Submitted via Two Bright Lights