Thursday, April 27, 2017

1950s BOHO

A few years back a very talented photographer approached me to do a wedding shoot focusing on something she called Boho-1950s.  Talk about a real vintage mash up.  That Photographer was Diana Maire and these gorg images are the outcome of her inspirational brainstorm.  When I designed these dresses I did focus on the more girly side of the dresses of that era, so yeah, I guess you could call it Boho n the sense it's all about embracing youth, the waif and sometimes a fairy-tale aspect of fashion.  Great for the bride who doesn't want floor-length yet wants something tulle, bouncy and formal enough to say 'wedding day' . . .

Photography by Diana Maire
The VALERIE and BEATRIX Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Flowers by Holly Sanneman of Diamantin Events

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Another gem just off the work table!  How I love working with and mixing up those whisper-soft laces like Peau d'ange and light Chantillys.  DAPHNE is a cowl-necked translucent lace overdress paired up with a full length silk chiffon slip.  Venise lace cut out adorn the shoulders dropping down the neckline.  Perfect for a 1930s or Downton Abbey inspired wedding.  You can custom order this through my ETSY store or email me at bridechic@rocketmail.com with any questions

Monday, April 24, 2017

DYNAMIC DUOS: PAIRING FLORALS WITH YOUR DRESS

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. The images below are all about Spring pairings, by Santa Barbara-based Camille Panzerello.  
All images by Grace Kathryn
Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum
Makeup and hair by Julie Morgan
Florals in last photo by Bride Chic

Saturday, April 22, 2017

CHIC OF THE WEEK

FLEUR is a gem of a gown sprung from my love of the idea of the cocktail wedding--an intimate afternoon gathering in a lounge or art gallery.  It also has a very Art Deco/Old Hollywood feel that lends a certain elan to your wedding look,  The dress is formal length with a brush train out of soft crepe back satin/charmeuse. The halter bodice is Chantilly lace cinched with a cummerbund with pearl buttons up the front. White, ivory or candlelight (shown). Matching hat cocktail hat available 
See more images of The FLEUR Dress

Photography: Jim Vetter Photography
Makeup and Hair: Moderne Beauty
                       Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, San Francisco

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

PAPER WEDDING DRESSES

More likely to be found in an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, I don't think you'll find these gems in your favorite designer's flagship store.  Believe me, this medley of paper dresses are indeed works of art that have my undivided attention.  Art to Wear exhibits can be truly fascinating; the spectrum of ideas you'll find will amaze and inspire you to be a little bold and get you thinking outside the box on your wedding day  

 Header and Photo 1 via Imgur
 Photo 2 via Pinterest
 Photo 3 via Coroflot
 Photo 4 via Hative
 Photo 5 via Pinterest
 Photo 6 via You Tube
 Photos 7 and 8 via Sabetudo
 Photo 8 via Pinterest
 Photo 9 via Pinterest
 Photo 10 via Flickr

Monday, April 17, 2017

CREATING A GATSBY LOOK WITH HEAD CHIC

You can change the look of a traditional gown or accentuate your 20s-30s style by adding one of these Gatsby-style veils or head pieces when you top off your wedding look.  Adding a period piece to a classic wedding dress definitely adds character.   These images are from The Gatsby's Bride Shoot, paired up with gowns from that unforgettable era.  You can find these gems in my Gatsby's Bride Collection
Above: The Mantilla Veil dropped on top of the head and directly above worn low on the forehead a la 1920s . . . .Below: A chignon accented by a rose floral.  Stunning!
Above: Plumes can be fun, dramatic and elegant all at once.  Trendy right now, they accentuate basic dresses and evening gown styles beautifully.  Below: A jeweled headband worn low on the forehead.

All head chic by Amy Jo Tatum

Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE SURPLICE

Defined, a surplice is two wraps of fabric criss-crossing over the bust line, usually attached and/or supported by an under bodice. Big 1930s glam look with Jean Harlow struttin’ across the screen in her white crepe satin.  Skirts can also be surpliced a la 1940s with legs peeping out of the folds.  Especially inspiring and elegant look on a wedding dress.
All dresses by Amy Jo Tatum

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

SAYING 'I DO' IN DENIM

I know some women live in denim so who better to wear a denim wedding dress?  Add to that all you brides out there who like the idea of upcycling and the denim dress is the perfect candidate. Many denim designs are recycled or built off an already-made garment.  A cotton fiber one reserved for workwear denim shapes well to some of the more structured bridal designs.  It's also a natural for western and ranch weddings where this fabric is symbolic . . . .


Photos 1&2: Dress by Bella Vittorio
Photo 3:via Cherry Blossoms and Faerie Wings///Dress by BKS Couture
Photos 4&5: Jesinta Campbell in denim via Nova

Monday, April 10, 2017

CHIC OF THE WEEK

An all-time fave, today I'm featuring one of my oldies but goodies!  This dress is aptly named, ‘Aurora’ (for the aurora color accents).Once completed I took one look and said, “What could be more bridal than a cloud of white tulle and Chantilly lace?” Add to that the lace is backed with a blue/gray lining. With peach accents it reminds me of a muted pastel sunset. The skirt is four layers of tulle and a separate slip of crinoline. Detailed touches include a row of buttons accenting the back and it is all pulled together with a blue and peach sash. Can be ordered with detachable pearl straps. The headpiece is coral-peachy handmade silk florals attached to a tulle bow. 


Make up by Julianne Chai of Prettyologie
Hair by Stephanie Tsai 

Friday, April 7, 2017

THE POLKA DOT BRIDESMAID

 Wondering how to ditch the predictable and go with something different? Though solid color or monochromatics are stunning on bridesmaids, check out what's happening on the bridal front in polka dots. One of the best things about incorporating dots into your bridesmaid scheme is how you can pick up different colors and tie everything together with accessories, including bouquets. A few brave and ingenious brides are even mixing it up having the bridesmaid party sport different prints entirely.  In addition, polka dot dresses are likely candidates for actual rewear after the wedding and not likely to be hidden in the back of a closet or eventually cut up to make throw pillows.
Overall, polka dots suggest joy and whimsy.  They also can be associated with pin-up fashion so of course if your bridesmaids like playing a bit of the sexy lady role they're perfect during and after the wedding. The uneven dots pictured below are less bold, more high fashion even sporting stripes at the same time.
Photo 1: via jkoephoto.com
Photo 2: via Grey Likes Weddings
Photos 3&4: via Happy Wedd
Photo 5: via Chic Vintage Brides


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

A SPRING WEDDING IN THE MOUNTAINS

I always enjoy posting sessions where I can feature other Etsy designers.  Today's post is all about a wedding in the Idaho mountains highlighting some absolutely gorg fashion, flowers and decor.  DC Dress out of Niagra Falls, NY created the infinity dresses the bridesmaids are wearing.  These are actually dresses an attendant can wear after the ceremony and in infinite ways.  Capturing all this scenic swoon?  Rob and Laura Cimbalik of  Cimbalik Photography.  Kudos go out to the editor and coordinator of  this project, Sherry Scheline of I Do Wed, who says, "We planned a beautiful styled shoot and using blues and pinks. The bride is Dutch and her family had Delft dinnerware, the perfect addition to the event--it brought together all the elements. On this shoot we incorporated the backdrop of nature to really bring in some pops of color . . ."


Photographer:  Cimbalik Photography//Pre Ceremony Location: DoneRight Management//Ceremony Location:Historic Roseberry//WeddingPlanner IDoWED//Model:IDoWED/ /Reception Venue: Jug Mountain Ranch//Bridesmaid Dresses:Just Dress and Charm//Flower Girl's Dress: LaNeige Bridal /Bride's Wedding Dress: Leigh Price for Ysa Makano available at MeaMarie Bridal Atelier//Makeup Artist: Mariah Joy Kimball///Hair Stylist:SnipIts//Model:Tatum Productions//Floral Designer: Wildflower Floral Events////Submitted via Two Bright Lights