TRIP ON OVER . . . ..

Today you'll find me over on Style Me Pretty Blog alongside some fabulous vendors.  This beautifully captured styled shoot was at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum shot by SoCAL photographer, Antonio Crutchley.  I'm especially loving the Boho styling with makeup and hair by Julie Morgan.READ AND SEE MORE . . .

Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . . .

 ...... over on One Wed Blog talking all about some awesome baubles by Tel Aviv designer, Alin Yerushalmi.  Check out the old world charm of these pieces; they'd rock and roll nicely with everything from Gatsby to more modern and minimalist designs.  READ MORE . . . . . 

SALUTE TO THE SHIRTWAIST

Today we're saluting the shirtwaist  dress. I haven't seen too many of these since the 1980s but OMG they're simply divine.  Remember Kathleen Turner in Body Heat?  She wore the white one that became iconic.  Cybil Shepard in Taxi Driver wore a memorable version as well (Also white).  The shirtwaist is actually a more relaxed version of the hourglass, a tailored look concentrating as much on the bodice detailing as the skirt. Typically shirtwaists have long shirt-like or billowing sleeves and full gathered skirt. The above version is spot on with the 1950s trends.  Shirtwaists look hot in lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon and crepe, as well as medium weights like linen. The  version directly below is by Michi Callica and could be adapted to any style wedding from a garden reception to an elegant gala wedding at the Plaza.

  Header Photo: Jill Sander Shirtwaist.

Photo 2: Michi Calica

Photo 3: Temperly Bridal via Wedding Inspirasi

Photo 4: Bhldn

Photos 5 and 6: Recapture Designs//photo by Y Bowyer Photography

THE HEADBAND BRIDE

Once upon a time the bridal headband had (read: had) to be attached to a gathered pouf veil.  Thank God these days you can wear a headband with or without veiling.  For me, headbanded brides have that fresh, Ralph Lauren/Eastern Seaboard look perfect when paired up with classic bridal gowns.  Bands range in style from simple, narrow satin ones to those covered in pearls and crystals.  Bands are a great option for hair worn down, not quite shoulder length like a bob.  Here are a few from my own collection pieces worn with and without the veil. 

Top Photo: The Oralie Headband by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photo by Shannon Stellmacher Photography

Photo 2: The Oralie Headband and Cathedral Veil by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photo by Larry Placido Photography

Photo 3: The Nefratiti Headband by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photo by Sweet Light Studios

HOW THEY WORE IT PART 1

The best part of having a blog is getting a chance to post some really great pictures of my clients in their dresses.  Since today we'll be zoning in on the wonders of customized design I wanted to share a few thoughts on the subject.   Customized means my client adores an overall design as it is but wants to finish it off herself by adding something as simple as an under slip, belt, bow, sash--lengthening, shortening and/or all those little details that make it original and unique to her.  I learn so much from my clients--most of all every one of them has improved my work by the way she wears it.  Here are some of my favorite takes

THE MIRA DRESS

How Elin Wore It

Pictured Below: Elin and Anton were married at Kalmar Castle in Sweden so I knew when I was working on this ivory and lace confection  it was going to have to be storybook perfect.  We changed out the gray sash for one in corresponding chiffon and used a lighter backing for the Chantilly lace.  Those subtle changes were just stunning.

How Shell Wore It
Pictured Below:  Totally tickled pink when I had the opportunity to design Shell's wedding dress knowing the Manhattan Skyline would be backdrop. Shell and Sean both love NY and wanted to find a venue that showcased their love of the city. Shell particularly wanted the vintage vibe of The Mira Dress and added short white gloves as well as a birdcage veil held in place by a plumed flower. 

THE MARISOL DRESS

How Suzi Wore It

 Below: Suzi loved the opaqueness of this bodice and pictured The Marisol Dress would work with the majestic backdrop of Yosemite and her wedding with Ian.  She swapped the self belt out for a navy blue sash and shoes.  Sometimes the simplest changes are the best . . . .

How Joanna Wore It

Below: I love Joannna's version of the Marisol Dress--short, sweet and full worn with a longish tulle veil bordered in lace.  This dress was perfect when she and Dai were married in Aukland in fall.

THE APRIL DRESS

How Donna Wore It

Below: Donna had so many awesome design ideas I wanted to take her on as an assistant designer so I could pick her brains on a regular basis.  I loved working with her. At first she was shy about asking whether it was okay to change the design around by adding red and purple polka dot peek-a-boo petticoats under embroidered ivory organza.  The red satin belt paired with Vivienne Westwood shoes went perfectly with the Vantetine's Day theme.  Though the April Dress is a gemmie all on it's own, I loved the changes she added . . . .

Photo 1 by Loic Photo

Photo 2: The Mira Dress//Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography

Photos 3,4, 5 and 6: Photos by Erika Gerdemark Photography

Photos 7 and 8 by Donnie Miller Photography

Photo 9: The Marisol Dress//Photography by Stephanie Williams Photography

Photos 9, 10, 11 by Patrick Pike

Photos 12 and 13 (photographer unknown)

Photo 14: The April Dress//Photography by Stephanie Williams

Photos 15-19 by Loic Photo

All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

RUSTIC BARN WEDDING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

 
A gorg dress, rustic backdrop and a bunch of creative elements made Chelsea and Tyler's wedding one of a kind.  Shot with a keen and sensitive eye by Will Pursell of Will Pursell Photography, he says, "This was one of our favorite weddings to photograph. It was a rustic wedding on a little farm full of DIY details, a beautiful landscape, a barn and sheep. Barns are highly sought after in Vancouver, and this couple managed to find one of the most gorgeous we've ever seen. The DIY details, chandeliers, wood accents, made for a real fairy-tale wedding." 
And now, here are some words from the bride: "My husband and I grew up on opposite sides of a small town in British Columbia, Canada where it was highly unlikely but clearly a possibility to wait twenty years before finally meeting. When we least expected it, Tyler and I finally met during a summer in Whistler where some friends had brought us up for a weekend of camping. Instantly, thoughts of forever entered my mind and we didn't spend much time apart from then on. Two years later, I came home from university to find a forest lit up with mini lights and the man of my dreams down on one knee and forever became a reality. I had always imagined an over-the-top wedding but Tyler brings out a much more outdoorsy-understated side reflected in our day. We planned an eight month engagement. Those months were filled with scavenging through local thrift shops and online craft stores where we found hundreds of items that reflected Tyler and MY personalities. The theme quickly emerged as "rustic elegance" and my Mom's  friend had the perfect property for this day to play out. Evita owns a working farm that is rarely used for events, about twenty minutes from our hometown. This is a place of beauty and relaxation, but it would not exist without a lot of hard work. She and our families spent hours enhancing the beautiful red barn, tea house, and garden into a "venue" fit for a wedding. We were so blessed to have so many hands help make our wedding a possibility. The hanging string balls were made by the bridesmaids and our Moms who glued twine and yarn around balloons. My grandma spent many hours applying crystals to the applique of my wedding dress and the satin buttons originally came from her own dress. The bouquets were prepared by a family friend who put much thought into choosing the perfect flowers for the theme. I could go on and on about all of the preparation but what really 'took the cake' was the day itself. Our Our photographers set the tone with their relaxed, inspired and creative attitude; from then-on, everything went smoothly.  The photos shown here truly capture the love and detail that went into this wedding, and we are so thankful to everyone who helped make our dream a reality."

  Photographer:  Will Pursell Photography//Catering: An Elegant Tea//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights