January 2012 ~ Fashion in Wedding Moments

DESTINATIONS

Here are some fresh looks for the backyard or destination wedding. Set the pace for you and your guy sporting laid-back chic while looking great, staying comfortable. These amazing photos were shot off Dunk Island, in Australia for Bride to Be April 2011 issue. Images are by fashion talent extraordinaire, Julie Adams. Shopping info below.

Images courtesy of Bride to be Australia

HAIL TO THE SHEATH

The sheath is a favorite of brides who take pride in working out and strutting their stuff. I'm not referring to the evening gown or any variation with a flared skirt but the sheath Audrey made famous--that snug fitting, long columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images right and below--having waistline and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.

Abovet photo by Ryan Chua; Below S1 Photography

Photos by Ron Greystar and Scott Williams Photography

All gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

SOMETHING NEW

Let's take a sneek peek at some inspirations for spring that season of which, believe it or not is closer than you think. From the beautifully wrapped posies to silk white wedding gown, we have Kathryn over at SMP Style Circle for to thank for this wonderful medley of ideas . . .

I HEART NEW YORK WEDDING

CREDITS

Photography . . . . . Donnie Miller Photography

Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Veil . . . . Batcakes Couture

Venue and Catering . . . . Ravel

Wedding cupcakes . . . . Baby cakes Bakery (Lower East Side)

I have another wedding for you and this one is very close to my heart. You all know how I love and miss New York City. Naturally I was 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. Looking for a rooftop for their intimate wedding with friends and family, Shell's mom remembered the Ravel had a great rooftop with a magnificent view (she stayed there once while visiting) . One look and Shell and Sean knew it was the place especially since the Queensboro Bridge is their favorite landmark and the view of the city is awesome!

What I think is the most loving touch throughout all these pictures are the pow! multicolored florals--both the bouquets and table chic--all done by Shell's sister-in-law. Also, while the food was catered by Ravel, the wedding cupcakes came from Babycakes Vegan Bakery on the Lower East Side. As Shell put it, "I'm vegan and wanted a taste of my own wedding cake."
Shell's dress below is The MIRA from my Dioresque collection. The bodice is allover Chantilly lace with a layered chiffon skirt under yards of petticoat, perfect for dancing the night away as you can see in the bottom images. Her veil by Batcakes Couture is absolutely stunning and a perfect match for this 1950s-inspired design. Don't you just love the little white Jackie gloves . . .?

A word about the very talented New York photographer, Donnie Miller Working in the genres of fashion, commercial, travel and wedding photography, his signature work can be seen in clean, clear and brilliant images. Shell and Sean's wedding pictures remind me of some of the best aspects of photojournalism . . .

NEVER A BETTER DAY

Enjoy this spot on blending of the rustic and elegant touches . . . a cake wrapped in a diamond brooch, a bouquet of just picked cotton . . .a tattered dress of the most exquisite silk . . .Thank you to Tuyet over at SMP Style Circle for this beautifully juxtaposed inspiration.

THE BRIDAL EFFECT

Finishing touches anyone? Did you know the right accessories pull your whole bridal look together? Topping it all off right down to the toes, here are a few you're gonna luv . . .

THE BRIDAL EFFECT! by Manuela Marques featuring silk pumps

Wedding Shop - Bridal Gowns and Wedding Party Apparel | Nordstrom.com
nordstrom.com
Wedding party shoes »

Badgley Mischka 'Randall' Pump
$200 - nordstrom.com
Silk pumps »

Sondra Roberts Laser Cut Floral Clutch
$98 - nordstrom.com
Floral handbags »

ASOS Premium Pearl Detail Leather Fingerless Gloves
$42 - asos.com
Fingerless gloves »

Chanel - Hydrabase Lipstick - No.154 Fantastic Plum 3.5g/0.12oz
$38 - yesstyle.com

Desk Accessories - Home Accessories - Nina Campbell
25 GBP - ninacampbell.com

Badgley Mischka 'Randall' Pump | Nordstrom.com
$200 - nordstrom.com

Sparkliatti : Fashionable Bride
thealisters.typepad.com

SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS

Photo by Jim Vetter Photography/Model: Curtis Ashford

Here's a question: What if your fiance won't wear a tux? What happens then? Did you know a dark suit or suit/tux will do just fine. You heard right. Today you'll find me over on Savvy Scoop talking more on this guy topic alongside some top drawer photos by wedding photographer, Jim Vetter.

SAMPLE THURSDAY . . .

For all you brides on a budget I have some good news. It's Fall so I'm selling off some of the photographic samples of 50s style wedding dresses as well as a few other gowns in the collection. So what you ask, is a photographic sample? It is a mock up made up just for the photo shoot in materials close to but not yet ready for prime time such as the almost priceless silks in which they are custom ordered by clients. It can also be the original and yummy silk dress I make that is two or three seasons old. In any case your sample will be one-of-a-kind and handmade, have couture techniques like hand-picked zipper and hand-tacked linings no machinery can emmulate. Before I sell these gems rest assured they do go through proper refurbishing and cleaning. Fabric samples on request.

Keep checking back as I'll be posting more next week on Sample Thursday . . .

TRUMPING ASCOT

The Beckmans and their edgy chic

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne

It was like Ascot Gavotte in color as guests poured into Westminster Abbey this morning for the long awaited wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Oh La La! factor really kicked once the crowd swelled; Cecil Beaton's over the top sets and costumes for My Fair Lady come to mind yet this is all real. When have we seen such a parade of head sculpture all in one place? Phillip Treacy was the star hatter with others like Jane Taylor and Noel Stewart wowing us, every creation a 180 turn from the next. I have to admit, when it comes to hats the British have to be the most inventive. Do you perchance get the idea some of these dresses and coat ensembles were designed around the head wear? The UK has a rich history of costume and keeping aspects of it traditional. Their hats have evolved to the art form we saw today and I think they will continue to reinvent new trends.