The Ironic June Bride

classic1950s silhouette
pattern by Gaston Mallet

Photos of my mother's wedding album initially sparked the innate adoration for wedding gowns I had as a child. I recall frequently asking her to look at those photos taken in June 1965. She was a June bride like many of her day. June was the highly coveted wedding month especially during the 1950s and 1960s. "A June bride is always a bride.." sweetly spoken from the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."I gushed at my mother as a bride dressed in an elegant a-line peau de soie gown with a pill box hat and multi-layered cathedral veil. Not getting enough from the photos, my excitement always lead to her showing me the actual gown carefully stored in her closet. For that moment as I touched the fabric and became intoxicated with the intricate seed pearl beading throughout the gown, I felt dreamy like many young ladies who imagined themselves a June bride like their mom.

An American wedding in the 1950s/60s was fairly cookie cutter in many ways. The sleeved dress was fully petticoated and later classically a-lined. The layered veil and blusher were piled under a hat or tiara. Pearls and gloves were typical accessory choices with handkerchiefs carefully folded in a matching handbag. The maids were mirrored images of the bride except in pastel colors. The wedding was usually at a church and the reception nearby complete with a towered cake and a tiny bride and groom on the tippy top. The music was a band or less and the couple changed in to their "going away" outfits before leaving the reception hall guests onward to their honeymoon in the Poconos, Bermuda or Niagra Falls.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2012

Today the June bride might still try to capture the mystique of her mother or grandmother's wedding by adding a vintage touch to her day, but what I love the most is today's bride can be"ironic" which is the ultimate chic and still nod to the brides who married before her. The photo above perfectly illustrates my point and one that I constantly remind brides I assist. Go for the big dress you always dreamed of and contrast it with your venue. You don't need to match your venue, be unexpected, create fashion irony and surprise your guests! This will highlight your gown choice tenfold. The bride in this photo epitomizes this concept by pairing a dramatic, duchess satin gown against a massive tree that looks like hay. I adore the contrast of grand meets country. Her dress is unexpected and to some not for that venue, but I say oh yes her choice was perfect for this 1900 barn wedding held in Washington state.

This look above is not for all, but it does shout to all brides, classic to avant garde, today there are no rules like there were in the 50s and 60s. You as a bride can truly be who you are on your wedding day. I still think it's sweet to be a June bride, but the month alone can conjure enough tradition. Wear a satin ball gown on the beach, a cocktail length feathered frock down the aisle of a cathedral, a mint tulle dress in the woods! Stand out and don't blend in as the bride. I frequently hear things like "the walls of my reception room are gold so I have to choose something that goes with it." My response.. do the opposite of the warm tones. Wear an ice blue toned gown and the backdrop will only spotlight you more. Be daring, but within your comfort zone of course. Congratulations June brides! Your wedding month has made history even before you step down the aisle and make your own!

Her princess

She's got butterflies, she's not quite herself, she's got a tear in her eye. She is your mom. Her beautiful, princess is getting married and now she's wearing a wedding gown! Can her heart continue to take the tug of war between happy and sad? She is so excited to witness this new chapter in your life. She is thrilled to be a part of the planning. But today as she stares at you in a wedding dress, she only sees her baby, her princess, her little girl grown up about to be a bride she remembers being herself.

Needless to say, mom has a plethora of emotions and images scurrying through her head when she accompanies you to your gown appointment. In all the years I've assisted brides with their moms in the dressing room, I've observed different ways these emotions manifest themselves. I've seen moms with a deer in headlight look to moms who are boisterous to some who simply cannot allow themselves to accept the gown decision should be made by only one person-the bride.

It can be an wonderful experience for the bride and her mom to share. Most brides include their mom in the wedding gown decision. It is a tradition in our culture brides still honor. I think what brides don't plan on, and how could they unless they are moms themselves, is how their mom will react when the moment comes and the wedding gown is on. In fact, I believe the dynamic goes deeper and the bride herself is surprised how she acts with her mom in the room. Women want to be accepted by our female peers and when mom is in the room she is the ultimate peer.

It can be complicated and not something I'll attempt to analyze further, but I can say I have seen extraordinary examples of the power of mother daughter relationships when they cry, embrace and laugh upon finding The Gown. I have also seen incredible mother figures for brides who do not have their biological mother present at the gown appointment. The bond a bride has with her mom or adopted mom is so apparent during the gown appointment, it is truly heartwarming to observe.

I've been told as a mom myself, you never stop being a mother no matter how old your kids get. As you look at yourself in the mirror in your wedding gown, mom is watching too like she always will with a smile.

It's a bird, it's a hue, it's..

O so delicious "Emmy bracelet" Gryphon Jewelry Designs- Naples, Florida
www.gryphonjewelrydesigns.com

You've heard the expression "flavor of the month?" This flavor of sorts so rich and yummy is my monthly inspiration, but I assure you will not expire at month end. As Spring ads and retail everywhere severely, stun us with "bright" color blocked hues, my luscious shade envelops its admirer with powerful elegance like its namesake. The color Peacock Blue is my new, must have perfect pigment I'm slightly obsessed with!

Peep toe pumps my fav shoe style by the master Christian Louboutin

   I would style a bride in these peep toes with this modern, ethereal gown by Jenny Packham in less than a heartbeat! As I've mentioned repeatedly, color somewhere on a bride is so chic. I always get the question after a bride purchases her gown..What color shoes would match? Oh no, please don't match I say. Gone and good ridden are the days of dyeable shoes. Let each accessory you wear shine and make a statement of its own. This rich, color does just that with a diamond white all the way to an antique, creamy ivory gown.

You may have noticed there is a slight variation in Peacock Blue, which like the bird is unique and completely acceptable. Again, without being fanatical about matching I would pair it all together and have no qualms at all. Its also one of those colors where you'll know it if when you see it. Perhaps hard to explain when sharing with your maids that Peacock Blue is your color of choice. As seen above, grab some yard or fabric from a craft store to get your inspiration and carry it in your wedding planner to take you on a journey of fabulous details that will come from this special, color. Use a touch of it as a gorgeous, accent color. I love this dramatic bouquet with hints of Peacock Blue. The contract in color with the dark tones is magic.

You really cannot go wrong with incorporating a bit of Peacock Blue somewhere in the wedding details. I honestly say this not because SJP started the whole feather in her head craze or because one must wear a feather to be chic or because feathers are retro or because they have deep symbolism or because I just really love feathers on a bride. Those are all good reasons and nothing wrong with any of them. In fact, they are all true. I previously posted about my love of feathers. My point here is if this color came from a another planet's dirt pile, I would still be captivated. It just happens to be inspired by the majestic bird who happens to have be lucky enough to live with such color on a daily basis. Consider it for its beauty alone and then for its purpose (ie feather use).  You can extract the color and not have a single plume on your wedding day or you can use his majesty the peacock's actual plumage and let him adorn your wedding in his full regalia. Either way, your taste will speak volumes. enjoy

the light of creativity will forever flicker..

When I was engaged almost two decades ago, I remember running to the grocery or drug store to purchase as many bride magazines as I could. Back then that was the customary thing to do as you sat with friends giggling, flipping pages and dreaming that one of those wedding gown pages you dogeared might be your dress! Today brides literally have the world at their fingertips to plan a wedding. If there is something a bride wants for her wedding, she can most likely be sure to find it somewhere out there in the cyber market.

What I especially adore is Etsy.com as a wonderful resource for brides. This remarkable concept to showcase hand crafted merchandise can be a delightful aid for just the right additions to your wedding. The prices are usually budget friendly and creations one of a kind, which make the items so special. Of course I can't resist the clutch or shall I say "minaudiere" shown above by Mermaid's Dream in Nova Scotia. The paper bouquets also caught my eye from Candace Krull's Etsy store hailing from Seattle, WA.

This pop of color on the groom's charcoal suit would be scrumptious! Moving beyond the attire, what about gifts for the wedding party or out of town guest gift basket, a sister, mom, etc? Feast your eyes on the special morsels created with love by my dear and talented friend, Susan. Her Etsy shop aesthetic is vintage, French inspired. The delicate sachets to her dreamy home accessories would be the perfect items to gift or accessorize a new, home with romantic reminders of your upcoming or recent nuptials. Her airy, serene master bedroom is such a peaceful haven with the bridal veil draped on the rod iron head board.

If you like what you see and seriously who wouldn't, I implore you to follow her blog:www.evelynandrose.blogspot.com and visit her Etsy store.

She is the reason I began my blogging journey. I instantly fell in love with her words and photos. Though a geographical distance between us, her posts make me feel like I'm in her lovely home sipping tea and reminiscing about our college days. The photos of her work are eye candy so warm, sweet and girly like the artist herself.  I wish her continued success and look forward to seeing where her talents will lead her. 

Though you may have a magazine or two in your midst, I'm sure you've already hit many sites accumulating lots of pages in your favorites file. Let them inspire you and take you on that creative trek toward the wedding details that are a reflection of your style. Perhaps purchase a few Etsy site gems like those mentioned to support and encourage the artists who share their creative hearts with "those that thrive on style"..us.

the Minaudiere

Judith Leiber

Happy 2012 albeit somewhat belated!! It feels so good to be writing again in the new year. I'm thrilled to resume posting in this special month of PINK the cousin to Valentine red.

What is a minaudiere you may ask? Doesn't the French word itself sound so elegant? It's a small case where a woman holds her special items. Yes, we're talking about a purse, handbag or clutch. A minaudiere is so much more as it's usually beaded with pearls, encrusted with gems or framed with gold or silver. Being the detail fanatic that I am, I especially adore the clasps on these tiny, works of art.  It is an accessory that commands attention and transforms the one who delicately holds it into a lady of style.

So why I ask do brides skip purchasing this special, morsel of chic for their wedding ensemble? Some do as I've sold a few in the bridal boutique over the years, but I emphasize few and over the years. Brides today just don't see the need to carry anything but their bouquet on the wedding day and oh my that really is a shame.  Like any accessory a minaudiere will complete the look beautifully as does a hairpiece and jewelry. It doesn't have to be over the top bling. It doesn't have to be Judith Leiber couture.  Although no one does a minaudiere like Judith. I used my grandmother's beaded pearl, clutch (it wasn't small enough to call a minaudiere) which had sentimental as well as a retro vibe that added to my gown. So many brides love a pop of color today with the gown. Why not with a jewel toned minaudiere? Or keep it neutral with something like those pictured above?

If you've been watching the red carpets for any of the award shows so far this year, you'll see all the celebs with their designer gowns, jewels and minaudieres they introduce by name. I think the minaudieres need a bit more camera time so we can get a good look at those couture, darlings. The stylists feel the red carpet look is complete with such an accessory and I couldn't agree more.

I implore you to consider this tasteful, classic, lady like accessory for your wedding day. You will enjoy owning it not only for your wedding but for all the formal events you attend in the future red carpet or not! It will become an heirloom to be enjoyed one day by your grandchild.

As they say the best things come in small packages and I say the best package is the minaudiere.

Twinkle, Twinkle Bright Star

It's the holidays and everything is so bright, festive and warm as family and friends wish us greetings of peace and love! Accepting a wedding proposal at Christmas is such a profound and symbolic declaration of love between two people as it is a time to reflect and celebrate the infinite love of the Lord.

elegant winter look

nicole a chic "snowball" for her
December wedding

ice on the neck by Kristin Morris

We see lots of giddy brides step through our doors this time of year still floating with excitement and staring non-stop at that beautiful, star twinkling on their left hand! Any engagement is special, but during the holidays it conjures a time of "comfort and joy" like no other time of year. The ring is new, light and a fresh chapter for the couple's life together.  Toasts of congratulations around the holiday table for the bride and groom to be are endearing and memorable.

simple accessories capture the season

I adore working with brides planning a Christmas or New Year's wedding. So much inspiration is drawn from the holiday traditions of color and decor with modern twists that reflect the bride and groom. I've seen everything from full on red and green color palettes to soft accents of gold used in these events. I love accenting a holiday wedding with lots of "winter wedding" accessories like the faux muff and stole or pave set deco earrings for that retro glam look. If possible use a "bridal coat" or cloak for amazing drama and style. Faux fur and feathers are my thing and can be done in a simple, delicate presence without overwhelming where they are placed or who wears them.

PINK! floral muff paired with a coat trimmed
with faux cuffs-divine

The New Year's eve wedding is one of the most romantic and equally festive dates to choose. Beginning a life together as husband and wife at the helm of a new year is so rich in meaning. The silver screen "Jean Harlow" black and white aesthetic for New Year's eve is one of my favorites. Everything in the wedding palette is black and white (see my earlier post about the black and white combo) with lots of twinkle from lights and bubbly champagne. It's a built in celebration that is taken to another (literally) brilliant level on the last night of one year and the newborn hours of another. 

I wish you all laughter, love and lots of twinkle during these holidays! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my relatively new, blog and I hope you'll continue to check in throughout 2012!

Jump!

You can't take your eyes off it. It's the one you've dreamed of. You can't see yourself being with any other, but then there is hesitation and maybe shock. The decision you're about to make is like jumping off a cliff! Saying "yes" to your groom was the easy part, but this is another story. Do you jump and get the dress or continue the search hoping for another that tops the one that had you at first glance?

With all the years I've been styling brides and being a bride myself years ago, I know those conflicted feelings well. It really is like jumping off a cliff and much more difficult than saying yes to your groom's proposal. This is your wedding gown. The only garment you'll buy and wear once in a lifetime. It must be perfect and nothing less. So when perfection is on your body staring at you in a mirror in all its glory, why don't you buy it? I've surmised many reasons why. It's a significant financial leap that can be overwhelming. It's your first boutique experience and committing might seem impetuous. You're the type that needs to cost compare and process, which must be done away from the dressing room glare. You have to see yourself in the dress (i.e. a photo someone snapped that, fyi, is discouraged by designers and boutiques). You just like wedding gown shopping because you're a bride once and you're going to hit everyone boutique you can think of. You must show a friend or a family member to help you decide. You're not sure you want to get married after seeing yourself in a gown that makes it all real.

I've never asked brides all the scenarios mentioned, but intuitively I've collected these roadblocks in my mind and believe they are fairly accurate. I absolutely respect the reasons above, please don't misunderstand. However, they are still in fact obstacles in a bride's mind that deprive her of a joyous search and discovery of "her" perfect gown. I emphasize "her" because without attaching the pronoun a perfect gown doesn't exist--really. It is an extremely subjective and yes emotional choice that is as individual as we all are. We are all created as unique individuals with are own taste and style. If you find a gown that matches your unique attributes, it becomes the perfect gown for YOU and only you.  I always tell my clients it comes from the heart. Don't fret or be shocked if it happens sooner than you think. Some actually do purchase the first gown they try on! For those who have visited 50 shoppes and leave disappointed each time do some soul searching. Determine what you love the most in a wedding gown on YOU and choose accordingly.

Sure I can sit back and write about this and make it sound easy, but try to trust that it really is. The experience of a woman looking for her special, bridal gown for centuries has been an adored tradition that should be joyous.  It's a real glimpse of the wedding day as you imagine your groom next to you while staring at yourself wearing the gown.  Make that glimpse a reality and JUMP! Your landing will be soft, airy, sprinkled with sparkle or lace and AMAZING!