{Bridal Fashion} : Little White Dress

With so many options when it comes to bridal fashion, having more than one wedding dress have become the hottest way for brides to incorporate a little more style and personality into their wedding day look. More and more brides are choosing to wear two wedding dresses. Usually, the first one is a long elegant gown and the second look involves a short fun dress.
I am a big fan of the two gorgeous looks that this bride chose for her wedding day. Jordan wore a beautiful timeless, lace gown for the ceremony and the first part of the reception. Then, she dressed in a modern girly short dress for the rest of the evening. How cool is that?
(Check out the rest of this beautifulwedding here)

Photography by Kendal Jessup
Without doubt, Little White Dresses are the new way to go in wedding style. Add a little pizazz to your wedding attire wearing a sexy LWD. To get some ideas, take a look at this collection of gorgeous short wedding dresses that I put together just for you. It is filled to the brim with breathtaking pieces.

Make a statement with one of theses dramatic dresses from Romona Keveza 2011 Bridal Collection (top), or look girly and chic wearing one of these LWD from Two by Rosa Clará 2011 (bottom)

Keep it classy with this Allure Bridals 2011 (left) or go ballerina style wearing this gorgeous Elihav Sasson (right)

If you want to get out of the box consider these unique dresses by Melissa Sweet




The City Collection 2011 of Pronovias offers the best short dresses for sophisticated brides




If you're budget only allows you to buy one wedding dress consider a dress that transform from long to short, like this amazing gown from  Allure Bridals 2010 Collection 

Inspiration Tabletop

Isn't this fresh garden tabletop perfectly inviting?!  And it's so simple to achieve.  Using white and blue linens, lush greens on the the table and from above, and bread and cheese to start off the evening will create an ideal setting for an outdoor rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.  I love that you don't even need flowers to create a gorgeous tabletop!


{Image: Donna Talley via 79 Ideas}

FROM ENGLAND WITH LOVE

Face it, we all have a soft spot for kids.  Stephanie Staub, already well-known in the UK for her Little Eglantine line has just unveiled pieces from the summer 2011 collection..Here's the 'Gallia' green flower girl dress and 'William' green page boy outfit.
The white silk taffeta flower girl dress, with a peter pan collar, puff sleeves and pale green sash is perfect for summer weddings . . .


The 'William' green page boy is made of a ¾ length sleeved shirt, a pair of shorts, both in white cotton, an a pale green taffeta cummerbund to match the girl’s dress.

“I very much like the harmony of white and green. I find it very gentle and refreshing” the designer says.
What makes Little Eglantine so unique not only lies in the exceptional and innovative designs Stephanie offers, but also in the choice of her embroidered, or plain silk taffeta fabrics.

With her attention to detail and refinement, the designer will help you choose and develop designs that will look beautiful and exquisite on children.
“I approached Stephanie without a clear idea or colour scheme for my wedding and she came up with the perfect idea for the wedding. It was all down to her keen eye for colour which was perfect on the day.


The garments were beautifully crafted, original and bespoke. Totally unlike anything one would find in a retail establishment.” A bride

{Real Wedding} : Georgina+ Fernando in Rivera Maya by Danny Cuevas - Trash the Dress

Get ready for more oceanside goodness! If you enjoyed Georgina and Fernando’s wedding, wait until you see the following photos, you’re going to love them. I don’t feature that many trash the dress sessions … they are just not my type. But this one is pure eye-candy… I couldn’t resist!







 Photography: Danny Cuevas

{Real Wedding} : Georgina+ Fernando in Rivera Maya by Danny Cuevas

I adore the barefoot bliss of a beach wedding and this down-to-earth affair in the oh so beautiful Rivera Maya is no exception. I love the perfect, perfect moments captured gorgeously by Danny Cuevas. It is almost as if I was there, sitting by the oceanside watching the festivities unfold. This wedding brings laid-back, seaside romance to a whole new level!
Oh... and stay tuned! because the beach madness continues after this post with Georgina and Fernando’s marvelous trash the dress photo-shoot!








Venue: Moon Palace, Photography: Danny Cuevas

What to wear...Brights!

I spotted this photo of these fab bridesmaid dresses yesterday on Creative Montage FB page, and it inspired me to post about wearing brights.  This is such a gorgeous picture--eclectic group of pinks and coral to create not only a stunning photo but a wonderful example of how your bridesmaids all have individual personalities and styles that can come together in quite a beautiful showing!   Brights are everywhere this year, orange being the citrus forerunner, so you might as well take advantage of this fun trend while you can!  And don't be afraid to give your best girls choices--lay down some guidelines such as tones, fabrics, lengths of skirts and even a specific designer or pair of designers, and leave it to them to create a colorful array of pretty maids!  Oh and a quick note on the shoes:  go nude.  If you are being bold on top it's a perfect way to tone down the outfit and make your legs look long and lean!




















1. D&G, Diane Von Furstenburg
2. Mara Hoffman, Mara Hoffman
3. Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi
5. Both Halston Herritage
6. Ports 1961, Halston Heritage
7. ADAM, Rory Beca


{Bridesmaid Image: Jill Thomas via The Sweetest Occasion, Dress Images: Shopbop.com}

Beach Chic Wedding Decor

I am having a Destination Wedding kind of day. It must be the grip of Spring fever that has us El Pasoans always dreaming of sandy beaches, palm trees, coconuts and aqua colored ocean. Or maybe it’s just that this beach chic wedding décor is out of this world GORGEOUS. Believe me, I’m crazy for details around these parts and there are plenty of fabulous succulents, pretty blues and seashells chandeliers in these images. It’s a destination-wedding extravaganza and you are invited!








Photography: Tim Halberg, Design: Joy de Vivre Wedding Coordination and Nico Designs, Floral Design: Nico Designs, Invitations: Lazaro Designs, 
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, Drapery construction: LBPS Events, Location: Santa Barbara Beach Club, Via: MOD Blog

FAST FORWARD

Here are some stunning highlights of  the 2011 Aire Barcelona veil collection.  Aire may very well  be leading the way in over-the-top head chic (no pun intended).  In an era where creativity is paramount in staying ahead of the fashion curve, Aire has combined the best of fast forward with the beauty of tradition . . . Where to buy info here . . .

{Real Wedding} : Miriam + Philip by Ideology Photography

This wedding by two members of our Local Vendor Directory is so full of lovely vintage inspiration… an adorable fairytale with some of the coolest photographs by Ideology Photography by Jessica Santiesteban. I love a good story…especially one with a happy ending…and the one that accompanies this El Paso affair is super sweet. Surprisingly, what captures my heart most about this wedding is not the story or the décor, but the lovely wedding dress and the beautiful bouquet design by Marly’s Fashion.
Check out Miriam and Philip’s love story after the images. 











From Jessica Santiesteban... "Miriam and Phillip are a unique and fun couple. They met at match.com, after their first date they dated for two years. The first time I met the couple I could see a true understanding of each other and tender love. The way Phillip looks at Miriam it's just so pure, like he is falling in love all over again every time he sees her. 


The wedding was so full of little details that the bride and groom had made with so much care and love for each one of the guests. They actually wrote thank you notes to each one of the present guests and put them on their seat. The couple also gave a special twist to their first dance, they began dancing so slow and romantic and suddenly they wore big afro wigs and danced to disco music. 


Miriam's father is a musician, so he was in charge of singing and playing for his daughter's special day. 
It was a lovely and emotional wedding, they have so much love to give to each other and to all the people they know.


It was my pleasure to have been part of their wedding and their lives."


Photography: Ideology Photography by Jessica Santiesteban
Dress, Flowers and Accessories: Marly's Fashion

The Green Vase

Check out these gorgeous paper flowers from The Green Vase.  They have graced the covers & pages of Martha Stewart Weddings more than just a couple of times with their stunning floral designs and styling, but for all of you who can't fly them out for your wedding, they offer this wonderful collection of paper flowers, bouquets and cake toppers.  The pink poppy bouquet above is my favorite!  And soon to arrive is their exclusive designs for BHLDN--cannot wait to see what's coming!





{Images: The Green Vase}

Dress of the Week

A touch of glitter....



Elihav Sasson 2011 Bridal Collection

FEATURED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF MARTHA

You'll find this point d'espirit fascinator on page 176 of the Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings minus gorgeous Janelle here and my magnificent little foster pooch.  I was so happy the editors fell in love with this piece; I equally loved creating it.  Because it's a custom design that means if you love it (and I hope you do) you'll need to custom order it.  No worries, just email or call and I'll send you more detailed images . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal amyjotatum@gmail.com . . .  415.258.8204

{Engagement Session} : Christine + Joe by Photography by Ivona

Monday is here! And we are cranking out beauties left and right. Believe me, I feel extremely lucky to do so.  As I start this week, it only seems right to offer you with a bit of lovely to begin your week. I do believe this downtown El Paso engagement shoot from Photography by Ivona will do the trick…







From Photography by Ivona… It's in the way he sweeps her hair out of her face, and gently kisses her shoulder.  She turns her face to look his way, only to find him already gazing at her.  And every time they stand close, he whispers something to her that makes her smile and laugh.  It's because of couples like Christine and Joe that make me love Love so much. 

Loving...hanging baubles!

Good morning!  I'm always on the lookout for fresh ways to pretty-up outdoor spaces, and I've fallen for this one!  Gorgeous glass baubles (or they could plastic which would be much lighter) that mimic the look of hanging light bulbs, but to soften the modern feel of the bulbs, a little flower is perfectly placed in each one.  Hanging these from trees would give the effect of airy bubbles floating around in your reception or ceremony--so magical!

{Image: Tana Photography via Style Me Pretty}

{Wedding Trends} : Ombre

Ombre literally means "shaded" in French. It usually involves a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. Since the beginning of 2011, this trend has lately gained a new popularity in the wedding industry. It was taken from the fashion world, where the ombre style of diffusing color is used for fabric.
As you can see, a piece of Ombre fashion can be easily translated into a fabulous wedding element. The best example: this fabulous dress from Atelier Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2011 and this beautiful wedding cake by Maggie Austin.

Images via Fashionbride's Weblog and Austin Wedding Blog 

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 . . .