UNVEILED

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Finding international wedding photographer Critsey Rowe's awesome portfolio totally blew me away. When I first laid eyes on her work, I thought she might be one of those photographers who covered VIP weddings for some fashion glossy. Having a talent for putting together exquisite compositions, she's actually a wedding photographer comissioned to do work all over the world. Personally, I think Critsey's clients look like they just stepped out of the pages of Grace Ormonde or Paris Vogue.

The montage above focuses on those of her clients all having something in common. Notice how each chose to replace the traditional veil with their own particular version of head chic. Just look at the array of choices here--flowers, hair bling, plumage, a wisp of netting, exqusite hairdressing. Once unheard of, going without a veil is now a fashionable option. Want more choices? For more info about headwear go to http://www.pashweddings.com/content/articles/125/1/Unveiled-Alternatives-in-Headwear/Page1.html

SLEEVE SAVVY

A Romantic touch. 3/4 length sleeves with an organza ruffle trimmed in Swiss cotton edging.

From a designer’s point of view, sleeves can be one of the most creative components of a gown. For me, a well-designed sleeve is a work of art; it combines fabric and adornment into the overall image of the gown.

Above: The long fitted sleeves in cut velvet are an option for warm weather

Besides looking beautiful, the right sleeves can add bodice appeal as well as keep your skirt or sloping shoulders in proportion. Although not foremost, keeping arms warm could be another option for wearing sleeves. Once upon a time etiquette dictated the length sleeve you could wear during winter months or time of day you got married. Fortunately these restrictions were lifted long ago. Nowadays, you can go for long sleeves in summer, short caps in winter if that’s your desire. Be realistic though. Just make sure you have a decent wrap or stole in New York for your December wedding. As for long sleeves next July in Palm Springs, go for them. Ever since Vera Wang popularized the detachable sleeve that ties and unties from your gown’s bodice, brides still opt for them.

When choosing a sleeve, think of them in terms having their very own silhouette within the outline of your gown as a whole. At left are 3/4 caplet sleeves of Chantilly lace. At right, short cap sleeves.






Gowns: AmyJo Tatum

THE HAT BRIDE

Did you know you can wear a hat by itself or use it as a headpiece for a veil? Either is an option. I'm seeing more brides these days trading in the traditional veil for a hat. Complimentry to today's designs, hats are still an unexpected element. If you're thinking this direction check out your options and read more . . .

RETRO CHIC

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photos by ejones photography

Incorporating touches of vintage into your look? You probably have that love of ‘things past’. I adore designing gowns that are retro-inspired and the look just happens to be hot right now: Think 1920’s chemises, Jean Harlow body hugging silhouettes in white satin, 50s halter tops with full skirts . . . Go for it!

This lace chiffon evokes 1930s chic. Chantilly lace and silk chiffon pair up in this evening gown silhouette with a sweep train and Chantilly lace wrap.

Marilyn . . . .My 1950s ‘Going Away’ bride is headed for a drive up the coast to that country inn in her crepe halter dress and silk chiffon scarf. A casual and elegant look.

Does the idea of a teatime wedding intrigue you? Go Gatsby in this hand beaded Chantilly lace chemise with layers of silk chiffon handkerchief skirts. Perfect for the outdoor garden wedding and reception.

This empire waist echoes early 19th century design. Silk dupion with a gauze sash and hand rolled floral has both a past as well as contemporary feeling to it.

All photos by Erika Jones of ejones photography, All Rights Reserved

KID CHIC

Bartone Photography--All Rights Reserved

In light of today's subject, I couldn't resist posting this awesome photo by Laurence Bartone http://bartonephotography.com. Why am I seeing more kids in my design studio these days? In the tradition of European weddings, clients are starting to coordinate bridal parties made up primarily of kids. My own wedding was a good case in point. We had one adult attendant (maid of honor) and six kids swathed in tulle and floral wreaths ranging in age from twelve to two.
To read more on kid chic, go to http://www.pashweddings.com/content/articles/112/1/Kid-Couture-Dressing-Your-Little-Attendants/Page1.html

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Rosalee is an updated version of a gown we had in the collection a couple seasons back called 'Rosemary'. Revised, Rosalee is trimmed in gray satin ribbon on both the top and skirt. This design is actually two pieces: a silk shantung strapless A-line underneath a tulle detachable overskirt. The skirt is dappled with small silk rosettes and has a sweep train. Inspiration for this gown came from the photo below of who else but chic Audrey Hepburn starring in Sabrina.

REAL WEDDINGS

photography by Amy Perl/All Rights Reserved

Congratulations Marite and Chris!

May 17, 2008
Olema, California

This is the space where I get to show and tell you all about my client's big day and a few of the wedding professionals we work with. The best thing I can say about working with Marite: she didn't stress out and has a positive attitude that's contagious. Marite and Chris knew from the start they wanted their wedding at The Olema Inn and restaurant below. It is a West Marin landmark, a few miles from The Point Reyes National Seashore and Stinson Beach, ideal for those smaller, more intimate gatherings.

Periwinkles, lavender, green and orange were colors Marite and Chris worked into their day through florals, the food everyone ate and accents in their clothing. Looking at these magnificent arrangements from Verde Flowers, I think of nature enhanced.

Orange tulips and mixed foilage.

Sweet peas, Lillies of the Valley and Hyacinth make a beautiful bouquet.

A vanilla confection by Fat Angel Bakery, tastes as delicious as it looks. Inside: strawberries and whipped cream.

Here's one shot of Marite's gown, a body-hugging silk crepe, lined in habotai. The hand-rolled florals on her side drape and in her hair were handmade out of the same fabric as her gown. Here she's modeling an embossed chiffon stole. She's truly gorgeous here, her joy so apparent.

Kid chic!

Ain't she sweet? Daughter Natalia's dress is a cotton/silk blend. The lavender underskirt and sash are made of linen. She is carrying a handmade basket by Cindy Brooks of Brass Paper Clip.

Kudos to Amy Perl who showed such sensitivity photographing Marite, Chris and Natalia in their most intimate moments here.

I'll be quiet now; brilliant photography needs no words . . .

And we couldn't have done it all without . . . .

Photography: Amy Perl Photography www.amyperl.com/

Gown and Dresses: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture www.amyjotatum.com/

Site and Catering: The Olema Inn http://www.theolemainn.com/

Flowers: Verde Flowers http://www.verde-flowers.com/

Cake: The Fat Angel Bakery http://www.fatangelbakery.com/

Hair: Gayle Parker http://www.realbizz.com/

Baskets: The Brass Paper Clip brasspaperclip@aol.com