MIDSUMMER BRIDE COLLECTION . . .

CREDITS

Photography by Dominic Colacchio

Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Makeup by Cherese Burnley of Beautify

Model: Nicole D of Stars Model Management

Venue: San Dominico School in San Anselmo, California

Tulle and lace were the inspirations for Midsummer Bride, this year's capsule collection from my Dioresque line.  From the purest whites to tea-dyed tulles, these full silhouettes have layers and yards of skirt. The bodices are adorned in lace motifs, some shirred and pleated in tulle. All the dresses you see here are available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bride and my Etsy store and can be customized

THE VALERIE DRESS.  5 layers of tulle skirt over a rose beige China silk lining.  Chantilly lace bodice with scalloped border on the neckline and skirt.  The deep V back is accented by a row of silk shantung buttons. Gray satin tie belt.

A simple veil put together with sprigs of Baby Breath and French netting

THE MADELYN DRESS  7 layers of tea-dyed tulle skirt with a bodice of chantilly lace motifs under shirred tulle and pleats.  Matching tulle shawl and tie-belt . . .

THE TATANYA DRESS  All over tulle dress with surplice front and V-neck.  White lace cut out underneath shirring on the bodice.  Available with matching tulle belt or black and white polka dot and stripe . . .

THE BEATRIX DRESS  Seven layers of ivory tulle skirt with an embroidered organza bodice cinched by a white silk satin tie belt . . .

VICTORIANA AND BEYOND . . .

 I found all these delish images on Etsy Wedding.  Adding a few touches from times past, you can go a little as in one of these sweet little headpieces from Arisa Fukumoto, or really go all out in one of the Edwardian dresses below. 

 Resin Ghost

 Closet Case Vintage

ayeK8

COULD RED EVER BE THE NEW WHITE?

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Get a load of this before you head out to look at dozens of virginal white dresses. Did you know in some cultures white is the color of mourning? That's right. It seems ice and snow go hand and hand with freezing to death and/or the void of nothingness. There are traditions that prize red for its warmth and beauty, christening it the color of festivals and celebration. To Russians the word red relates to beauty. In China this color symbolizes fortune and joy, and is still traditional with brides. For some of us red evokes the brilliant monochromatics found in spring and summer gardens; to others fire and sensuality. This vibrant work from Annie McKelvey of Eleven Orchids Photography puts red in the realm of a real style option for a bride. Might this exciting and passionate color become the new white somewhere in the near future? While I doubt the majority of women want to replace the clean essence white represents, red is and will continue to be a popular option for brides for both summer and winter.

IN THE PINK

I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad . . . .and incidentally most of my favorite things are pink.  You'll find all these on that marvelous site, Pinterest

TIED WITH A BOW

Just look at this set of gorgeous images going from the palest beiges into black. Thank you again Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for inspiring us once more . . . .

PERIWINKLE

Did you know periwinkle is a shade that compliments just about everyone?  A perennial fav for bridesmaids, the scheme can move into decor and florals as well.  This lovely set of images is brought to you by Branco Prata via SMP Style Circle.  I'm loving all this combination of inspirations from the light and airy chiffon dress with handmade florals to the hand-blown glass bottles directly above . . .

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . . .

 Recently I had the opportunity to work with photo journalist and wedding photographer, Dominic Colacchio, who, when it comes to zoning in and capturing a perfect image, always seems to get it right. These are pictures he shot of Nicole during our Midsummer Bride Shoot.  Here we've made the newest additions to the collection look a bit ethereal don't you think?  You can catch more swoon-worthy images on today's Savvy Scoop

NAUTICAL BUT NICE

Caroline Castigliano
Summer is upon us, the perfect time to climb onboard!.  Living in the San Francisco Bay Area I've seen just about every kind of wedding celebration that involves boats. Whether onboard the QE II or a four-seater pontoon, you and your guy can say 'I do' in style. When you think boats and wedding, beachy-chic is probably the first style to come to mind and that's fine. But it's not your only option. Boats cruise lakes, rivers and swamps as well as oceans. Nautical can also mean a land-ho wedding inside a yacht or beach club, some with lavish reception rooms.

 Amanda Wakeley

Vera Wang

Beach chic gowns are often halter or strapless, glamourized versions of beachwear celebrating life in the sunshine; many are columnar in silhouette for easily getting around tight onboard spaces. However, the Vera Wang creation above with that generous train would be awesome for a yacht club or houseboat wedding.
Christiana Couture
Vivienne West wood
Have a romantic Pirates of Penzance notion of nautical? All these gowns above and below would be perfect for the wedding on board an historical sailing ship.

 Ritva Westenius

Elizabeth Emanuel for The Art of Being

Ian Stuart

 Vera Wang

Caroline Parkes

Sharon Cunningham

Most of my sailor brides have gotten back to me with this advice: the simpler the head chic the better. Since water and wind usually go hand in hand, you'll find beach and boating brides often have florals pinned in their hair or a simple headpiece that compliments the gown. If there's a veil, it's usually a shorter length that won't interfere with overall movement or blow all over the place.

 Ritva Westenius
 Oscar de la Renta

Shoes? That's up to you really. The bride above shucked them altogether wearing her gorgeous Oscar de la Renta with bare feet. Flat or low-heeled sandals or thongs are pretty standard now and available just about everywhere. I knew one innovative bride who showed up in high-top sneekers under her gown.

--Amy-Jo Tatum--

Bride Chic