MORE FROM THE VINEYARD

 Back on December 13, we featured some awesome images from The Vineyard Bride, a stylized shoot at the beautiful Annadel Estate Winery  in Sonoma.  Over the New Years holiday, photographer Shannon Stellmacher came up with some more 'How Gorgeous Are These?' pics from that fabulous shoot.  I'm a true lover of black and white photography and the first two remind me of a Howard Hawks film from the 1930s--stunning beyond belief.  Our wonderful model is Lori Dorfman and makeup and hair done by Julie Morgan whose work continues to enhance and beautify everyone she touches . . .

Special thanks to Be-Jeweled for showcasing the gorg jewelry of designer Anne Koplick and Nancy Ann Flowers.

BEDAZZLED!

 

I think you'll agree, one of the chicest ways of pulling yourself together on your wedding day is through exquisite jewelry.  Once restricted to pearl necklaces and earrings, brides have so many more options these days I can't count them (although a great set of pearls is always in vogue).  These two collections by Denise Hazelton and Miriam Haskell highlight vintage jewelry at it's finest.  The biggee plus here is all of it goes great with wedding fashion.  I adored these pieces and was tickled when Studiolo joined in on this project to have them photographed with my gowns for the Art Meets Fashion shoot.  Which is your fave here . . .?

 CREDITS

Photography by JohnT Photography

                         Lirette Photography

Jewelry by Studiolo

Gowns and Headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup by Julianne Chai

Hair by Justina Downs

Models: Lauren Purcell and Brandi Howell

PREVIEW OF COMMING ATTRACTIONS

 

 Not only do I have a new creation for you to look at, I've developed a whole concept around this design.  Meet GIGI, the newest addition to Dioresque's 2011 capsule collection, called Oh La La!  Inspired by Paris, the 50s, The Belle Epoch and a little bit of Toulouse-Lautrec thrown in, all creations you'll be seeing in Oh La La are about pouf, frills and spun tulle.  GIGI is an A-line out of an ivory embroidered organza with a shot of ruffled lace underneath.

 This little silk, lace and point esprit fascinator is featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.  It's the perfect compliment to organza and lace . . .

A long row of buttons graces the back of this dress.  GIGI is actually an off shoot of this sketch for FIFI (in the works) showing a sweetheart neckline and matching shrug.  Can't wait to show off that one . . .

THE VINEYARD BRIDE

CREDITS

Photography by Silvana Di Franco

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup and hair by Tanna-Marie

Fabric Flowers by Heather Murdock of The Blue Orchid 

Real Bride, Barbara Schwan

The intimacy of a private vineyard in Northern California added a rustic feel to this winter shoot by the always artistic wedding photographer, Silvana Di Franco.  Believe it or not these gowns were shot last week. While the rest of the country and world experience one of the coldest winters in a decade, here we are basking in 76 degree sunshine in our own isolated little pocket of the globe . . .

Silks, laces and tulle are stepping further outside the traditional box in 2011.  Here a white tulle skirt is paired with an ivory lace blouse reminiscent of 1970's chic.  Above is a fitted sheath in silk dupioni and chiffon . . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Finally!  The first piece of 2011's Dioresque series to make it off the work table. Chantilly lace under shirred tulle on the bodice gives an ethereal, gossamer look. The bodice sculpts the wearer's body by way of inside boning and a few other materials I slipped in there to give it structure . . .

The over skirt is 10 yards of tea-dyed tulle over more layers of tulle and ivory taffeta.  White rose petals are dappled all over the skirt. 

My signature row of buttons lines the back, finished off with three ivory silk roses . . . . As you can see, the final product veered a wee bit off the original sketch.  Don't worry though, the sweetheart neck with roses over the shoulder is coming soon . . .

FINDING YOUR GOWN: THE TRUTH ABOUT THRIFT SHOPS AND FLEA MARKETS

Smoot Photo/Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

We're not talking about bridal consignment shops here--those places with the essence of first-rate salons offering gently worn, second-time-around gowns.  A thrift shop is basically a rummage sale or flea market all under one roof with specific hours of operation.  Chances are if you're environmentally conscious you’ve gone this route to unearth real finds before so you already know your way around. I have to give you some kudos here. Rummaging through flea markets and thrift stores takes a certain kind of bride—the kind who believes in recycling even on her wedding day; the kind that doesn't give a damn whether she’s wearing hand-me-downs. If this is you, you’re a rarity. And yes, you’re likely to spend hours and days sorting through racks of Four Weddings and A Funeral cast-offs before you uncover that 1963 Priscilla of Boston original in silk taffeta. Thrift shops and flea markets are also the place you'll find recycled fabrics and linens. You've seen those cuts of dimity and silk someone had in their attic. How about curtains, table or bed linens? Some have such beautiful embroidery that are screaming to be made into a dress like the  number above in imported eyelet.

                                                 WHERE TO GO TO FIND GREAT GOWNS

GARDEN INSPIRED

Linen/silk chiffon and Chantilly lace cap-sleeved dress with full crinoline petticoat. Ecru silk headband with ivory silk dupioni handrolled rose has a pink jewel button in the center

Embroidered ivory lace organza fascinator with gathered mini pouf. Edge of hat is bordered in Venise lace trimmed with pearls.

The Chanel Look spanned several eras of changing fashion. Her most notable signatures are close fitting cloche style hats, halters, separates, jerseys and strands of many different pearl necklaces all worn at once. Pictured here is a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. The sizel hat is a combo cloche and picture hat so evocative of Chanel's time.  A Shantung Bow with netting lends a great 1940s feeling. 

Boho is back! Theres a mix of imported Chantilly laces on the bodice. The full skirt is gathered silk chiffon lined in crepe backed satin. Bodice has lace cap sleeves and is accented with a gold braid tie belt. Floral head wreath is made up of dried roses and Baby's Breath  . . .

A versatile and modified A-line in luxe dupioni silk . . . Here the skirt is hiked up to show off the meringue on the petticoat--- a Chantilly lace border. The complimentary fascinator is 'vintage with an edge'. Ivory Dupioni with handmade silk organdy florals. Has tulle pouf veil and Venise lace edging with hand-sewn pearls.

Val lace over blouse with blue satin tie belt gives this design a very Audrey look. The skirt is four layers of tulle and a separate slip of crinoline and tulle. Detailed touches include a row of buttons down a V-back
and it is all pulled together with a blue sash.

Above: This tea gown could be right out of a Jane Austen Novel. A white silk dupioni sheath draped with Chantilly lace on the skirt and bodice. Back details include a row of covered buttons and lace tie-back. Price upon request. It can be special ordered in white or ivory through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Below: Perfectly chosen accoutrements to go with the romantic tea gown.  At top right the fascinator is Ivory Chantilly lace and crepe with beaded Venise lace edging. Embellishment is two handrolled silk shantung roses. Below left is the horsehair fascinator/veil hybrid accented with a tulle rose and bow.  Below Right:Something old.  A pair of genuine antique pearl earrings.

All bridal Wear and accessories available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

THE BOMBSHELL BRIDE: GOING FOR A SEXY LOOK ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

CREDITS

Photography by S1 Studio

Headpieces and gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Make-up Artist: Nida Nafees 

Hair: Dana Faulkner

Flowers: Victoria's Florals and Events

Models: Shauna Yonan

Corinne Doherty

Olay! A mantilla paired up with a lace dress to match can say old world traditional and sexy all at once.

The Vintage Chic Bombshell-Above:A strapless silk dupion and chiffon gown topped off with a Venise-lace trimmed pancake hat circa 1940s with cage veil.

Below: A Chanel neck treatment of multiple strands of pearls gives this Silk dupioni dress a real 1940s look. Added touches: the point d'espirit and hand rolled silk rose headpiece.

Another vintage classic, the silk taffeta sheath above is accented with silk flowers, dappled petals on the train and a Chantilly lace bodice.

What could go more bridal than a classic ballgown silhouette? Layers of white cotton tulle skirt over yards of crinoline beneath. Chantilly lace bodiice backed with pastel blue satin makes the floral motifs on this bodice really pop . . .

Classic and modern: A traditional silk and lace sheath with a sleek and contemporary down do. Why go for a veil when your hair could be your crowning glory . . . ?

Boho's back.  The floral head wreath, lace and tulle conjure that waif look reminiscent of A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, fairy tales, and wood nymphs . . .

Be a 1950s bombshell in this organza and lace hourglass with a halter and generous splash of petticoat

Why not add some edge to your bridal look with a Chantilly lace jabot and jaunty gaucho hat? Black and white polka dots really cinch the look . . . .

The right accessories always offer the perfect finish.  Glam girls love the sparkle of silver and gold right down to the toes . . . .