Gown Friday!

good morning and happy friday! modern sophistication describes Angel Sanchez's spring 2011 collection with gowns made of layers and layers of gorgeous fabrics, asymmetric lines, and feminine silhouettes. i'm a big fan of Angel Sanchez and his structured designs! i hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your first days of May--i can't believe it's May already!!! see you monday...










{images: marthastewartweddings.com}

CUTTING EDGE VINTAGE

Look what I found!  Etsy designers, vetrans as well as newcomers never cease to amaze.  Relatively new to this happening site, Kitty Andrews designs reflect her years spent in Japan as well as love of pin-up, punk couture and costume.  The best thing about Kitty's creations is, she only uses top-notch fabrics and materials and each piece is hand-crafted.
The powder puff pouf shown here would be the perfect statement for the bride wanting to add some cutting edge chic with a little vintage thrown in.

Fantastic Wedding Favors

{green apple candle--a & g merch}

it can be frustrating trying to pick out a wedding favor that doesn't make guests roll their eyes or find a way to leave it somewhere when they exit your wedding. and when you search online for a "wedding favor" the websites that pop up are full of dinky pink, plastic bubble blowers and scented seashell soaps--ahh!! so if you aren't into those favor warehouses either, check out these fun ideas i found on NY Mag.

i love the bright, fresh green apple candle above! a gorgeous touch for you placesettings and i'm willing to bet your guests would be more than happy to take it home and place it in their kitchen or bathroom--i would! the "keep calm & carry on" band-aids would be a colorful touch of humor and i absolutely ADORE the 15 piece marshmallow box. isn't that such a great idea?!

{"Keep Calm and Carry On" band-aids--a & g merch}

{bird's eye view glass vase--urban outfitters}

{pancake & waffle mix--crate & barrel}

{marshmallow set--borne confections}

{tatoo graffiti set--fred flare}

{bird dish towel set--wicket mint}

{model airplane--kate's paperie}

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

Loving...Glass Baubles

good morning! isn't this just gorgeous?? you can hang just about anything in large clusters and it will add drama to your table and decor. these hanging glass baubles with water and flowers placed inside them are stunning--it gives the illusion you are sitting in an outdoor room. love it!

{image source}

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: STUART LIRETTE

LIZ AND AARON'S SAN DIEGO WEDDING

CREDITS

Photography:  Lirette Photography

Dress: Shadows in San anselmo, California

Flowers: San Diego Floral Design

Venue: San Diego Botanic Gardens

Aaron and Liz didn't have to twist photographer Stuart Lirette's arm once they announced they'd tie the knot in the San Diego area. They wanted him to travel down and capture all the festivities. "August in San Diego, beachside... are you kidding. I brought the whole family and stayed a few extra days," says Stuart

Liz and Aaron both work in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is where they met, but the bride grew up in San Diego and that was all the reason they needed to plan a SoCal wedding. The weather was magnificent and the outdoor venue, San Diego Botanic Gardens (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens), was a dream come true for a photographic location. "I like out of town weddings because once I leave the home office I have nothing to distract me from the event so I just immerse myself in the couples lives for the duration. In this case I not only attended the wedding and reception but also the rehearsal dinner friday night as well as going away brunch on Sunday. When you spend that much time with a couple, you can't help capturing some special moments . . . ."

About the Photographer: Stuart Lirette is a graduate of Brook's Institute of Photography.  He's made a living listening to his clients needs, and producing photographs that answer those needs on a budget they can afford.