OUT OF A JANE AUSTEN NOVEL

Lizzy, Jane and Emma--a trio of strong female characters from this literary icon's romantic novels that have endured the centuries.  Evocative of 19th Century oil paintings, these images celebrate the essence of romance--simple silhouettes in soft flowing fabrics and delicate laces.  Add some fine china and a few carefully chosen accessories into the mix and it's a real teatime o f inspiration for all you die hard romantics.  BTW the china is from my own collection--I've been scouting flea markets and garage sales for years now and have ended up with a hodge podge of flowery and flow blue teacups, salad plates, tea pots--you name it,   my clients always get the royal treatment . . .

All gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum 

Top photo: The Margaret Gown/Photo 2: The Cabbage Rose Picture Hat

Photo 3: The Jayne Gown

Photos 4 & 5: The Oralie Fascinator

Photo 6: The Shanisse Fascinator

Photo 7: The Emma Gown and Antique Lace Picture Hat (price on request)

Photo 8: The Lydia Hat  (price on request)

Photos 9 &10: The Trilby Hat and Lizzy Gown

All gown prices on Request

UNVEILED

Yes, veils are still in vogue.  And yes, there are more styles out there than you can count.  But before making the decision to wear one consider your options.  Some brides are ditching the veil altogether, topping off with special touches like wide brimmed hats, fresh flowers and jewels in their hair.  The idea is, if you’d rather wear a feathered toque down the aisle and it works with your gown, go for it.
FLORALS in your hair.  (Below Left) They compliment simple evening gown silhouettes with that tropical feel, A-lines and ballgowns with a touch of the romantic.  There are three kinds of florals: Fresh, artificial and hand-rolled fabric flowers.  All are beautiful choices.  Fresh can be ordered through your florist possibly echoing some of those in your bouquet.  Artificial flowers are typically silk, some so well made they look like they were just picked out of the garden.  Hand-rolled flowers are made out of fabric like dupioni, organza or shantung, sometimes in the same fabric as your gown.  These have a real haute couture look and are usually attached to a barrette or spongy wire
WREATH-(Below) Very romantic.  A wreath circles the head and is interwoven with flowers, foliage and in some cases, ribbons.  Florists can put these together either with fresh, artificial or dried flowers.  Some variations would be those made exclusively of English Ivy or dried roses and baby’s breath.
HATS   Once you start trying them on, you’ll see how each works with the shape of your face, your body type and gown.  A petite bride can wear a picture hat like the one below as long as it’s not massive and is in proportion with the rest of her.  The evening-gowned bride will need something with enough width to create symmetry with her gown.  Go wild with adornments like feathers, flowers, ribbons, drapes and poufs of netting, to name just a few.  The widest assortment of hats can be found in millinery shops.  Here you’ll get lots of personal attention.  And if you don’t find exactly what you want, they’ll custom make it for you.  Look through better department stores and go to Etsy shops for more inspiration.  

SNOOD- (Above) Another sophisticated look.  A snood is a piece of openwork netting used to cover buns and chignons.  They were highly popular in two eras: the Civil War and World War II.  The contemporary versions that compliment evening and bridal wear often have pearls, or crystals on them.
HEADBAND- typically attached to a gathered pouf veil, you can wear the headband individually without the veiling.  Headband brides have that fresh, Estee Lauder look.  Bands range in style from simple, narrow satin ones to those covered in pearls and crystals.  A great option for hair worn down, not quite shoulder length like a bob.  The beaded band below is worn low on the forehead to create an entirely different look.
TIARA-Just the tiara—no veil.  This is a classic look.  Most tiaras are made out of crystal and rhinestone. Best when the tiara sits upon a well-coiffed up-do.  Forget the plastic pageant variety.  Invest in Swarovski.  The tiaras below are made of feathers and Alencon Lace--maybe not your typical but loads of fun . . . .

HAIR JEWELERY-These can range from Mother of Pearl hairpins to crystal adorned hair-sticks and clips. You can wear one or many sprinkled though a beautifully coiffed head.  Top notch hair styling is a must to wear these properly.

Photo Credits: Header Photo and hair florals-Lirette Photography

Wreath by Sweetlight Studios/Hat and snood photos by Bride Chic

Directly Above Photos by Sweetlight Studios

THE MAGIC OF BASIA ZARZYCKA

 For the ultra-romantic bride who lives in London and wants that one gown you won't find anywhere else, Basia Zarzycka on Slone Square is the place to go. Add all kinds of one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories to this mix and the fairytale look is complete--Marie Antoinette meets Cinderella.  Basia's greatest work can be found in her custom pieces, confections swathed in lace, florals, foilage and bling, all works of art.