ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

A very happening 2012 trend is the illusion neckline. I for one love the look of sheer necklines and sleeves and am planning on adding a least five more of these dresses to the collection over the next few months.  Popularized in the 1950s this style allowed modesty as well as showing some skin, albeit opaque but sexy and demure. These days illusion is found in a few varieties of sheer fabric: tulle, power netting, organza and chiffon to name a few. Designers are using softer and stretchier fibers for the max in comfort . . .

What's your spin on this? Would you like a sheer and almost naked look to your net top or more opaque like an ice skater would wear . . . .?

OH LA LA!

How I love organzas, tulle, crinolines and organdy with a mix of laces thrown in for good measure.  Put it all together and you have some really serious Oh La La! happening.  I lucked out recently when I met up with Natalie, the model in this series who has studied ballet all her life.  Put her in my dresses (inspired by the 1950s, Dior, Giselle, La Sylphide, and Swan Lake) and she just seems to float even in still photographs . .

The beauty of the 'Beatrix' Dress above is in the silhouette.  A full circular skirt and layers of tulle give the dress its hourglass shape.  Gardenias add a touch of romanticism and top off the ballerina look . . . .

Above and Below: Feeling frou frou?  The A-lined  'Gigi' Dress in an embroidered organza topped off with a tulle uber-pouf  is the perfect froth for Oh La La! weddings. . .

 

Above: The White Rose Fascinator is just the right head chic to mix up with satin, embroidery, tulle, crinoline and lace.  What beautiful movement . . . .

Below: A ballgown silhouette in embossed file is accented with and embroidered taffeta sash and silk dupioni headpiece . . . . 

 

 
 Above: The look of a traditional bride in a bouffant gown paired up with a hand embroidered belt . . .


Credits:
Photography by Bride Chic 2012
Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

DYNAMIC DUOS: Pairing Up Bouquet and Gown

I think certain flowers have a particular significance for each of us. Finding an inspiration point and blending that idea with your dress is just the beginning of working one or a few colors into an overall theme. Size and proportion are something else to consider. Some of us like the idea of carrying a huge burst of three to four different kinds of flowers in an arrangement while someone else goes for the simplicity of a small nosegay.   Since flowers are a seasonal thing--tulips in spring, mums in the fall, your dress is probably going to reflect that too.  Above and below are perfect examples of adding a little spring chic: bursts of baby's breath combined with lace and tulle . . . 

Dominic Colacchio Photography

The daisy shouts youth and whimsy.  For flower children, daisies were the official posy of the beat generation symbolizing The Summer of Love . . . The above bride is carrying a small bouquet as well as wearing daisies around her floppy-brimmed sisal hat . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

Above: Ranunculas and anemones are a beautiful combo with this embroidered organza dress.  The pop of purple and lavender are the perfect choice to jazz up a summer wedding . . .
Below: Pink and tangerine dahlias go with this blush dress of Chantilly lace and tulle . . .

Lirette Photography

What could be prettier for fall than a white eyelet dress and bouquet of wheat?  I love the field theme here and how it all melds together . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

Photos by Rob Martel

Pine, ivy and baby roses mix with heavyweight taffeta for an elegant  winter wedding. 

All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

Bouquet Credits

Stephanie Williams photos: JL Design

Title Photo: Victoria's Florals and Events

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.