THE PILL BOX

Looking for a chi chi alternative to the veil?  Sophisticated bridal dressing gives you the opportunity really 'Vogue' it up and wear those short kid gloves, carry a tiny satin clutch or sport that pill box hat with a wisp of veiling. Speaking of pill boxes, this one  makes a  great stand-in for  brides looking to change out the traditional veil.  Round and brimless, its worn either centered, tilted or back on the head.  Though this style was introduced in the 1930s, Jackie Kennedy revived the look.   Generally this hat looks best with suits and fitted sheath designs; super with most other silhouettes even bell shapes like this one.  

Gown and hat by Amy-Jo Tatum

Photo by Strotz Photography

Hair by Justina Downs

Makeup by Audrey

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O! how much more doth beauty beauteous seem

By that sweet ornament which truth doth give.
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odour, which doth in it live.
The canker blooms have full as deep a dye
As the perfumed tincture of the roses,
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly
When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:
But, for their virtue only is their show,
They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade;
Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made: 
   And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,
   When that shall vade, my verse distills your truth.

--William Shakespeare--Sonnet #54

CREDITS

Photography: Taralynn Lawton

Dresses and headpieces: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Julie Morgan Hair and Makeup

Models: Oasis and Amber

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A CLOUD OF TULLE

What could say bridal more than a cloud of soft tulle? Tulle is that fine mesh netting with a hexagonal pattern that comes in silk, cotton, nylon or acrylic/silk for power netting. Tulle is familiar because its the standard material for bridal veils. But did you know it comes in lighter versions and is used in bouffant skirts. The one pictured above proffers that ballerina look Vera Wang popularized a few years back? While the big tulle skirt is classic, edgier versions of late suggest special effects like draping, ruching and pick-up treatments over more modified skirt silhouettes. There are many different tulles and uses of it. These images show some stunning examples. 

                                          Images by Taralynn Lawton Photography and dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

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SHEATH CHIC

The more infatuated I get with heavier weight satins and taffetas the more I realize I've turned out a few really great sheaths  lately.  The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. They're a snug fitting, long, columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.

CREDITS

Photography: Taralynn Lawton

Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Julie Morgan Hair and Makeup

Model: Oasis Wideman

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AWESOME SHOOTER SERIES

Today you'll find me over on One Wed Blog sharing the images from a recent shoot with the incredibly talented fashion and wedding photographer Taralynn Lawton.  Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taralynn's light-filled images are a real inspiration for capturing both the fashion and bridal aspect.  READ MORE . . . .

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