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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THE HAT BRIDE

Once upon a time not too long ago, a hat perched atop a bride's head instead of a long flowing veil was society's code for second time around brides or a woman over forty tying the knot.  Fast forward a few years and the bridal hat has a whole new identity. Today, wearing one on your wedding day has more to do with creating a style savvy statement that defines you. If you're considering opting for a hat to top off your wedding day look, you have a whole array of choices out there from wide-brimmed picture hats to small fascinators  titled on the side of the head with wisps of netting.  Here are a few of my faves . . .

Cocktail Hats-Include toques, pancakes and beanies to name just a few.  Small and brimless, these hats sit tilted or perched atop the head, usually accented with flowers or a spray of long feathers; a cover of net or nose veil typically wraps all or part of the face.   All cocktail hats look great with upswept hair and most silhouettes.  These above by Batcakes Couture  add a touch of whimsy with marabou and ostrich feathers

 
Fascinators-A sort of hybrid between head band and cocktail hat, a fascinator is a hair decoration fastened to a band or comb with accents of either feathers, beads, crystals or florals.  The ones pictured above are by Batcakes Couture

Photos by Stephanie Williams Photography
Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
First photo of picture Hat by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

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HE LOVES ME!

 

 

Okay, I might be a tad bit early here with daisies but if you're perchance planning a summer wedding I promise it will inspire.  And, it might just get you thinking about a Summer of Love or Field of Daises theme.  For me  Daisies evoke youth, sunlight and whimsy.  The daisy was prominent in 1960s fashion and became one of the the symbols of peace and love . . . .

CREDITS

Top photo: Daisy hat by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Daisy shoes and purse photo via tumblr/ Daisy Dress and earrings 

Daisy floppy-brimmed hat and belt by Amy-Jo Tatum

Daisy hair photo/ bouquet by Heavenly Blooms

Daisy cake photo via Pinterest/ Daisy bouquet from Ruffled Blog via Pinterest

Daisy cupcakes via Daisy Pink Cupcake Blog/ Daises in bike basket photo via Pinterest

Table setting photo via Stone Gable Blog

Yellow macaroon photo via Pinterest/ Daisy cake via Pinterest

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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

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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

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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.

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TOPPING OFF YOUR LOOK WITH SOME OOOOH LA LA

I was so jazzed this season about creating these little head poufs and fascinators harking back to the 1940s.  The pouf above is a gathered piece of Point d'espirit topped off with a hand rolled silk floral.  Below a large organza floral with moire faille leaves makes the perfect fascinator.

A pancake hat with a silk rose is topped off with a pouf of tulle . . .

I can't take credit for this veil.  It is a genuine vintage fly away circa late 1960s complete with a jeweled and beaded Juliet cap . . .

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DESTINATIONS

Your wedding destination could be as close as the park down the street or half way across the world. Wherever you pick for your backdrop, finding the gown to compliment is part of the fun. Our team of photography and beauty profs set out to find a locale conducive to handling several destination ideas: An Italianate villa with a country meadow and the area surrounding it full of wooded pathways.  St. Vincent's School in San Rafael, California has it all. In the header photos a silk chiffon and Chantilly lace dress with a full skirt is the perfect match for a villa by the sea. Below: a fitted silk taffeta sheath and organza train pair up for a country-inspired wedding . . .

CREDITS

Photography: John Truong and Stuart Lirette

Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Hair: Kathie Rothkop

Makeup: Juliane Chai

Models: Jen Lam and Lauren Purcell
Venue: St. Vincent's San Rafael, Ca.

Above: A vintage bouffant and hourglass chiffon and lace go nicely with the Italliante style setting. 

Classic Grace Kelly chic goes just about anywhere including this vineyard-like setting

Stuart Lirette

A vintage gown covered in antique lace works with the rustic, country setting

Costume-inspired gowns are always lovely.  This one conjours images of Natasha from War and Peace.  Silk chiffon and Chantilly lace with a brocade belt . . . .

More costume-inspired chic.  Dupionii and lace is complimented with some exqusite tropical hairdressing by Kathie Rothkop. 

 Below: A pasture.  The rustic setting works with this silk and lace boho gown

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