THE COTTON WEDDING DRESS

Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Photos by Smoot Photo

Hair by Gayle Parker

The cotton wedding dress. Easy and comfortable to wear, these dresses are surprisingly affordable.




Most of us associate cotton with everyday wear. Since cotton is the ultimate in laid-back casual, we rarely think of it in terms of bridal wear. Think again. Especially about the imported Swiss eyelets in the photos above and below.




Imported swiss eyelet with scalloped neck and hem.

Cottons are not just for kids dresses anymore. High quality cottons like these have always been a stylish option for summer brides and garden weddings.



All over eyelet A-line with Sabrina neckline

Not every bride wants the formality of silk on her wedding day so some designers are getting this message, offering at least one cotton option in their spring/summer collection.

Close up of 'Gretel', a sweetheat neck trimmed in cotton lace


Want to see more of what's going on with the cotton collection? Visit Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture.

Read more »

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Tashiko! A silk dupion modified A-line. If you like embossed chiffon, you’ll love the treatment I gave it here. The sleeves look more like lace folding into a gathered sweetheart empire waist that ties in back creating a sweep train. The underskirt is layers of crin trimmed in yards of lace.

Photos by Smoot Photo/Hair by Gayle Parker
Inspiration for this dress came from two sources: the obi sashes on the backs of wedding kimonos and this 1805 portrait of Mlle. Riviere by Ingres, a copy of which hangs in my kitchen and I guess has been inspiring me a long time now. The regency look of the early 19th century is visible here but so is the Asian influence with the back sash that ties like an obi. Also, the chiffon is embossed with lilies and they always remind me of the Far East.

Read more »

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

EVA. The most versatile gown in my collection, I think. We amped up the glamour factor for Sarah here by adding the birdcage veil and opera gloves.

These photos are the work of Berkeley photographer, Bill Smoot. I knew if he ever photographed my collection, each piece would have that editorial/fine art feel to it. Bill is actually a fine art as well as wedding photographer. As a result, his photographs seem more like moments in time rather than the proverbial posed portraits you find in so many wedding albums. More can be seen on his site www.smootphoto.com

Hair: Gayle Parker

Gown and accessories: Amy-Jo Tatum
Model: Sarah Ashton

Read more »