SUMMER BOHO CHIC

Here's an inspiring post to celebrate these long, lazy days of summer.  Captured beautifully by Jen Brazeal Photography, the details of this styled shoot are extraordinary from the frames adorned with flowers to the tables laden with fresh florals.  Add in a backdrop like The Greenbranch in Texas, a sanctuary nestled in trees, greenery and the glory of nature and the story is complete.  Says Jen, the photographer on this project: "Styled shoots may just be a vendors dream come true. Not only do you get the chance to work with a-mazing models but you get to do and create all the little things yourself. As vendors we really like, no we LOVE the chance to make others dreams and ideas come to life. However every once in a while it’s fun to touch back to your roots and plan something on your own, see your own ideas come to life."

 
 

Photographer:  jen brazeal photography//Hair Stylist:Anna Decker Artistry
Cake Designer: Southern Charm Delights//Ceremony Location: The Greenbranch//Floral Designer: Unforgettable Floral//
Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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PORTRAITS IN CHANTILLY

You can always recognize Chantilly lace by its delicate background and intricate detail. Named after the town in France where its still made, the patterns originating in the 18th century are to this day, still time-honored and manufactured.  My favorite of all laces, Chantilly is fragile and romantic.  It can be used as an allover lace or touches of it here and there on bodices, skirts and sleeves.  Chantilly has always been synonymous with the finest in bridal wear from dresses to veils and accessories . . .

S1 Studio

The perfect customizing for a simple gown, this three-tiered lace jabot has matching ruffle gauntlets all tied together with polka-dot grosgrain ribbons and  a cameo

S1 Studio

A Chantilly lace bordered mantilla worn with a bouffant tulle dress with lace bodice . . .

Shelah Osbrink/aka digital She

 Crepe and Chantilly lace are the perfect duo here for a gown reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood

This bodice is appliqued in Chantilly lace with shirred tulle overlaid

Ryan Chua Photography

The kick pleat in the back of this silk dupioni gown is a gathered inset of Chantilly lace

 This repro tea gown harks back to the Art Nouveau period. Chantilly lace covers the bodice and borders an asymmetrical tulle skirt

This is a perfect  Boho piece in a mix of  Chantilly laces, chiffon and brocade gold  belt

 Ryan Chua Photography

True vintage.  Another tea gown in a mix of Chantilly laces

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BOHO

If Dior's 'New Look of 1947' was a reinvention of elements from the Antebellum period, it seems Boho is 'Summer of Love' reborn. Defined, Boho is a fashion look borrowing from the peasant, early bohemian and hippie looks of the sixties. Boho can be earthy and ethereal all at once, with gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy. 

So what does Boho have in common with bridal? Just take a look at the pictures directly above. Boho is an over-the-top romantic look and if weddings are anything they are just that. If you're into celebrating with a lot of green--both real and the eco-conscious kind, really think about this look if you haven't already incorporated some part of it into your wedding style.

Photos by Sweet Light Studios

CREDITS
All gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photos 1,2 and 3:  Sweet Light Studios
Photo 4:  John Truong Photography
Photos 5 and 6: Sweet Light Studios
Photos 7 and 8:  Photos by Ron Greystar of Greystar Pictures
Photo 9: Sweet Light Studios
Photo 10: Photo by Bride Chic

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FINDING YOUR CHIC FACTOR

 Still going through a dilemma about The Dress?  Try this:  Imagine the clothes you wear every day amped up in finer fabrics and more defined silhouettes.  Next consider your venue and overall formality of the wedding or lack thereof. Wedding dates have a lot to do with decisions too. Are you marrying in New York city mid-winter or having a country picnic in late Spring?

Since there are no rules here, only guidelines, go ahead and combine styles if you like. Blending gives your look individuality. Maybe you're a little punk and vintage all at once . . . Or cutting edge and classic. Whatever combo you fancy, your options are many. My motto has always been, "Read the rules then teach yourself the art of breaking them . . ."

CLASSIC

Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn are your icons. Everything you touch is timeless, refined, sophisticated. A Hermes scarf and cashmere turtleneck could be your everyday signature look.

Your Dress: An A-line or sheath either strapless or with bateau or V-neck. You love any fabric that has understated elegance like traditional duchesse satin and peau de soie.

Favorite Designers: Kenneth Pool, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Amsale, Anne Barge, Peter Langner

Your Venue: A mansion, country club or sprawling estate defines your dream wedding site.

Veiled: A drop veil tacked to the back of a bun.

Unveiled: A tiara of course

Elle is wearing: The 'Giselle' Gown.  Empire cut silk dupioni with hand-beaded Chantilly lace bodice. Top photo: Tulle drop veil  Below:

Alencon lace and Ostrich feathered Tiara and rose adroned silk dupioni and tulle fascinator

VINTAGE

So you look into the best parts of the past to get your look, do you? Who wouldn't with such great laces and gemmies still hanging around from yesteryear? Like those satin baby-doll shoes from the forties better than brand new Jimmy Choos? Does an allover antique lace tablecloth make you think of restyling it into a gown? Then call yourself a Vintageholic and read on.

Your Dress: Mostly evening gown and chemise styles in lace and satin. You may be a 1950s retro buff who likes Candy Anthony type dresses with miles of skirt and tiny cinched waists.

Favorite designers: Pat Kerr, Claire Pettibone, Martin McCrea, Candy Anthony.

Venue: Almost anywhere the the Jay Gatsby daytime social can be reinacted. Landmark homes with acres of sprawling lawn are ideal but certain boutique hotels and B & B's work for the smaller bash.

Veiled: A cage veil adorned by head florals

Unveiled: A picture hat

Ana Marie is Wearing: Embossed chiffon gown with silk gauze detachable train with Rose cage veil.  Below: the organza rose cage veil

BOHO

Do you love peasant styles and the flower child  looks of the sixties?. Are you earthy and ethereal all at once? Consider yourself Boho if your eye is drawn to gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy.

Your Dress: Something long and flowing, crocheted and/or full of lace and tulle. 
Favorite designers: Temperley of London, Lanvin, Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore.

Venue: Any wooded or pastoral setting

Veiled: A floral head wreah with a drop veil

Unveiled: A Daisey or flower chain
Elle and Ana Marie are wearing: Above-Chantilly lace and point d'espirit chemise with silk gauze hankercheif hem and a dried floral head wreath.  Below-Silk chiffon gown with flared hem and Magnolia head wreath with foilage.

CREDITS

Photography by Sweetlight Studios

Gowns and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal
Makeup and hair by Christal Saville

Models; Elle and Ana Marie

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SO YOU WANT TO BE A BOHO BRIDE . . .

 Sweet Light Studios

Defined, Boho is a fashion look borrowing from the peasant, early bohemian and hippie looks of the sixties. Boho can be earthy and ethereal all at once, with gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy. Hitting its zenith in 2004-5, The Knot was categorizing Boho as a bridal style as early as 2000. Later actress Sienna Miller and Kate Moss brought the trend to the forefront. For me actresses like Carol Kane and Julie Delpy are naturals for this look too.

Photos by Sweet Light Studios

By the spring of 2005 Boho was all over New York and London. Prevalent in just about every High Street store, those donning this chic were dubbed "Siennas". If Dior's 'New Look of 1947' was a reinvention of elements from the Antebellum period, it seems Boho is 'Summer of Love' reborn.

 Photo by John Truong

Photos by Sweet Light Studios

 Photos by Ron Greystar

So what does Boho have in common with bridal? Just take a look at the pictures directly above. Boho is an over-the-top romantic look and if weddings are anything they are just that. If you're into celebrating with a lot of green--both real and the eco-conscious kind, really think about this look if you haven't already incorporated some part of it into your wedding style.

Sweet Light Studios

Read more »