WHAT ABOUT A TEA TIME WEDDING?

Lay out all the fine china and here comes the bride.  Pictured here are some of the one-off details that make up a high tea wedding.  Teatime is my number one theme for the reason it incorporates some of the most lady-like elements of entertaining, fashion and decor. This polished and sophisticated late afternoon mini-meal over the centuries has become the perfect showcase for delectable little sandwiches and scrumptious petits fours framed by white lace doilies. Once upon a time high tea was celebrated by really enjoying those afternoon hours before sunset, the perfect time for a wedding celebration.  While high tea suggests all the formality of a big wedding it's also perfect for the informal celebration.  You can keep it simple and at the same time elegant serving finger sandwiches, small pastries, tea and champagne, buffet style.  Whether you're planning a large or small wedding I hope these images are an inspiration point for you . . . .
CREDITS
Top Left Photo by Taralynn Lawton//Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum
Top Right Photo via Nooks and Cranies
Second Row Left Tea Service via The Vintage Table //Seond Row Right Photo by Simply Bloom Photography via Style Me Pretty
Tulle Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photo by Taralynn Lawton//Teacup photo via Pinterest
Lady in hat photo by Taralynn Lawton//Pink Macaroons via The Sweet and Saucy Shop

Read more »

THE SCARF VEIL MAKES A COMEBACK

 Today's chic started with a casual trend borrowed from the fifties glamorized by Audrey Hepburn—the scarf. As Audrey and fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy showed us, some women can make even a sporty scarf look elegant. I began incorporating them into my collection once I realized they looked hot with so many of the 1950s throwbacks I was creating. Keep in mind they do lend themselves well to quite a few styles. Be imaginative. You can tie a lace scarf like a bandana or go gypsy style with it. Experiment. Create your own look!
The shorter version above works with this more casual look. This is one of my ‘Marilyn’ dresses . . . My 1950s ‘Going Away’ bride is headed for a drive up the coast to that country inn in her crepe halter dress and silk chiffon scarf. A casual as well as elegant look.
Long Scarf-Pictured below: Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

Below: A 3-yard galloon/scarf of Chantilly lace makes the perfect 20s style cloche-cap style veil to pair up with a vintage lace gown. 

All gowns and veils by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Photo Credits

Header Photo by E Jones Photography

Photo 2: Bride Chic

Photo 3: Pixamage

Read more »

ART DECO MEETS CITY MODERN

 There's an interesting story behind this editorial that begs the question: How long could it take to find the right spot to shoot 1930s style gowns? Can you believe 4 years?  That's right, when you want to find a backdrop reflecting all the best of the Art Deco era, it can take awhile.  Kudos to photographer, Jim Vetter who scouted out the perfect canvas for this project at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco.  This is a place I'll sum up in one word---elegant!  Says Jim, "As a photographer, my vision for this shoot was to reflect the reawakened interest in early 20th-Century stylings and set it against the metropolitan backdrop of modern San Francisco.  The Mandarin Oriental was the perfect location; the décor is reminiscent of the Art Deco era while still feeling very current. I've shot Amy-Jo's gowns in the past and just love their classic sophistication. These designs compliment the elegant photographic style, I wanted to bring into this project . . . . "
 For me, creating pieces like these was inspired by Hollywood's golden era when women were finally free of corsets, girdles even bras.  The body-hugging bias-cut that once upon a time was a radical concept, has

become classic.  Each and every fabric and lace in this collection was hand-selected for brides

who want a to add some drama while showing off a fit and toned body on their wedding

day. . . . 

 CREDITS

Photography: Jim Vetter Photography

Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup and Hair: Moderne Beauty

                         Styling and Jewelry: Mary Compagno of Nordstrom mary.j.compagno@nordstrom.com
Flowers: Floral Ornaments

Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, San Francisco
Menswear: Selix San Francisco

Models: Ginger Larsen, Rob Williams and Katie Siu

 

 

Read more »

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

Read more »

THE WOOL WEDDING DRESS

Wool? For spring?  Come off it I'm hearing you say.  That's because ordinarily when we think wool, we think of coats and suits.  Did you know wool comes in crepe and jersey?  What's more these weaves drape beautifully and are excellent choices for the gown or dress with a more modern feel.  The wool dress is an excellent choice if you're considering re-wearing after the wedding.  Optimal for wedding suits and contemporary brides wool offers a certain sophisticated chic.  Wool is still perfect for winter weddings especially if you don't want that luxurious fabric finish that most silks proffer.

BEST BETS FOR WOOL WEAVES

Crepe-Like silk crepe, wool crepe drapes closely to the body but has more body.  Great look for evening gowns, bridal suits and more structured silhouettes.

Jersey-Like silk jersey, this knit clings to the body.

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum

Read more »

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

I've always loved the weight and feel of a fabric called antique satin, a cross between shantung and satin crepe.  Here I mixed it up with a little white Chantilly lace, adding a tulle overskirt for a real romantic look.  Modeled by the lovely Sabrina, she's showing off just about every aspect of this dress's charm, as a fitted sheath and ball gown all at once. Oddly enough this particular piece was inspired by another Sabrina--yes, the fictional one played so beautifully by Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film of the same name.  If you remember the scene where she shows up at the party in a number she describes as, " Yards of skirt and way off the shoulder . . ."   This dress is as lovely inside as out, lined in soft China silk.  The hand-rolled floral headpiece is also available as a custom order.

 
                                    Gown available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bride. More pictures available on request . . .

Read more »

THE A-LINE

Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

The hourglass wasn’t Christian Dior’s only reinvention. His A-line hit big in 1955 and stayed with us. An A-line cut is a more modified form of hourglass, bringing with it refinement and understatement. Fitted through the bodice, the A-line can have a slight to moderate flair in the skirt. Dubbed by fashionistas as “The Deb Dress” it’s been one of the most popular silhouettes for the reason it flatters just about every figure type. This just happens to be one of my fav pieces from the Green Chic Collection, available on Etsy . . .

Read more »

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 »