Here in the midwest the chilly winter weather seems to just be getting started, but at the flower market the blooms of spring are starting to pop up. This includes one of my (and most peoples) all time favorite flower, the peony. I simply can’t get enough of them, and apparently neither can brides, it’s definitely our most requested wedding flower. Obviously I couldn’t resist sharing this gorgeous pink and white spring bouquet made up of pink and white peonies, and beautiful pink roses. A perfect clutch for a spring bride! Lovely pics by The McCartneys Photography, and flowers by Horants.
September 20th, 2011
Styled Shoot: Sterling Opera House
There’s something so beautiful and unique about an old, vacant building. The years of decay, and disrepair create such a distinctive look and feel, no two structures are alike in the way they change over time. This styled shoot took place on the 122nd Anniversary of the Sterling Opera House’s opening. It’s an amazing place, and it really creates a beautiful backdrop for this shoot submitted by Maler Photography. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the couple, the dress, and the flowers are all stunning as well. Make sure to visit the photographers blog and read more about this Connecticut land mark, and the inspiration behind the shoot.
Who, What, Where: Photography: Maler Photography. Flowers: Blush floral design. Dress: Bridal Trousseau. Fascinator: Flaunt My Feathers.
September 14th, 2011
Featured Vendor: The Social Seam
I often look on Etsy to find great wedding vendors to feature on the blog. As we all know sometimes it can be a challenge to sift through all the shops and find unique, quality products, and that’s what really struck me about The Social Seam, today’s featured vendor. Owner and designer Julie really puts a lot of craftsmanship and care into all of the bags she creates. Her clutches make amazing bridesmaids gifts, her bow ties add a touch of charm to any groomsmen’s ensemble, and her bridal bags are the perfect accessory for any bride to be (my favorite is the Elle). Here’s more about Julie, and The Social Seam (and p.s. I’m crazy jealous of her awesome in-home studio space):
Where to find her: Etsy shop/website, Facebook, Twitter
Where do you live, work, and play?
I live in Overland Park, Kansas, work in my pink and white home sewing studio and work part time at a local fabric and quilt shop.
When did you first become interested in sewing, and what sparked your interest?
My earliest sewing memory was as a child in my mom’s sewing room, probably around 8 years old. Mom sewed most of the girls clothes and some of my brother’s, and I remember sewing stuffed animals for my bed. Mom thinks she cut out most of my patterns for me. In my junior high home ed. class for the sewing project I made a brushed denim wrap skirt. Later, as a mother of young children, I got serious about perfecting my skills and took a class at Harper’s (a fabric store in Kansas) called Sewphisticates. I took that class for years before finally graduating.
When did you decide to start your business, The Social Seam?
The Social Seam began in 2008. I was sewing wedding gown alterations at a local bridal boutique and the owners were so gracious in allowing me to sew, display and sell clutches in their shop. Then I found Etsy and opened an online store. The name of my business is just a play on words, as I am a seamstress envisioning my clutches, wraps and bow ties being out in the social scene.
Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
Inspirations for my designs come in a few forms. I am from the Show-Me state, and a visual learner, so when I see a detail here or there, or see a luxurious fabric, I can take an idea and incorporate it into a clutch. The Christine Clutch design comes from the back of an Alvina Valenta wedding gown, and the Elle Jane Clutch was inspired by a Valentino bag. One little detail on a Michael Kors clutch inspired me to design the Norma Clutch. About 5 years ago I made a wool skirt with a strip of wool that was gathered up and hand sewn onto the front of the skirt in a swirly design. That’s my inspiration for the Kimberly Clutch. I’ve named my designs after family members, friends and the people who have inspired me.
Brides can come to me with their wedding colors to have any clutch design sewn to match. If a bride or bridesmaid is having their dress custom made for them, I can sew a matching clutch out of their fabric remnants.
August 16th, 2011
Real Style to Down the Aisle: Cobalt Blue
We took a month off, but it’s time once again for a post from the lovely Jessie Artigue, of The Concrete Catwalk about outside the box wedding styling. I missed having her on the blog in July, and am happy to say that I’ve heard from a few different brides that her posts have inspired them in making decisions about the look of their wedding party or their own bridal attire and accessories. Hooray for fashion, and now here’s Jessie.
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Even though the fashion world has already had it’s pulse on the beat of Fall for a few months, I’m still trying to bask in the sunny, late-summer as much as possible. Cobalt blue is going to be one of the major stand-out trends of this upcoming Autumn, but I wanted to try and find a way to work it in to a laid-back seaside celebration. With accents of pool blue, these looks would be perfect for a resort destination wedding, and when all the guests have gone home, you’re conveniently already at your honeymoon spot!
The Bride
The Groom
The Bridesmaids
Mother of the Bride/Groom
Honeymooning
August 3rd, 2011
Featured Vendor: Jolie Artistry
There’s no doubt that Jolie knows what she’s doing when it comes to make-up. In all her pictures, whether for a photo shoot, or a real wedding her brides look beautiful and flawless. Plus it definitely doesn’t hurt that her reviews are amazing, I’ve never heard a bride offer anything other than amazing words of praise about her and her work. Here’s a little more about her business, Jolie Artistry:
Where to find her: website, Facebook, Wedding Wire
Where do you live, work, and play?
I live in Mission, KS and have clients from Topeka to Independence, Mo. I’m always on the go, because I specialize in on-site wedding applications. When I’m not working, I’m with my taking my two boys to the pool, the park, ball games and museums.
When did you first become interested in make-up, and what sparked your interest?
I have been interested in makeup since I was in high school. I knew I either wanted to be a fashion photographer or makeup artist. I started doing makeup right out of high school for major brands like Lancome.
photo via Gordon Maxey Photography
When and why did you decide to start your business, Jolie Artistry?
I have worked for every line that you can think of, but I knew I wanted to do my own thing and start my own company where I could express my artistic side! I started my own Jolie Artistry just over 4 years ago, but have been freelancing for 8 years now.
photo via Tom Foley Photography
What’s your favorite type of job to do make-up for other than weddings, and why?
Besides weddings, my favorite is editorial. I just did the KC Magazine Fashion Issue coming out in August and have my work featured in the recent KC Weddings, and Her Life magazines. I have always been influenced by fashion and photography; that is why I love my job so much because I can use these sources of inspiration to achieve the bride’s desired look. I would say that I specialise in the “beauty” part of makeup artistry. I love bringing out a woman’s already attractive features.
Any words of advice for brides considering a make-up artist for their wedding day?
I would say to future brides that it is never to early to find a makeup artist for your upcoming wedding. I have so many inquiries about popular Saturdays that I must refer else where. At least make sure that you set up a meeting or trial with that artist so that you know you to have a connection. I truly am blessed to have the most amazing brides.
