WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

photo courtesy of Movie Diva

Meet LYDIA. Actually, those following this blog have seen the LYDIA gown in the recent Hair Art and Smalll Veils for Fashionistas posts last month. Now it's time to meet LYDIA up close and personal.
For me, embossed chiffon is one of the most luxurious fabrics for its draping and floating capabilities. Here I've lined it in silk crepe to make it move like it's part of the bride's skin. The back drape is made out of silk gauze, a fabric so light, (even lighter than chiffon) it practically floats. Dappled here and there on the drape are small silk flowers.

Where I got inspiration for this one is a no-brainer. 1930s Hollywood is my biggest muse and will continue to amuse me as long as they keep all those old movies restored.

Embossed chiffon


You can see more of Lydia and all the new 2008-2009 collection by checking out my website, Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture (But most of the gallery is under construction, sorry for the mess)

Photos by Henley Photography

Make-Up by Rob Ward

Hair by Kathie Rothkop

STEAMPUNK MEETS VICTORIAN GOTHIC

In an artful blend of the steampunk element with Victorian gothic thrown in for good measure, Independent Irish Design Label is oozing with romantic vintage appeal. Designer Yvonne Cotty launched her Bonzie label in 2007 selling mostly online through Etsy.com.

Every Bonzie piece is breathtaking and the workmanship and detail exquisite. Cotty has become so busy since going online with Etsy, she decided it was time to broaden her team. Recently she’s added a new designer to the bunch. “Ger McDonald is a master technician and fantastic designer specifically in the bridal department,” says Cotty. “We are currently working on a new range of products for this Fall and many opportunities are coming our way. We are both passionate about moving forward with the initial concept of unique design with a Victorian-inspired edge.”

You can shop for the Bonzie label products on Etsy. Also check out her blog, Independent Label where you can keep an eye on her awe-inspiring products as they come off the work table on a day-to-day basis.

MORE BRIDESMAID IDEAS FROM GEORGIOU

Georgiou is absolutely one of my favorite stores. Last year my husband got me the dress below as a birthday gift. I love the thing. It's sooooo comfortable I even sleep in it sometimes. This year Georgiou is still carrying it; only in new colors : teal (pictured) burgundy and eggplant. The dress above is slightly different in cut and comes in green and black.

I can swear this is a dress you'll wear again and again if you're a bridesmaid. I have accessorized it to go shopping with a straw basket purse and sandals or slipped on mules and upscale jewelry and gone out on the town dancing in it. It travels well, doesn't wrinkle, yada, yada, yada.

It is simply the best thing I own. Check both these out on Georgiou's site. You're gonna love the price and so will your bridesmaids.

ALL TIME MOVIE MUST SEES FOR BRIDES

Claudette Colbert in Hollywood designer Robert Kalloch's creation for, It Happened One Night (1934)/Photo courtesy of Movie Diva

Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. No, they were'nt real brides but the designers, writers and producers who created them certainly were. Hollywood designers and the actresses who wore their creations influenced the way we look at weddings and fashion today. The two gowns pictured here are works of art and stellar representatives of their times. What could be more 1930s than Robert Kalloch's creation for Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night? The body-hugging bias cut was still a new, even radical concept in 1934, especially for a wedding gown. During this golden era, it was not Paris anymore as much as Hollywood that decreed fashion. This simple satin gown with florals surrounding the neckline could be found today in a few designer collections. The look has become timeless. Attached to the cap head piece you'll see miles of chiffon netting, a light and airy fabric the designer chose because in this story, Colbert needs to become the runaway bride once she decides Clark Gable is the one. As she runs, the veil, long as it is, lifts and floats beautifully off the ground to produce a kind of 'bride in flight' look.

The Givenchy on Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face has become a favorite for brides of every decade. When clients bring in inspiration photos so I can get an idea of what they want in a gown, this photo is pulled out often. And sometimes it is not the exact same dress a bride wants so much as 'the look' it envokes, the epitome of pure, flawless design.

Who else but Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy's tulle ballgown
There are so many 'must see' movies for brides who want to borrow some ideas for gowns. Some are golden oldies, others like Sex in the City, still running in movie theatres. All are romantic, all are incredibly inspiring . . . . Most below are out on video or disc/DVD. Watch your favorite and listen to the commentary if there is one--you'll learn so much.

It Happened One Night (1934)
Father of the Bride (1950)

Father of the Bride (remake 1991)
Panama Hattie (1942)
Design for Living (1933)
The Sound of Music (1965)

The Graduate (1967)

Penelope (1966)

Sex and the City (2008)

Special thanks to Movie Diva for all the enlightening movie trivia

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT

These goregeous photos are the work of Alex Rodriguez. No, I don't mean the New York Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez, I'm talking about Florida wedding and fine art photographer, Alex. The photo journalistic style is one thing that drew me to his work.

The other is the picture above. The combo of orchids and jewels against a silk background is unique. Check out the wedding portfolio on his main site, Alex Rodriguez Photography and blog www.alexrodrigueznotebook.com where you'll find more stunning photos.

THE NIE RECOVERY

I was so moved when I heard about what happened to the Nielson Family. On Saturday August 16, Christian and Stephanie Nielson went down in a private plane crash over Arizona. Both are fighting for their lives at the Maricopa Burn Center, Christian with burns over 30% of his body, Stephanie 80%.

The Nielsons have connected with us through the years via the NieNie Dialogues. Response from the blogging community to rally help has been enormous with efforts to arrange benefits and make donations. Want to know how you can help out? There is an entire directory of events you can participate on the Nie Recovery Blog, If you hit the benefit blog button, scroll down through a whole list of events and ideas for raising funds. There is also a recovery fund there you can donate to. Updates on their recovery can be followed at cjane run
Lastly, another way you can help out is by prayer. Prayer is powerful, and while we don’t know exactly why, collective prayer can be very healing. As a collective we are all praying for this beautiful family. Thus, prayer can have two very distinct parts: the meditative state where you connect with God, and the motivational energy which comes to getting out and doing something. After the out pour of concern I’ve seen over the past week to find care for these lovely people, I’d say prayer is instinctive.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

If you’re a bride expecting you're going to find some stunning gowns out there. I’m impressed by all the glossy, editorial-style photos of mom-to-be /brides proudly sporting full, rounded tummies. Designers are finally heeding the call for trendy bridal gowns ranging from the most traditional to total ‘edge’.

Whether you buy online or order from a retailer make sure your getting an actual maternity design, not just a dress cut off a standard empire or tent style. All those adorable dresses you see coming off the runways these days look plenty roomy but real maternity gowns are cut longer in front to accommodate a growing tummy.

All gowns pictured courtesy of Maternity Bride

Photos by Jeremy Montemayor

If you’re ordering online you might want to go one size up on some gowns to ensure proper fit. Designer Sarah Houston has developed a measuring system that does ensure proper fit for a bride at any stage of her expectancy. If you’re having your gown custom made discuss ordering extra fabric with your designer or seamstress. And because someone is always getting pregnant, designers haven’t forgotten your wedding party. Mom’s Night Out offers not only bridal but a few cocktail/bridesmaid styles worth checking out. Below are some of the best sites to get you started.

Mom’s Night Out-Maternity bridal and evening
Sarah Houston-Maternity bridal and bridesmaid
Maternity Bride-Maternity bridal and couture maternity
Bridal Bumps-UK company with maternity division for bride and bridesmaid