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THE VINEYARD BRIDE

CREDITS

Photography by Silvana Di Franco
Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum
Makeup and hair by Tanna-Marie
Fabric Flowers by Heather Murdock of The Blue Orchid 
Real Bride, Barbara Schwan
The intimacy of a private vineyard in Northern California added a rustic feel to this winter shoot by the always artistic wedding photographer, Silvana Di Franco.  Believe it or not these gowns were shot last week. While the rest of the country and world experience one of the coldest winters in a decade, here we are basking in 76 degree sunshine in our own isolated little pocket of the globe . . .


Silks, laces and tulle are stepping further outside the traditional box in 2011.  Here a white tulle skirt is paired with an ivory lace blouse reminiscent of 1970's chic.  Above is a fitted sheath in silk dupioni and chiffon . . . .
CREDITS

Photography by Silvana Di Franco
Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum
Makeup and hair by Tanna-Marie
Fabric Flowers by Heather Murdock of The Blue Orchid 
Real Bride, Barbara Schwan
The intimacy of a private vineyard in Northern California added a rustic feel to this winter shoot by the always artistic wedding photographer, Silvana Di Franco.  Believe it or not these gowns were shot last week. While the rest of the country and world experience one of the coldest winters in a decade, here we are basking in 76 degree sunshine in our own isolated little pocket of the globe . . .


Silks, laces and tulle are stepping further outside the traditional box in 2011.  Here a white tulle skirt is paired with an ivory lace blouse reminiscent of 1970's chic.  Above is a fitted sheath in silk dupioni and chiffon . . . .
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THE FINE ART OF BUYING A SAMPLE GOWN


 There's a whole slew of scenerios for buying a sample gown: Suppose your wedding is next month and you need that gown now? Or suppose you love the sample but it's just been discontinued? Or else you love the sample but can't afford to special order it? You do realize next season a whole new stock will be arriving? This means your salon needs to get the old out of the way; all those gowns with full skirts just hanging there take up space, or haven't you noticed? While sizes are limited and samples mostly run sizes 6-8-10, the good news is, sample markdowns usually go half off, sometimes less. Some salons have sample sales they advertise a couple times a year while others offer marked down stock continually. Absolutely love that gown you just tried on? Offer to buy it. Yes, that same gown. Ordinarily samples are not for sale but this may be the time they're moving in all those spring confections, especially if it is in less than perfect shape, which, more than a few samples tend to be. 


Now, a word about wear and tear: Before you start bargaining, check out how much or how little that soon-to-be-yours gown has been tried on by others. This means really looking at it inside as well as out. Is it ripped, stained, the hem soiled and need cleaning? While most samples have never left the shop, think of them as used gowns considering how many bodies have been in and out of them. The overall condition of most samples has a lot to do with how the salon takes care of their stock. Still, figure on dry cleaning whether the gown looks like it needs it or not. After a good clean and press it will seem revived both inside and out and take on a new life of its own. So the question is, who pays the cleaning bill? In some cases, the more service oriented the establishment, the more accommodating they'll be. As for alterations, you might save them for when and if you have your gown customized. If you are customizing, any nipping in of the waist or shortening of the hemline might have to wait anyway.

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

 There's a whole slew of scenerios for buying a sample gown: Suppose your wedding is next month and you need that gown now? Or suppose you love the sample but it's just been discontinued? Or else you love the sample but can't afford to special order it? You do realize next season a whole new stock will be arriving? This means your salon needs to get the old out of the way; all those gowns with full skirts just hanging there take up space, or haven't you noticed? While sizes are limited and samples mostly run sizes 6-8-10, the good news is, sample markdowns usually go half off, sometimes less. Some salons have sample sales they advertise a couple times a year while others offer marked down stock continually. Absolutely love that gown you just tried on? Offer to buy it. Yes, that same gown. Ordinarily samples are not for sale but this may be the time they're moving in all those spring confections, especially if it is in less than perfect shape, which, more than a few samples tend to be. 


Now, a word about wear and tear: Before you start bargaining, check out how much or how little that soon-to-be-yours gown has been tried on by others. This means really looking at it inside as well as out. Is it ripped, stained, the hem soiled and need cleaning? While most samples have never left the shop, think of them as used gowns considering how many bodies have been in and out of them. The overall condition of most samples has a lot to do with how the salon takes care of their stock. Still, figure on dry cleaning whether the gown looks like it needs it or not. After a good clean and press it will seem revived both inside and out and take on a new life of its own. So the question is, who pays the cleaning bill? In some cases, the more service oriented the establishment, the more accommodating they'll be. As for alterations, you might save them for when and if you have your gown customized. If you are customizing, any nipping in of the waist or shortening of the hemline might have to wait anyway.

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal
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COSTUME INSPIRED: Somewhere in Time

source
 Ever catch this flick made back in 1980 called, Somewhere in Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve? The plot though interesting, is really out there: Playwright Reeve travels back in time via self hypnosis to be with the woman he loves. The acting and overall direction may be ho-hum but the John Barry score paired up with magnificant sets and costumes makes it all so magical. The costumes by Jean-Pierre Dorleac have inspired many of my own creations, including hats and accessories.  If you're a bride-to-be contemplating a highly romantic, early 20th century vintage look, microwave that popcorn, curl up and watch this gem.

Above is the Jean Pierre Dorleac gown that inspired this . . . . .
and this . . . . .
 Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum/Photo: Ryan Chua
source
 Ever catch this flick made back in 1980 called, Somewhere in Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve? The plot though interesting, is really out there: Playwright Reeve travels back in time via self hypnosis to be with the woman he loves. The acting and overall direction may be ho-hum but the John Barry score paired up with magnificant sets and costumes makes it all so magical. The costumes by Jean-Pierre Dorleac have inspired many of my own creations, including hats and accessories.  If you're a bride-to-be contemplating a highly romantic, early 20th century vintage look, microwave that popcorn, curl up and watch this gem.

Above is the Jean Pierre Dorleac gown that inspired this . . . . .
and this . . . . .
 Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum/Photo: Ryan Chua
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FAIRY TALE SPRING

I'm so much in love with all these delicate pastels and soft textures.  Spring will always symbolize rebirth and the beauty of looking forward . . .
I'm so much in love with all these delicate pastels and soft textures.  Spring will always symbolize rebirth and the beauty of looking forward . . .
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TRES CHIC

Tres Chic
What could be cleaner and neater than black and white stripes? Mix in some shades of pink and you have a truly lovely palette.  Thanks once more to Shana over at SMP Style Circle for sharing these lovely images today. . . .
Tres Chic
What could be cleaner and neater than black and white stripes? Mix in some shades of pink and you have a truly lovely palette.  Thanks once more to Shana over at SMP Style Circle for sharing these lovely images today. . . .
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POPPY FIELDS

Poppy Fields
What a great mood this put me in when I found it.  This board evokes sight, taste, smell, and texture all blending together.  Especially love the composition of the little girl with balloons.  Thanks Shana over at SMP Style Circle for sharing this.  More of Shana's inspiration can be found on her site, Baubles and Bubbles.
Poppy Fields
What a great mood this put me in when I found it.  This board evokes sight, taste, smell, and texture all blending together.  Especially love the composition of the little girl with balloons.  Thanks Shana over at SMP Style Circle for sharing this.  More of Shana's inspiration can be found on her site, Baubles and Bubbles.
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THE BRIDAL EFFECT

Finishing touches anyone? Did you know the right accessories pull your whole bridal look together? Topping it all off right down to the toes, here are a few you're gonna luv . . .

THE BRIDAL EFFECT!



Sparkliatti : Fashionable Bride
thealisters.typepad.com


Finishing touches anyone? Did you know the right accessories pull your whole bridal look together? Topping it all off right down to the toes, here are a few you're gonna luv . . .

THE BRIDAL EFFECT!



Sparkliatti : Fashionable Bride
thealisters.typepad.com


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GOING FOR A DRESS WITH GREAT BLING


Bling defined is any crystal or jewel sewn onto your gown--sometimes incorporating intricate embroidery.  How can you tell the exquisite bling from the paste?  Like a lot of things, you know it when you see it.  But you do have to see it.  If you are contemplating a gown or dress with bling, please get a look at it before ordering.  Realize that given the right photographer and Photoshop skill, schlock gowns can look so magnificent, Grace Kelly might be tempted to order one sight unseen.  In real time, there is no substitute for fine workmanship.  Below are the top three designers in the industry specializing in bling . . .
Reem Acra’s bridal gowns are known for luxurious silk satin fabrics, bead work with tiny seed pearls, Saworski crystals, and gold bullion needlework. She began her career in the bridal industry as an embroiderer, and launched her own bridal gown company in 1995.
Designer Amsale says, "Twenty years after the wedding, I want a bride to be able to look at her pictures and be as happy with the way she looked as she was on her wedding day."  Using gorgeous satin fabrics sculpted into time honored silhouettes, Amsale adds exquisite patterns of bead work to the mix.  
A division of Amsale, Kenneth Pool gowns are full of embroidery paired up with, luxe fabrics and remarkable bead work. Amsale's contribution to this line carries on the legacy of the label, celebrating brides who want to make a grand entrance . . . .

Bling defined is any crystal or jewel sewn onto your gown--sometimes incorporating intricate embroidery.  How can you tell the exquisite bling from the paste?  Like a lot of things, you know it when you see it.  But you do have to see it.  If you are contemplating a gown or dress with bling, please get a look at it before ordering.  Realize that given the right photographer and Photoshop skill, schlock gowns can look so magnificent, Grace Kelly might be tempted to order one sight unseen.  In real time, there is no substitute for fine workmanship.  Below are the top three designers in the industry specializing in bling . . .
Reem Acra’s bridal gowns are known for luxurious silk satin fabrics, bead work with tiny seed pearls, Saworski crystals, and gold bullion needlework. She began her career in the bridal industry as an embroiderer, and launched her own bridal gown company in 1995.
Designer Amsale says, "Twenty years after the wedding, I want a bride to be able to look at her pictures and be as happy with the way she looked as she was on her wedding day."  Using gorgeous satin fabrics sculpted into time honored silhouettes, Amsale adds exquisite patterns of bead work to the mix.  
A division of Amsale, Kenneth Pool gowns are full of embroidery paired up with, luxe fabrics and remarkable bead work. Amsale's contribution to this line carries on the legacy of the label, celebrating brides who want to make a grand entrance . . . .
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PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: Silvana Di Franco

Hair styling: Lexi Baldisseri/Makeup: Stephanie Allen: stephaniecollier41@yahoo.com/Beautiful Girl: Janelle Mills 
I have a real treat for you today! I'm hands down in love with the work of Northern California wedding photographer Silvana Di Franco. Imagine an artist with this kind of vision putting together a bridal fashion shoot. Swept away by an original 1970s boho Paris chic, she captures the essence of it magnificently in these images . . . it's part dream and romantic reality of brides everywhere who are in love . . .

A vintage inspired wedding style. This beautiful wedding dress is classic and so completely original.

Dark purple Wedding Bouquet: Local Flora
Hair styling: Lexi Baldisseri
Makeup: Stephanie Allen: stephaniecollier41@yahoo.com
dress: Magpie: 415.258.0200
Hair styling: Lexi Baldisseri/Makeup: Stephanie Allen: stephaniecollier41@yahoo.com/Beautiful Girl: Janelle Mills 
I have a real treat for you today! I'm hands down in love with the work of Northern California wedding photographer Silvana Di Franco. Imagine an artist with this kind of vision putting together a bridal fashion shoot. Swept away by an original 1970s boho Paris chic, she captures the essence of it magnificently in these images . . . it's part dream and romantic reality of brides everywhere who are in love . . .

A vintage inspired wedding style. This beautiful wedding dress is classic and so completely original.

Dark purple Wedding Bouquet: Local Flora
Hair styling: Lexi Baldisseri
Makeup: Stephanie Allen: stephaniecollier41@yahoo.com
dress: Magpie: 415.258.0200
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FEATURED IN MS WEDDINGS

This Oooooooooooooooh-la-la  headpiece crafted out of point d'espirit and silk dupioni is featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (This isn't the picture they used) Actually a fascinator, it's available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture custom order only.
This Oooooooooooooooh-la-la  headpiece crafted out of point d'espirit and silk dupioni is featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (This isn't the picture they used) Actually a fascinator, it's available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture custom order only.
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