FROM ENGLAND WITH LOVE

Face it, we all have a soft spot for kids.  Stephanie Staub, already well-known in the UK for her Little Eglantine line has just unveiled pieces from the summer 2011 collection..Here's the 'Gallia' green flower girl dress and 'William' green page boy outfit.
The white silk taffeta flower girl dress, with a peter pan collar, puff sleeves and pale green sash is perfect for summer weddings . . .


The 'William' green page boy is made of a ¾ length sleeved shirt, a pair of shorts, both in white cotton, an a pale green taffeta cummerbund to match the girl’s dress.

“I very much like the harmony of white and green. I find it very gentle and refreshing” the designer says.
What makes Little Eglantine so unique not only lies in the exceptional and innovative designs Stephanie offers, but also in the choice of her embroidered, or plain silk taffeta fabrics.

With her attention to detail and refinement, the designer will help you choose and develop designs that will look beautiful and exquisite on children.
“I approached Stephanie without a clear idea or colour scheme for my wedding and she came up with the perfect idea for the wedding. It was all down to her keen eye for colour which was perfect on the day.

The garments were beautifully crafted, original and bespoke. Totally unlike anything one would find in a retail establishment.” A bride

FAST FORWARD

Here are some stunning highlights of  the 2011 Aire Barcelona veil collection.  Aire may very well  be leading the way in over-the-top head chic (no pun intended).  In an era where creativity is paramount in staying ahead of the fashion curve, Aire has combined the best of fast forward with the beauty of tradition . . . Where to buy info here . . .

FEATURED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF MARTHA

You'll find this point d'espirit fascinator on page 176 of the Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings minus gorgeous Janelle here and my magnificent little foster pooch.  I was so happy the editors fell in love with this piece; I equally loved creating it.  Because it's a custom design that means if you love it (and I hope you do) you'll need to custom order it.  No worries, just email or call and I'll send you more detailed images . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal amyjotatum@gmail.com . . .  415.258.8204

I HEART NEW YORK WEDDING

CREDITS

Photography . . . . . Donnie Miller Photography

Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Veil . . . . Batcakes Couture

Venue and Catering . . . . Ravel

Wedding cupcakes . . . . Baby cakes Bakery (Lower East Side)

I have another wedding for you and this one is very close to my heart. You all know how I love and miss New York City. Naturally I was tickled pink when I had the opportunity to design Shell's wedding dress knowing the Manhattan Skyline would be backdrop. Shell and Sean both love NY and wanted to find a venue that showcased their love of the city. Looking for a rooftop for their intimate wedding with friends and family, Shell's mom remembered the Ravel had a great rooftop with a magnificent view (she stayed there once while visiting) . One look and Shell and Sean knew it was the place especially since the Queensboro Bridge is their favorite landmark and the view of the city is awesome!

What I think is the most loving touch throughout all these pictures are the pow! multicolored florals--both the bouquets and table chic--all done by Shell's sister-in-law. Also, while the food was catered by Ravel, the wedding cupcakes came from Babycakes Vegan Bakery on the Lower East Side. As Shell put it, "I'm vegan and wanted a taste of my own wedding cake."
Shell's dress below is The MIRA from my Dioresque collection. The bodice is allover Chantilly lace with a layered chiffon skirt under yards of petticoat, perfect for dancing the night away as you can see in the bottom images. Her veil by Batcakes Couture is absolutely stunning and a perfect match for this 1950s-inspired design. Don't you just love the little white Jackie gloves . . .?

 

 

 

 
A word about the very talented New York photographer, Donnie Miller  Working in the genres of fashion, commercial, travel and wedding photography, his signature work can be seen in clean, clear and brilliant images.  Shell and Sean's wedding pictures  remind me of some of the best aspects of photojournalism . . .

Engagement and Wedding Photo Props

Every wedding is individual. Which is why you may see something that has been done before by someone else that you love. Does that mean you shouldn't use it for your own wedding? NO! There are loads of sites with all kinds of wedding inspiration and sure, all of these things have been done before but, NOT BY YOU! I stick by the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" so, if you are inspired by something someone else has done in their wedding, and you love it, by all means...make it yours!! The following items have been done before...over and over. That just means it must be a good idea! When you look back at your engagement and wedding photos, years down the road, I bet you will still love that you used some of these ideas!

Mr and Mrs photo prop signs - these have a dual use because on the back, it also has Thank and You! Sold by pertyfultings on Etsy

This photo was taken by Abigail Seymour - her work is amazing (seriously I looked at every page on her website!) She is based out of Greensboro, NC. You can just tell by her images that she has a gift. Love her work! Check it out...you will be inspired, trust me!

This photograph was also taken by Abigail Seymour from the wedding of Jen and Craig. The table signs (I just loved the saying so much I had to share!) and the Mr and Mrs photo props were made by Pertyfultings

Pertyfultings has some really great things in her shop! Prices are great and options are endless! Love that! This "Just Hitched" photo prop is also double sided (for twice the use!) with a Thanks Y'all on the back! $9.50 

What do you think? Would you love to win your choice of sign from Pertyfultings? Let me know....

Banner Art

Talking about the two new banners from Lisa Leonard inspired me! I went on a hunt to find other banners that could have many uses for a wedding (and then can be used after!) - I love how they add a personalized aspect to weddings. If you are a crafty, DIY bride you could probably make these but, for me? I would much rather find something that LOOKS like I made it! I am just not good with scissors, sewing, and paper...thankfully, others are! I love the look and feel of having homemade items to personalize your wedding! I also love that these can be used in your home after the wedding! There are so many things you purchase for a wedding that are "one time use" so, anything you can buy for a wedding that has a use AFTER the big day is good for me!  Here are some fun banners I was able to find:

String of Words Alphabet Discs - 12.99

From Mod Cloth - buy here!

This set has many uses! You get 36 thick, sturdy paperboard circles printed with letters reproduced from Victorian wood type and equipped with metal grommets, as well as a ribbon to tie these letters together! Make anything you want....over and over! Perfect price for a banner that you can use at the wedding, reception and then at home!

Love Red Glitter Burlap Banner - 26.00

From Etsy seller Funkyshique 

I have blogged about this Etsy store before....and even hosted a giveaway with her! So, you know I absolutely love her things! (I giveaway things I am in love with and would want for myself! ;) haha). Anyway, I just think her designs are great! They are all handmade and from working with her in the past I can tell you she is SO NICE too!

MR. and MRS. wedding chair hanger signs - 10.00

From Etsy seller CowCountryCreations

Fun Mrs. and Mr. chair banners have a vintage look and are accented with little rhinestone details. The ribbon colors can be changed to match your wedding theme. I thought the price was perfect for two!

PARISIAN HONEY

 
Audrey is always an inspiration.  Paired up with honey and gold accessories for spring  time in Paris and what a set of possibilities we have here.  Love the teacup and parasol touch here.  A big thank you to Karissa over at SMP Style Circle for making this medley of charms possible . . .

Pennant Banners by Lisa Leonard

Had to share another new design by Lisa Leonard - the pennant banner! Each pennant is hand-cast and then hand-stamped with a large 1" letter. Price starts at $44 and includes 4 pennant flags, each add'l flag only $9.

Today TWO people will win a hand-stamped pennant banner with up to 6 flags! Click here to enter!! Good luck (and let me know if you win!)

AHEAD OF CHIC

 
Check out these lovelies from Breathe Couture, a great place for one-of-a-kind accessories and jewelry you can't find anywhere else.  Custom made pieces are crafted mostly from upcycled and vintage materials  with lace, ribbons and jewelry  mixed in with contemporary materials.  While inspirations abound from fairy tales in most of these pieces, a little Coco Chanel, Lagerfeld and Dior are also thrown into the mix. 

New Lisa Leonard Designs

I absolutely adore Lisa Leonard designs so, when I saw an email from her today announcing a new decor line I immediately wanted to share!

 Fairy wands, banners, magnets and bowls

 Adorable to use in engagement sessions, at your wedding and then in your home! Banners are $46 for four hearts, each add'l heart only $9. You get to choose your ribbon color, too!

Perfect for your flower girl right? Fairy wands are $26 and can be personalized with a name or special phrase up to 16 characters 

Act quick to get this special discount (valid until Mar 26th): use coupon decor20 for 20% off your entire order!


Also, I know you will be interested in this....Lisa Leonard is hosting a giveaway right now for an oval wall hanging!!! (love it!)

Giveaway Thursday

I LOVE giveaways! I love hosting them, I love entering them and I especially love winning them! I have been scouring some giveaways today that might interest my followers! Some are ending quickly so act fast!

Win 50 invitations and a pair of earrings! Ends Mar 25th!

Win a personalized hanger! End date Mar 31st!

Pick the Fall 2011 catalog cover for Bonny ends April 1st

Win a Ring Bearer Bloom Bowl end April 1st