Why does every female wedding guest (and one or two blokes) tear up at the sight of the ravishing vision as she makes her way joyously, if a little nerviously down the aisle?

Is it just that this girl we all know and love, who every other day looks pretty much like the rest of us  in normal clothes, lived-in hair and hurredly applied make, has magically been transformed into a creature of such breathtaking beauty?

Or is it something we glimpse about her whole demeanor of joy and hope that seems to have transported her to another time and place; a time that reverred and acknowledged femine beauty and a place where love and trust and fedility could be celebrated with her vows to her beloved?

To have been invited to share this treasured moment, this “leap of faith” that requires such total committment, such depth of trust of one soul to another is bound to humble and remind us that life can be full of such happiness and promise for us all as long as we belive in the power of love.

Once in awhile,
Right in the middle of an ordinary
life,
Love gives us a fairy tale.

The unmistakable face of love and hope; The Bride.

How times have changed!

Arriving at swanky venues in fancy limos or vintage cars, the fashionable young things emerge decked out in glam gowns, striking jewellery, professionally coiffed tresses, oodles of expertly applied make up and staggeringly high killer heels all carefully matched to create a real red-carpet entrance. Even the boys glam up for this long anticipated night of nights in swanky suits and colourful ties and vests.

A far cry from my school formal (if you could call it that) which was held in the local musty CWA hall with it’s 1950′s portrait of The Queen perched above the faded red velvet curtains and it’s creaky dusty floorboards.

Specialising in sumptuous Thai food, the ambience of this place is breathtaking, making it the perfect spot for an intimate garden style wedding.

Staff are friendly yet discreet in the traditional Thai manner, allowing your guests to soak up the atmosphere while being treated to a culinary experience they will long remember.

The place lends itself to a variety of wonderful wedding colour schemes that reflect the bright hues of irridescent flowers and green lacy ferns, all with a backdrop of tall semi-tropical trees, palms and giant bambo.

There cannot be a bad photo taken here as the light is always soft and the faces beaming.

Love abounds at The Spirit House

Bridesmaids are standing up for themselves a little more
these days and having their say on what they will be wearing for what is a very
exciting day for them too.

While all eyes are initially on the bride and that’s as it
should be, the attendants will get their share of the limelight too throughout
the ceremony and the reception.

It is just as important for them to feel comfortable and
happy with what they are wearing as it is for the bride.

Traditionally of course, attendants are chosen on the basis
that they are close friends or relatives of the bride so if everyone’s prepared
at the planning stage to make some small compromises, it shouldn’t be too hard
to come to some agreement on dress colour and style; should it?

If you are having trouble reaching agreement on dress colour
and style, read on!

Style File

IN:

Vintage 50’s high waisted waltz length

French inspired corset bodice and tulle or chiffon skirt
ballet length

Cute bustier and draped skirt just below knee

OUT:

Roman styles

Empire line

Colour palettes

IN:

Black themes including all black, black & white/ ivory
or black and any metallic or exotic.

Metallic’s including gold, silver and pewter

Exotics including purple, orange, cerise, emerald and
turquoise

Neutrals such as white, ivory or nude with touches of
either, black or one of the metallics or exotics.

All pastels including pink, blue, green and lemon.

Reds including scarlet and dark fuchsia.

Out:

There are no colours that could be considered “out”, but
there are colours that can prove problematic.

Varying shades of beige and yellow can look “washed out” on
certain skin tones and hair colouring and are best avoided.

When choosing a colour palette for your bridesmaids, it’s
best to consult first to avoid any disasters.

Most girls know what colours simply don’t suit them and you will
feel a lot happier knowing your attendants will be feeling gorgeous and
confidant on the day.

Pastels always look pretty

Choosing someone who can cater to all your floral needs from the bridal party to the venue and tie in all the other venue decorations is a great first step.

Wendy’s Flowers and Events in Yandina is one local florist/event decorator who combines these two services perfectly.

I asked her where she gets her inspiration from.

“What can I say, I love my job!!
I just love working with flowers and decorating weddings and other
special events. 

I believe your wedding is very personal so because of that, I
don’t do packages.  I sit down with you
and discuss what you’d like to have, your ideas and if you are little lost for
ideas, I’ll suggest some for you.  By the
end of your wedding day you will have hosted a wedding like none other, one
personally designed just for you.
If you want something different for your bouquet and arrangements or if you have something special in mind, I can create
it for you.

I pride myself in using the best flowers that are available.  

I source as many flowers as I can locally and flowers that aren’t in season or
that don’t grow in the area I have air freighted to me overnight so they are as
fresh as they were when they are first picked.
I have a large range of hire stock, including chair covers,
sashes, vases, tea lights, tablecloths, napkins etc. and if I don’t have what
you would like, I’ll try and source it for you.
My very competitive prices include GST, delivery, set up and collection
afterwards.”

If you are lucky enough to find someone like Wendy then you are difinately off to a great start!

vintage table setting by Wendys Flowers and Events

When considering a colour scheme it is best to make your
choice based on the general feel and setting of the wedding, so decide on your
theme and find your venue first, and then build your perfect colour scheme
around it.

Beach weddings can reflect the colour of your natural
surroundings; the aqua blue of the ocean teamed with the creams and whites of
the sand and breaking waves can be an excellent choice.

A tropical garden wedding evokes images of lush tropical
foliage and exotic flowers, so emerald greens, bright purples, orange and
fuchsia will work wonderfully; either as a single colour teamed with ivory or
white, or use two or more of these bright hues together for a beautifully
bright statement.

Soft pastels are perfect for romantic weddings set in rustic
or traditional venues. Pinks, lemons, soft blues, lilacs or apricot are some of
the shades that come to mind, but again, a combination of soft shades can be
used either of the same base colour or of several different light pastels.
Antique colour schemes such as gold, dusky rose, rich cream and brown-greens
also reflect old world charm.

For an ultra modern glamour wedding colour scheme, try metallics
such as silver, pewter, dark gold or bronze. Strong colours such as red, purple
or black also make a striking edgy choice.

Themes should reflect the personalities of the couple and
the choice of venue should tie in with the overall “feel” you wish to create.

Outdoor loving couples may choose a beach or garden setting,
while more traditional couples will opt for a church or indoor venue. Some
couples will have a strong interest in a particular historical or fashion era
such as Medieval, Rock N Roll or Gothic, while others just want simplistic
glamour.

Whatever your personal style dictates, successfully combining
a theme and a colour scheme and choosing the perfect setting will really make
your wedding day something out of the ordinary and one you and your guests will
long remember.

A vintage feel to your outfit can work wonderfully with a country setting.

Choose a style and colour that suits all your bridesmaids

Deciding on the colour and style for your bridesmaids outfits can be more difficult than it seems.

1. Your colour choice – does it suit all girls?
2. Skirt length – what best suits the theme and is most flattering for everyone?
3. Style – one style for all or different features to accomodate varying body issues?
4. Budget – if the girls are paying for their dresses, what limit should be set that everyone is happy with?

• Store bought dresses – may not work if you have decided on the different styling options.
• Internet suppliers – risky unless you choose a very basic style that can have adjustments made if necessary. Factor in alteration costs and delivery charges.
• Custom made dresses – the safest option to get the individual colour and styling choices right. An added bonus is that you can ask for a swatch of your chosen fabric to take to florests and event decorators and can request your designer make accessories for the remaining members of the wedding party (ties and hanks for the men and page boys, sashes for the flower girls) so that  every aspect of your occasion is co-ordinated perfectly. This option can be as affordable an option as any other and offers the most peace of mind for all.

Flower girl dresses need to reflect the “feel” of the setting.

Flower girls, like bridesmaids, come in all age groups and varying shapes and sizes.

1. Choose a neutral colour scheme of white or ivory and add sashes of the main contrast colour.
2. Choose a pretty soft fabric – lace, tulle or organza are ideal, and a basic bodice and skirt styling that works well for all. Small features can be different; for example the tinies can have puffed sleeves, while the older girls can have gathered straps (see picture).
3. Add a touch of pretty trimming – pearl braid, apliques or small fabric flowers all work well and tie the outfits together.

Ballet slippers or flat court shoes seem to be the most popular choice for footwear and often the simplest hair styles work best, particularly for very young girls who can get a bit overwhelmed by all the fuss and excitement and being expected to sit still for a complicated hair-do.

Jewellery should be delicate and understated. A good choice is a small pendant and earrings that match the outfit and can be the perfect “thank you” present from the bride and groom.

]]> http://evisualbridalboutique.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=76 275 http://evisualbridalboutique.com/blog/?p=37 http://evisualbridalboutique.com/blog/?p=37#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:38:48 +0000 Denise http://evisualbridalboutique.com/blog/?p=37 Continue reading →]]>

The Tree, The Swing, The Bride; perfection!Lovely Chelsea just breath-taking in charming gown of tiny rosettes with taffeta bow.

We decided to do a photo shoot at the picturesque Yandina Station  not far from Coolum Beach and wanted to show off some of our new Vintage Romantic gowns. Sally and Athina welcomed us and gave us a guided tour of the property. WOW! A breathtaking place consisting of over 200 acres of pure rustic charm, the Station has a colourful history dating back to 1853 and the homestead and outbuildings still reflect the colonial vintage magic of those bygone days. Choosing the perfect background for the photos was a photographer’s dream. Alan Hughes  our photographer for the shoot was like a kid in a candy store! In every direction was rural perfection, from the massive fig tree with the grazing Brahman cattle in the background, to the fields of lucious lavender, the options were endless. The homestead itself oozes character and grace and is the perfect setting for an intimate function, while the wonderful old barn that overlooks the grazing cattle with Mount Coolum  rising majestically behind made us all want to kick up our heels and do an impromptu joyous jig! Event decorator Wendy from Wendy’s Flowers and Event Hire was beside herself with excitement and artistic zeal as she set about decorating tables in her incomperable vintage styling and attaching a flower-strewn swing to the big old fig tree for our brides, Chelsea and Jana from Asher Model Management/Model Me Little to pose on. The resulting photos are testament to what can be achieved when some of the best of our local talented wedding providers get together!

Gorgeous Jana in White Lace Vintage Gown

Romantic bridal reflections In a field of wild lavender.