Archiving the Dress

You've searched high and low for the perfect wedding dress, the big day comes, you wear it, celebrate and after, in the box it goes, waiting, patiently, that just maybe, someday, someone else will come along and wear it again. But before that pretty little dress finds a new home in the hall closet or heads out to shine for another blushing bride, why not archive your special dress with an avant guarde portrait? Photographer, Dorothy O'Oconnor, has been capturing the feminine spirit of the wedding dress for many sentimental brides with her 4x5 camera, creating portraits that will tell the unique, dreamy story over and over again. How sweet is that? And wouldn't it make for a lovely anniversary gift?
p.s. be sure to also check out Dorothy's fine art work here

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REAL WEDDING: Winter Wedding in the Italian Alps

 I'm so excited to share a winter wedding with you all today, it's one of my favorite seasons for weddings, so romantic, especially when the celebrations involves, a sleigh ride, snow and the alps......
This beautiful couple, Stella and Rob, wanted a winter wonderland setting for their January nuptials, where they could ski and celebrate with friends and family. So, for their wedding celebration, they choose to head to South Tyrol, in the Italian Alps. This special spot is located in the most northern part of Italy, bordered by Austria to the east and north and by Switzerland to the west. Can we say heavenly?
Guests hiked up the mountain for the wedding ceremony, followed by delicious hot mull wine and some celebratory dancing. Then everyone headed back down the mountain on sleds for the reception.

Let the photos tell the rest........

I'm not sure what I love more, the setting, beautiful couple, the bride's purple dress, cream cape, hair style with crown of flowers, small posy, grooms alpine style wedding attire or the dancing in the snow on top of the mountain? A down to earth winter wedding in the alps, how could it get more beautiful than that?  (Photography by Daniel Sheenan)

Sneak Peek: Winter Wedding in Italian Alps

Winter is slowly creeping up and what better way to welcome it then with a winter wedding in the Italian Alps. Stop by Little Winter Bride later today for more on this lovely European wedding....

TREASURE HUNT: Chantilly Lace Shawl

Forgo the veil and rethink the caplet, bolero route or what ever you were thinking of wearing on your shoulders and make a statement with this delicate, ultra feminine black Chantilly lace shawl.  Right?

little weekly finds.......

whimsical flower hair comb

hot funky shoes that I would like in my closet

tiffany glass inspired wedding cake

simple feathers for your hat, head, veil, dress....(found via a desert fete)

simple cotton table arrangement

deconstructed black flapper dress
a sweet video from rockstar diaries to end your week

TREASURE HUNT: The Vintage Bride

Looking for a memorable, timeless wedding dress?
Be sure to check out, The Vintage Bride's online shop where you will find a array of vintage frocks dating from Pre-WWII to 1960's.  They also carry vintage wedding veils and cake toppers....

WEDDING STYLE: Orange Blossoms & Mimosa

Left to Right: Wedding Gown: Malene Birger,  Shoe: Roger Vivier, 1st Blue dress: Catherine Malandrino, 2nd Blue dress: Richard Nicoll, 3rd Blue Dress: Richard Nicoll

This wedding style inspiration would be perfect for an evening, candle lit winter wedding, with lush scents of orange blossom and mimosa wafting in the air.

A 1940's vintage inspired silhouette by Malene Birger, and can we say budget? 400 euros (approx. $560) which means you can splurge on accessories, like those scrumchus Roger Vivier shoes! 

To tie your bridal party in with your attire, mix match them in deep sapphire blue.....preferably velvet for winter.....

What is your winter wedding inspiration? I'd love to know......

ACCESSORIES: Boleros, Shrugs and Caplets

Caplets, Boleros and Shrugs all make for beautiful addition to any brides wedding attire, especially for fall and winter brides, who need a little something to keep the chill off their shoulders. What style are you?

Feathers, Satin, lace and fur oh my....so much to choose from! Here are a few of my favorites....

Clockwise: Karen Millen, Akira, Alice & Olivia, Monsoon,

Romantic at heart? Lace is the way to go....
Why not add a little delicate detail a lace caplet or bolero

Left to Right: Lace cape from The Vintage Wedding Dress, Bolero from Johanna Hehir

Or maybe you're looking for more glamor?
If your wallet can handle a luxury splurge, you can't go wrong, with divine fur caplets from J. Mendel
 I LOVE the navy blue, so elegant.
Wearing a little extra on your shoulders is also a great way to add a splash of color
One of my favorite brides and dear friend, Paola, created a caplet using a piece of Italian black lace and tucked in the back of her dress, how beautiful is that?

LITTLE WHITE DRESS: vivienne westwood

Doesn't this dress scream fun?
This short, magical little number from the ever so talented, Vivienne Westwood......
Would love to know if there is a lucky bride to be out there planning on wearing it.....Love it.

ACCESSORIES: Kate Betts

Spider women anyone?

This spider woman hat designed by Kate Betts, would be the perfect accessory for a Halloween bride to be.....

TREASURE HUNT: Vintage Hollywood

I believe Kate Hepburn could have pulled off something like this vintage frock for her bridal attire, don't ya think?
Such a beauty and those cheekbones!
Who's your Hollywood style icon?
Kate is definitely on my list...

little weekly finds...

how about getting a custom stamp made of you and your honey?
 Japanese maple branches for fall centerpiece and bridal bouquet to match
spooky halloween tags
skinny rose gold wedding band
sweetest little ballerina
holiday vintage dress 
simple pretty bracelet
a sweet wedding portrait

ghostly treats
magical halloween house 

Happy Halloween.......

TREASURE HUNT: 1930's vintage dress

How lovely is this 1930's dress? Would love to see it on a vintage style bride to be....
  The silhouette reminds me of this brides dress

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FLOWER SPOTLIGHT: Foliage Bouquet

Maybe your looking for the non-flower bouquet?
This clever florist from Floral Verde, used a silver-blue\green foliage known as Silver Tree, to create an all green foliage bouquet. So bold and gorgeous, don't you think? You could certainly make a statement carrying this single beautiful hand-crafted bloom down the aisle.
Would you ever choose just green and ixnay the floral? If so, what foliage would you choose?

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ACCESSORIES: Cherubina

Beautiful, vintage inspired hair accessories, all the way from Seville, Spain. As much as I adore the birdcage veil, I believe it's being replaced this season with the decorative headband.....
Cherubina makes some unique pieces that would make a nice alternative to a veil or even an addition, as seen in the second image.
 What accessory will you be wearing on your big day?

WEDDING DECOR: vintage flower vessel

 Love these vintage flower vessels.....
A little splurge for your tables but think about how much you will use them after the wedding, for all those fabulous dinner parties you and your hubs with throw.........

WEDDING STYLE: little black dress

I'm not a big fan of matching the dress to a T for the bridal party, so boring and so not a Little Winter Bride style. Mix it up! But if you really can't stray away from the traditional idea of matching dresses, why not ask your bridal party to stick to one color or palette of colors of your liking but allow them to choose their own silhouette. Preferably something that suits their figure and price range? I know it's the bride and grooms day to shine but I think that it's sweet to make those special peeps around you shine as well. I love the idea of the little black dress for your bridal party or as I like to say "witnesses". Everyone needs a little black dress in their closet, plus it makes for a super chic choice, with a wide range of styles and they WILL wear it again.....

Dress 1: Diane von Furstenberg Dress 2: Vintegous Vintage Dress 3: Alexander Wang Dress 4: C. Madeleines

INSPIRATION: pretty peonies

Holiday Monday for me, so I'm light on the posting but promise to be back tomorrow with some goodies....
enjoy this beautiful arrangement from Lewis Miller Design LMD

little weekly finds.......

 wild flowers and a picnic table for outdoor entertaining
doily table runner,  leaf napkin ring, mini apple place setting
perfect day grey pumps and black velvet for the evening
short vintage champagne ballerina dress
lily of the valley mini cake
1930's slim fitting lace wedding dress
chic black stockings

Decor: hanging plants & flowers

Who says your flower arrangements have to be on the table?
How about these unique upside-down planters from Poketo for extra touch of greenery to your wedding decor?  There are never ending decor possibilities with  these babies.
What plant do you envision in these sky planters? I would like to see the delicate maidenhair fern falling from the ceiling.