Tuesday, August 31, 2021

INSPIRATION

 A simply beautiful capture behind the scenes of the Art Meets Fashion shoot.  Lauren is wearing the ROCHELLE Dress, a 1950s-inspired confection with shirred tulle gauntlets. Available via special order Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture.



Thursday, August 26, 2021

PERENNIAL FAVES

I want to share a bit of chic that never seems to go stale or become dated--the hourglass silhouette.  MADELYN is indeed a perennial favorite of the DIORESQUE Collection, mostly hourglass silhouettes inspired by Mid-Century couture.  Full skirts and bridalwear are synonymous with ultra-femme and romantic dressing.  This confection is wrapped in layers of tulle including the lace bodice.  Hooks and eyes are used as back closures instead of covered buttons. 
The dress falls just above the ankles (1950s cocktail-length) a look I seem to be totally and perennially obsessed with.

Dress by Amy Jo Tatum Bridal Couture//Flowers by Victoria's Florals and Event Design//Hair: Style by Lana///Makeup: EliteStylist


Friday, July 9, 2021

A WORD ABOUT DROP DEAD GORGEOUS VEILS

 

Drop veils and mantillas are basically the same thing--a layer of tulle bordered in lace, literally dropped on the head. You can wear it over the face or set back--case in point: The two models here are wearing the same veil different ways.  Don't you agree, the beauty is in its simplicity and the way it adds that romantic feel to any gown. 

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

 

I call hats like these hybrids for brides who want some kind of veil but don't want to go all-out traditional-- just enough of a pouf to have that shot of tulle that says 'bride'. Available via Amy Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Monday, March 8, 2021

FRENCH COUNTRY ELEGANCE

 Start with natural light and, a pleasing spread of soft blues and pastels.  Add this combo of chic elements and you have the ideal French country theme here.  Your inspiration point: Think 'elegant' with touches of provincial and you've nailed the look.  

The Details: Elegant and relaxed.  Floral arrangements and bouquets that look like they've just been picked out of the garden, put in in crystal vases that sit amid fine china.  
The Dress: Romantic and easy to wear. A satin light blue and Chantilly lace bodice atop a sweep of tulle skirt and layers of crinoline.  

Photos 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 &12 A Time to Keep Photography//Photo 4:--John T Photography//Photo 10-Lirette Photography//Photo 11:Alayna Kaye Photography

Detail Photos: A Time to Keep Photography//Favors and Gifts:Ariem Body Co//DIY or Handmade Goods Designer:Hands to Learn////Design and Decor: A & R Weddingscapes//Jewelry:Ariem Treasures//Bakery: Three sisters cake shop//Calligrapher: Molly Grace Makes//Reception Venue:The Salt Farm//Floral Designer: Apotheca Flowers//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Monday, March 1, 2021

RUSTIC AND ELEGANT

My definition of rustically elegant: finding a palette that blends nature with the exquisite even baroque touches of fashion and decor.  Think of a beautifully set rough-hewn wood table with porcelain and crystal amongst the trees.  Imagine a Dioresque ballgown in a sustainable or upcycled fabric.  Just remember the key to bringing all these elements together is creating a balance.  Keeping the equilibrium between opposing details is a visual thing you can measure by the process of elimination or addition.  Trust your eyes. You'll know if everything works in tandem.

 
The Details: Wicker settees flank a table of bare wood heaped in crystal, fine china, and classically romantic roses in a palette complementary to the simple organic theme
Above: The detail of this corset is adorned in repurposed laces. The dress on the right is a vintage 1930s gown of Chantilly lace.  A real rustic touch, the bride holds a bouquet of wildflowers. 

CREDITS
Photo 1: Lace Corset Pearl Hsiesh Photography//Photo 2: Gold urn and tea service Judy Nunez Photography///Photo 3: Dresden China Photo Chic///Photo 4: Model in strapless ballgown by Winter Tree Studios//Photo 5: Vintage lace gown Tara Lynn Lawton ///Photo 6: Tea service Judy Nunez Photography//Photo 7: Bride in shabby chic Tara Lynn Lawton///Photo///Photo 8: Place setting Michelle Chang Photography///Photo 9: Shoes and veil Pearl Hsiesh Photography/// Photo 10: Wine glasses Photo Chic//Photo 11: Bride and groom with champagne Pearl Hsiesh Photography//  Photo 12: Cage veil Smoot Photo
All bridalwear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Monday, February 22, 2021

THE GARDEN PARTY WEDDING

 I incorporated some of my most fave photos of all time for this post.  After all, anyone who knows me knows garden parties and tea time have to be my number one wedding theme.  Once upon a time when I was a tyke, I thought garden weddings were actually held in gardens amid rose bushes and dark soil.  Once I was old enough to really catch on, the garden weddings I saw were on TV in old movies in black and white. Dated flicks aside, these afternoon socials aka garden parties were big in the 1920s-30s.  Think Jay Gatsby and Katherine Hepburn. Fast forward to my designer years and I see just what you do here: the beauty of green and the vivid colors of florals, vintage fashion and all-around elegance.

The Details: Garden wedding fashion is ripe for any kind of hat, the wider the brim, the more drama.  Gloves and pouf veils are sweet touches--anything that adds romance goes. Florals on gowns and lots of wispy fabrics or lace add to the play.  Tables are set up outdoors and elegant like the ones above.  The  Chippendale chairs and Regency table add that old-time feel.  Heaps of roses, peonies and greenery paired with teacups make a great statement at garden weddings.

CREDITS
Photo 1: The Cabbage rose picture hat-Greystar Pictures/// Photo 2: Dress with floral train--Pixamage///Photo 3: Bride in wide-brimmed hat--Photo Chic//Photos 4 and 5: Table settings--Winter Tree Studios///Photo 6: Bride in fly-away veil--Pixamige///Photo 7: Bride in rose garden--Jim Vetter Photography//Photo 8: Bride in a field of green--Erica Garlieb Photography//Photo 9: Bride holding a tea cup--Jim Vetter Photography///Photo 10: Head pouf--Photo Chic///Photo 11:Table Setting--Alix Art and Photography

Thursday, February 18, 2021

THE HISTORY OF BRIDAL PORTRAITS

Once upon a time (early to mid-century), bridal portraits were taken about a month prior to the actual wedding day. It was always a solo picture of the bride either in her home or a studio setting and usually published in the local papers post-wedding. These days the bridal ports sync with all the wedding day photos--first look, getting ready, groomsmen, etc.
The above I captured of the photographer shooting the bride in a very special moment just after she was primped and primed, the below was shot by the above photographer Hayden Housini.
Makeup artist and hairstylist, Felicia Chang of Bun Bun Bridal Lab///Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture


Wednesday, February 17, 2021

A TREAT FOR VINTAGE FASHION LOVERS


Fans of vintage fashion love this kind of head chic. Made to order, this small pancake hat with a hand-rolled rose and shot of point d'spirit is a wonderful touch for brides who may not be into veils any longer than this gem here. Most brides tell me they want a hat, fascinator or pouf for the simple reason they are easy to wear.  Veils are high maintenance for sure and need arranging and/or taking off come reception time. Love it? Inquire here--it's a custom order.

Monday, February 15, 2021

A SPRING ELOPEMENT

 I begin every post on elopements with the explanation elopements once upon a time could be a little bit to very taboo affairs.  Running off to tie the knot usually meant you had to do it in secrecy. It still means the two of you slipping away, or getting away, only now there's no stigma.  Some couples think of it as a celebration of intimacy--all the trimmings of a wedding just for you.  Especially appropriate now because of the pandemic, here is your inspo for a spring getaway in the countryside.  The bright, vivid pastels of pinks and yellows infused with white and greens say, the dawning of a new season is upon us--the beginning of our journey.  


The Details: Mason jars hold a mix of cherished classics, lemons, and mix of wildflowers looking like the kids just picked them out of the fields. 
The Dress: Boho 1950s blended with the romantic charm of Chantilly lace and yards of white tulle. The groom is in a classic summer light blue ideal for Spring.  The best hint I can give on what to wear is keeping everything simple and above all comfortable.  
 
CREDITS
Florals and Decor: Holly Sanneman

Friday, February 12, 2021

CHIC OF THE WEEK

 Gowns with multiple skirts called tiers are incredibly romantic. The tiers on this one fall asymmetrically and are bordered lace that fall into a sweep train in back. Add an all over Chantilly lace bodice into the design and you have the perfect Boho bridal look.  This white tulle gown was named after the beautiful Angelique who is wearing it. You can see more photos of this jewel on Etsy.  


Gowns and Headpieces: Amy-Jo Tatum
Makeup and Hair: Julie Morgan
Flowers: Bride Chic


Thursday, February 11, 2021

SALUTE TO DIOR

 
It’s still cold out so I thought I might put out some heavier fabrics that conduct warmth but have that look toward Spring.  Reminiscent of Christian Dior and the era he ushered in, this is an embossed faille made into a full skirt with a bustier. and a separate portrait collar piece.  The head chic is for me what ties this gem together: the three hand-rolled silk dupioni florals adorning a bun.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

PIC OF THE WEEK

 Here's some drama!  A shot of Brooke looking every bit lovely in the ivory cathedral veil.  Because this veil has so much length and character, we paired it up with a simpler silhouette.  Surprisingly, it will work with more ornate gowns and come off looking spectacular!  Read more about long veils here

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

MAGNOLIAS AND IVY

 This is a salute to Spring and sort of DIY project I created to inspire boho brides and their florists.  To get this waif-in-the-woods look once the makeup and hair folks did their magic on lovely Hana, I wove in real and silk foliage combinations all over the gown and headpiece.  READ MORE . . .

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW IN THE DESIGN STUDIO

 Here we go with a rich blend of past and present chic from the collections. Some of it I have to admit is timeless in trendiness–10 years later a few of these gems are still being ordered and customized. The hourglass/1950s silhouette continues to be a big fave with my clients and maybe the reason they come to me in particular. But the clingy gowns that hark back to the 1920/30s have to be my biggest and most personal inspo this past year. Right now I’m starting a capsule collection of Titanic/Downton Abbey period dresses. My direction will probably change yet again next season when I see some lovely costume drama with incredible applications on silks.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A TOUCH OF BLUSH

We're always looking forward to spring around here. Spring means our brides are full of ideas and visions, looking ahead, crossing that special threshold of life with the one you love. Pastels usher in this budding time of year, today with a focus on light pinks and blush tones laced and bordered in gold.  Here's a curated collection--a starting point of an inspirational journey you can take whether you are searching for a dress, cake, invites, accessories, or a little bit of everything wrapped in blush and gold.

CREDITS
Photo 1: Alix Art Photography--The Valerie Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum///Photo 2: Pink and gold cake via Pinterest////Photo 3: Pink and gold Mason jars via Golden Creations////Photo 4: Place setting via Ruffled Blog///Photo 5: Gold wrapped invites via Coquety Designs///Photo 6: Hair plume via Powder Blue Bijoux///Photo 7: Veil hung over chair via Ruffled Blog///Photo 8: Bespoke invitations by Margo and Bees via Pinterest.

 

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Monday, January 18, 2021

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

 Meet GLORIANA, the newest gem just off the work table.  The center point is a shirred tullle bodice over Chantilly lace cutouts underneath with custom buttons down the front.  Lots of love of my craft went into fashioning this piece where a mix of all kinds of different laces complement one another. I love being a sustainable designer, using bits of lace from other projects to create something so whole and gorgeous. I call this a real salute to brides wanting to flaunt the Boho/fairytale/pre-1920s theme all at once!.


Monday, December 28, 2020

OH LA LA!!!

I'm taking a few minutes here in these last days of Christmas to share some playful and hopefully inspiring shots of romantic headwear. Spring is almost upon us full of ripe and budding greenery.  The beauty of pouf style headpieces is they can go from earthy Boho to all-out vintage Vogue elegant.  In other words, you could easily change out this look for a suit (like they did in the 1940s) or evening gown with opera gloves, and the pouf would still be on trend and stunning! 
I loved taking these behind the scenes shots of Natalie dancing in my designs. She's a little bit Boho and Oh la la French can-can dancer all at once.  What a beautiful day we had!


Wednesday, December 23, 2020

A ROMANTIC CHRISTMAS WEDDING IN FLORIDA

 

'Tis the season to be married!  Especially in Florida.  We have to admit, there's nothing quite like Christmas nups.  This year it could be more of an elopement with just the two of you. Still, you can have a romantic and quiet celebration with all the trimmings. This striking set of images hails from sunny Florida yet has all the hallmarks of a cozy winter wedding from red berries to the sprigs of fragrant Juniper.  READ MORE . . . . .

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Of all the gowns in the 2019/2020 collection, this is the one I really wanted to get right.  It was inspired by the 3-D mood of the Alencon lace used in the bodice. When I added a mix of Chantilly laces over silk chiffon and tulle the gown came to life.  Meet BRIGITTA taking her rightful place in The Gatsby’s Bride Collection, something incredibly fem-fatale and romantic harkening back to Downton Abbey.  Price on request–available via Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture.

Monday, December 21, 2020

AWESOME SHOOTERS AND FRIENDS

 

The Awesome Shooters series is back!  My appreciation for photographers and the teams that work with them to capture beauty worldwide is no secret.  Today we're sharing a styled shoot celebrating the ultimate elopement.  These days weddings are small, sometimes just the bride and groom tying the knot with only a couple friends or family on the scene. READ MORE . . . . .