ban.do

Weddings Unveiled is known for our fresh and edgy take on the South's modern sophisticate and bold accessorizes have always been the key to our styling, so it's no wonder why we love ban.do. When it comes to unique accessories that add that discerning flare to your wedding gown, ban.do has a stunning collection of handmade headpieces that will always do the trick. From their original ban.do collection of glamorous headbands and beautiful blooms to their collection especially for the bride filled with soft and romantic designs. We especially love their new Black Label couture collection featuring one-of-a-kind pieces handmade from vintage materials and embellishments. To see the entire collection of gorgeous handmade accessories from ban.do, visit their website.







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Dress of the Week

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Real Wedding ~ Katia and Will

We love everything about Katia and Will's gorgeous garden wedding at the Gardens at Ray Eden photographed by Bella Grace Studios and coordinated by Planned Perfection Events. The event was designed in a soft natural palette of whites, chocolate and accents of silver. Katia wore a beautiful satin figure hugging gown with notched neckline, embellished brooch at the bust and flared skirt from the Priscilla of Boston Vineyard Collection. With her hair in a loosely gathered up do at the nape of her neck, Katia added a glittering pair of drop earrings and wore a stunning pair of silver Manolo Blahnik heels. Her bridesmaids wore chic deep silver hued cocktail dresses paired with a black sash around their waists from LOVE by Enzoani and carried smaller versions of Katia's all soft white bouquet of ranunculus, peonies and roses. Will and his groomsmen dressed in tailored black suits with white button downs paired with silver and black striped neckties and boutonnieres of a single white rose bloom, coordinating perfectly with the bridesmaids.

The ceremony in the gardens under the old trees was followed by the reception that took place outdoors as well under a large wooden arbor. Round guest tables were set all around it and draped in crisp white linens paired with white garden chairs. Silver chargers accented the table and sat at each place setting with a printed gray menu card that was folded into a white linen napkin. Centerpieces alternated with black iron lanterns at some tables and small arrangements of white blooms adorning the other guest tables. Round table numbers stood in silver stands and labeled each table, while candles were scattered on the tabletops to create a soft glow for the romantic outdoor garden reception. Don't miss any details from the couple's lovely garden reception, including the cupcake tower featuring white frosted cupcakes in intricately designed chocolate wrappers and their four tier confection trimmed in chocolate ribbon with trailing white blooms. To see more of Katia and Will's Louisville, Kentucky wedding, visit the Bella Grace Studios blog!

Credits:
Photography:
Bella Grace Studios. Wedding Coordinator: Planned Perfection Events. Hair: Kelley Scott. Makeup: Dennis Preston Young. Gown: Priscilla of Boston Vineyard Collection from The Couture Closet. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Bridesmaid Dresses: LOVE by Enzoani from The Couture Closet. Alterations: Sew Formal. Grooms Suit: Hugo Boss. Jewelry: Custom design by Harry Vik. Venue: Gardens at Ray Eden. Ceremony Musicians: Noelle Farmer and Ann Luerman. Reception Entertainment: Carlos Morales of Midnight Magic. Cake: Nicole Morris and Nancy Myers.





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A SALUTE TO THREE GREAT DESIGNERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY


I wanted to share with you those big three designers who influenced my own creating over the past few seasons.  Their imprint is on just about everything we see in the clothing arts.  Here it is, my own version of each designer . . . .

Art Meets Fashion
ROCHELLE
Jewelry by Studiolo
CHRISTIAN DIOR
Christian Dior revolutionized fashion in 1947 with his “New Look”, a 180 turn out of the gray days of fashion following WWII.  Once restrictions lifted on fabric post war, Dior had the freedom to introduce the hourglass silhouette, showing off a cinched waist atop skirts flowing in yards of silks and layers of crinoline. Recently this defined  waist has made a come back and brides are loving it.

SALUTE TO COCO CHANEL 
COCO CHANEL

The great Mademoiselle Chanel spanned several eras of changing fashion. Her most notable signatures are close fitting cloche style hats, halters, separates, jerseys and strands of many different pearl necklaces all worn at once. Until her retirement in 1939, she was the probably the world's most influential designer. She made a comeback in the 1950s ushering in her most enduring contribution to fashion, The Chanel suit still popular today.
I see the Chanel bride of today much like Mademoiselle herself. Casual and classy, sophisticated and quirky. Above all stylish. The bride above is in separates: a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. All her accessories are inspired by Chanel.


Balenciaga Inspired
Photos by John Truong and Stuart Lirette

CHRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA

Balenciaga was one of a handful of couturiers who could actually design, cut, and sew his own designs. A designer's designer, his minimalist creations  were so well crafted they resembled sculptures and were considered the optimal of haute couture circa 1950s and 1960s. Balenciaga would have stayed in Madrid designing for the Spanish aristocracy but the Spanish Civil War forced him to Paris where post war he did some of his most innovative work (see what hanging with a bunch of Paris designers can inspire?).

All gowns and headpeices available though Amy-Jo Tatum 
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Fall Wedding Inspiration

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Real Wedding ~ Meaghan and Andy

Meaghan and Andy were married in a sophisticated, elegant affair at the gorgeous Cloister on Sea Island where Scott Hopkins Photography was there to capture every moment. The event was designed in a beautiful clean palette of mostly whites and a few details in green. Meaghan wore a stunning Vera Wang gown she purchased from one of our favorite boutiques in Charleston, Maddison Row. The gown featured a tiered skirt and tiny ribbon detailing that ran along the back. Meaghan carried an all white bouquet as her ring bearer and flower girls wearing white dresses with matching peridot sashes helped escort her to the outside of the small little chapel where the ceremony was to take place. The chapel's doors were adorned with leafy green wreaths and hydrangea blossoms and the beautiful chapel featured wood floors, Gothic iron chandeliers and spectacular stain glass windows where Meaghan and Andy chose to exchange their vows.

The reception at The Cloister started with a cocktail hour outside the stunning Mediterranean inspired building. Cocktail tables were draped in crisp white linens, while waiters passed drinks and hors d'oeuvres to guests as they enjoyed the spectacular setting. The reception took place inside the magnificient ballroom of The Clositer where sparkling chandeliers hung from the ornate ceiling, which featured gorgeous crown moldings. Guests tables were dressed with white linens and white chivari chairs. Centerpieces of fragrant mixed white blooms decorated the centers of each table along with candle votives that helped create a soft warm glow that filled the room. Everyone danced the night away to the stylings of North Carolina band, Liquid Pleasures who had everyone on their feet. At the end of the night, Meaghan and Andy exited in a 1962 Lincoln Continental that ushered them through an amazing fireworks display. Don't miss a single detail of Meaghan and Andy's elegant Georgia affair, including their all white confection with piped detailing and adorned with calla lilies and a monogram cake topper. To see more of Meaghan and Andy's wedding at The Cloisters, visit the Scott Hopkins Photography blog!

Credits:
Photography:
Scott Hopkins Photography. Gown: Vera Wang from Maddison Row. Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid Charleston. Flower Girl Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Charleston. Venue: Sea Island The Cloister & The Lodge. Caterer: Sea Island. Entertainment: Liquid Pleasure.







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HEADLINES

How gorgeous are these?  British milliner Jane Taylor creates fascinators, hats and headpieces to die for.  In her London studio you'll find everything from vintage-inspired to the theatrical.  Plumes, netting, beads and other gems are found by Jane and woven into all the imaginative chic you see here.  You'll find  her work in Vogue, Elle, and Harpers and of course the bridal mags like Brides UK and Cosmopolitan Brides.  Check out her truly visual feast of a site  Jane Taylor Millinery









Photos courtesy Brides UK
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FALL

Thankful for You
I see the last of November as the perfect break in the holidays for a late fall wedding.  All these deep amber, ochre and aubergine touches say we're just teetering on the brink of winter.  Check out the ivy laced in with the roses . . . the fruits and berries.  Many thanks to Shana over at SMP Style Circle.  I'm forever lifting her beautiful inspiration boards off the site to share with you.  And for a real treat in bridal potpourri check out her blog, Bauble and Bubbles.
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WINTER BEECHES

Winter Beeches
It's officially winter!  At least here in Northern California where the temps have been dropping below freezing at night.  To celebrate the coming of warm and cozy, please enjoy this series of images that the talented Sarah Ehman over at SMP Style Circle whipped up for us.  Want even more inspiration?  You have to see her blog oomphasis, all about mail enhancement (ha, ha!) and other paperlicious goods . . .
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WILLS AND KATE SET THE DATE

Now that it's official, Kate and Wills are tying the knot in the one-thousand year old  Westminster Abbey come April 29, the burning question is, "What will Kate wear?  We can speculate till spring and only one thing will be certain between now and then: Kate will choose a British designer.  I thought this the perfect opportunity to launch a series focusing on the innovative talents of British bridal designers.  First of all, let me say, along with the Dutch, England turns out the most talented bridal designers in the world.  The British can be a bit bi-polar when it comes to fashion though.  Rooted deep is a loyal tradition for adhering to proper dress and protocol.   Despite this, the fashion rebellion and/or avant garde factor is usually going full tilt as well.  Wasn't it cutting edge sixties icon Mary Quant who introduced the mini skirt?  Soon after a plethora of revolutionary mod designs streamed off Carnaby Street and changed the not only the way we dressed forever--but how we lived.  Mix these two extremes--traditional and radical and you're in for some great  if not juxtaposed style sensations . . .
MY PERSONAL FAVS

There's something very romantic about British bridal fashion.  They seem to have the waif/Goth/fairy-tale image all figured out . . . frothy head pieces, gossamer fabrics, florals everywhere.  This is just a sampling of a few of my my favs in the industry . . .

Charlotte Balbier

Charlotte's gowns have either that rose or yellow hue about them including all those gorgeous accessories that go with the look. Always, always so incrdibly feminine . . .

Sassi Holford

One of the reasons I love Sassi's creations other than they are works of art in lace is that she designs and has all her gowns made by hand in her studio. Also I hear she's been in the business almost thirty years and is self taught. She sounds a lot like me.   Sassi’s gowns are known mostly for cut, fit and her incredible use of just the right fabric.

Don't these designs reflect an incredible storybook quality . . .  with a real bit of edge?  Based in her design studio and store in Congleton, Cheshire, Sharon recently paired up with Rosie Panasar, a pioneer in the Asian wedding industry. The bridal wear Sharon and Rosie turn out now is a tour de fore of innovation as well as cut. The imagination and execution of their designs make them true style setters.
I've been following this designer for many years and always marvel that she can take romantisim in so many different directions.  A top notch corset maker, Terry works this skill into
making gorgeous costume-inspired wedding gowns as well.  Her site has a beautiful gifts section and is truly an experience you won't want to miss.

TOP BRITISH DESIGNERS

Caroline Castigliano

Caroline is a master of combining fabrics and layering --underneath as well as outer fabrics
so that they flow and move beautifully.  She also sits down with her clients before any gowns are even looked at and spends about 15 minutes getting to know all about them. 

Jasper Conran

I think of Jasper Conran as a pruist when it comes to style.  A fav designer of the Diana Generation Royals, Jasper designed Lardy Sarah Armstrong-Jones wedding gown  Niece of the Queen, her 1994 wedding gown was simple and elegant.  In 1982 Vogue called Jasper Conran a ‘British superlative’. At only 26 he won the British Designer of the Year Award. Here's what Mary Quant had to say about Conran, 'He makes clothes women want to wear’.


Jasper Conran

Jenny originally trained as a textile designer.The shapes of Packham's dresses may be basic and simple but the construction is more detailed and could be compared to the Dioresque designs of the  1950s, big on intricately placed seams, linings and inner-linings as well as boning and shaping materials. Her full skirts are made with layers of stiff netting and crin..  Best known for accentuating the female form

Art of Being by Elizabeth Emanuel

Elizabeth was Princess Diana's wedding gown designer. The day Diana emerged from her carriage swathed in tulle and taffeta, her storybook gown opened up so many new possibilities. Suddenly bridal designers and manufacturers could innovate and even break a few rules. Overnight Diana, with the help of the husband and wife team known as the Emanuels, eclipsed the granny gown and cookie cutter bridal uniforms of the time.   Fast forward almost thirty years and Elizabeth Emanuel is still producing gowns reflecting that little bit of Belle Epoch, a little bit Boho . . .

Art of Being by Elizabeth Emanuel

Actually Phillipa Lepley is the front runner in the, Who Will Design Kate's Dress Competition?  Known for her sweet and classic gowns, imagine Grace Kelly (of whom Kate resembles)  in one of these gems. 

Phillipa Lepley


Phillipa Lepley


Stay tuned here to find out more about the hottest British designers.  I'll be covering just about everything British and bridal all through the new year . . .
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