Thursday Treats – 18th Feb 2010

Kat

February 18, 2010

What have you been loving this week? Here's my top picks from blog land, the interweb and everywhere in between ♥ Unbridaled - I would imagine that every Rock n Roll Bride can recognise this situation! ♥ Top 10 wedding trends for 2010 ♥ The uber popular Paloma's Nest have relaunched their website and are offering free worldwide shipping on all orders placed before 1st March! ♥ I've been seeing Catbird NYC all over blog land this week. I can see why. This is my persoanl pick. LOVE ♥ Katie & Josh's Eco-Chic wedding ♥ Remember the lesbians ♥ Stripes & tulle ♥ Check out Gingerlily's amazing images and comment on her blog for the chance to win your own print ♥ Heart-shaped - darling vintage valentines decor

1920s Stylee Speakeasy Wedding

Kat

February 17, 2010

I've got a second British post for your today - and this time it's Miriam & Bruce's art deco/speakeasy/1920s-30s inspired wedding. The event took place at The Brickhouse, Brick Lane, London which is in the heart of the city's uber cool East End and was complete with monochromatic colour scheme, gambling tables and cheeky burlesque entertainment. Miriam & Bruce had a humanist ceremony in front of their guests before kicking off a night of unashamed debauchery! Female guests were treated to a black or white feather fan on arrival, and the gents mini bottles of Jack Daniels and chocolate cigars. Miriam wore a dress and ostrich feather shrug from the fabulous Joanna Fleming Design and birdcage veil from Jane Taylor Millinery. Credit: Eye Imagine Wedding Planners: Grant-Riley Weddings

The Designer Wedding Show February 2010 ♥ Highlights

Kat

February 16, 2010

few weeks ago I was offered a couple of tickets to attend The Designer Wedding show in Battersea, London. The event took place from last Friday - Sunday so my friend (and photographer extraordinaire) David McNeil and I thought we'd go check it out in the hope to be inspired, have fun and to actually real-life-meet some of the amazing UK wedding vendors that we've met online. Today I want to share a few of my highlights and photographs from the event so you can see what fun we had. I definitely did and I even got to meet a bunch of Rock n Roll Bride readers. It was the first event I've been to where I actually got recognised which was surreal but certainly nice! Here are some of my (and David's) faves. ♥ Magpie Vintage undoubtedly had one of the busiest stalls of the day. I've wanted to meet Lisa & Tania for ages now and The Designer Wedding show proved to be the perfect opportunity. I wondered up to their stand hoping they'd spot the pink hair and know it was me and as soon as I was within 20 feet I was greeted by Lisa with a massive hug and an "oh my god you look so young!" (haha way to suck up Lisa - you go girl!) and " oh you simply must wear this necklace!" She the proceeded to drape a beautiful powder pink and teal green reclaimed vintage gem around my neck which I was lucky enough to walk around with all day (and yes I did remember to return it after!) ♥ Abbey of Sugalily Stationary and I have been chatting online for months now so it was great to finally meet her in real life. I fell in love with not only her but with her beautiful creations in paper, ribbon and sparkly bits. From retro to classic, colourful to muted, Abbey's display was one of the most indearing there..and she had cupcakes! Now who could say no to that!? ♥ Myself and David had waaaay too much fun at the Booth Nation/Glitterbooth. As we walked past I was instantly drawn to the 8 foot, silver glitter-covered photo booth. We were greeted by Seamus who immediately told us to hop in and give it a go, and inside only a bloomin' built in wind machine (you can see we had fun with that!) I swear to god, if I was getting married again I would totally have one of these. Awesome!

Valentines Pin Up

Kat

February 14, 2010

This subtly sexy pin up shoot is perfect for a Valentines day post. I hope your all having a great day and even if you didn't get a card (ahem - yes Gareth is in the dog house!) I trust your day will be filled with love and laughter. Thanks Stacy

Art Deco Galore

Kat

February 13, 2010

After swooning over all the vintage gorgeousness at The Designer Wedding show yesterday (full blog post including photographs and links to my favourite exhibitors soon!) when the awesome Ian Johnson sent me this art deco wedding I jumped at the chance to feature it asap! Thanks to Ian for sharing these with us. LOVE!

Thursday Treats – 11th Feb 2010

Kat

February 11, 2010

Family Ties

Kat

February 9, 2010

Hannah & Ali’s Quirky, Art Deco and Too-Damn-Freakin’-Cool British Wedding

Kat

February 8, 2010

Do you remember Hannah & Ali's awesome 'at home' engagement shoot complete with their awesome kitty cat? Well I was over the moon to receive an email full to bursting with their quirky, vintagey wedding goodness from their photographer Steve Gerrard just the other day. I am loving Hannah's Jenny Packham dress and headband (le swoon indeed) and the bridesmaids look just too damn cool for school in their All Saints dresses. Their wedding took place just before Christmas at The Daffodil in Cheltenham, a fantastic converted 1920’s Art Deco picture house Steve tells us, The vintage theme continued throughout the wedding and I have to say I wish more couples would go down this route. I think it’s so cool and stylish. Hannah and Ali both looked amazing, but their guests also made a huge effort and win the award for best dressed guests ever! Yep this is defiantly one of the coolest UK weddings I've seen in a while (well...a few days maybe - I get sent a HELL lot of cool weddings!) Thanks to the wonderful Steve for sharing with us. Credit: Steve Gerrard Photography

Carnival Crazy

Kat

February 7, 2010

Dina & Gary's 1920's vaudeville carnival themed wedding makes me wanna squeal. I wish wish wish we'd done something as fabulous as this when we got hitched. The wedding took place at Asbury Park, New Jersey and the pair really went to town with their theme - from popcorn and candy for the guests, a sideshow performance, goldfish in bowls... in fact everything you might expect to find at a carnival! Dina wore a custom dress (made by a friend) and wore jewellery and carried a candy bouquet made by another friend Melissa Heid. Just. Wow. Thanks to Brandi for sharing this awesome day with us. Woooo!

Retro Pin Up Valentines Lovelies

Kat

February 6, 2010

With the day of hearts, flowers and lurrrve fast approaching, I have been inundated with Valentine's themed submissions, however this retro/pin up shoot from Jen Will may well be one of my utter favourites. The shoot took place in her own kitchen which was the perfect setting for the baking theme. "This is part of the reason I love my apartment." Jen tells us "It is the coolest apartment ever, and my love for it is part of the reason I have yet to join the adult world of home ownership. It has a bathroom that would probably rent out as a large bedroom in New York City and a classic stove that came straight from the original Be Witched TV show. No matter where I live in the future, I will always love this place. I am so glad I got to document it in such a special way!" I have to agree... and seeing these really makes me want to get my arse in gear and decorate our house! Thanks to Jen for sharing these.

Let’s Get Mad (Men)

Kat

February 6, 2010

Jenn & Gavin won Ambient Studios' 'Engagement Story Your Way' contest with their unique 60's/Mad Men idea which was fueled by their love of the show, and the style of the era. Photographers Larissa & Trevor told me all about it: Both working within the creative industry the idea of a jumping into the character of a 60's Advertising Executive seemed to be a great fit for this couple. They seemed to enjoy every minute of it and we worked to create photos that not only represented the stark, strong personalities represented on Mad Men, but also their affection for each other. (after all, in the end this fabulous couple is getting married!) The Paddock, an amazing little pub in downtown Toronto was our first location and I have to say, these two ROCKED it! The style of the bar, the classic cocktails, the clothes and Jen's fantastic make-up and hair all came together perfectly. We also spent a bit of time in the Financial District to take advantage of the cityscape as a backdrop as well even though it was quite chilly. All in all, I think all elements came together to create a great contemporary twist on a classic look! Thanks to Larissa & Trevor for sharing this fabulous shoot with us Credit: Ambient Studios

Thursday Treats – 4th Feb 2010

Kat

February 4, 2010

It's my favourite time of the week again and I'm always ready for a little treat aren't you? To stay with, I had to share yet another image by Kirsty Mitchell at the top of this post (she's got the top spot for a second week running now) as this simply is my favourite image I've seen all week. She sent it over to me a few days ago and it's well...just too damn wonderful for words isn't it?! In fact all her photography is really - simply breathtaking...Thanks Kirsty! ♥ I heart this engagement ring made out of a block of wood. So damn sweet ♥ Inspired by: wedding gloves ♥ Red dress lovely - le swoon ♥ Anna Sui's apartment ♥ The Ruche spring catalogue is really really lovely ♥ Stylish and fun Cubu pre-nup session ♥ Life is too f***ing short! ♥ Message on a cookie ♥ More fabulous invitations courtesy of Ilovelolliblog

Amy & Jay and Their Way too Awesome New York Wedding Day

Kat

February 4, 2010

I may well be stating the obvious here, but Amy & Jay's wedding is freakin' awesome. Hell to the yeah...I love to blog this stuff! We were married on 01/02/10 in Brooklyn, NY. We really love our neighborhood and wanted to keep it local, allowing our guests to fully experience the day in Williamsburg Brooklyn. We had our ceremony and three course vegan meal at a place called Monkey Town. As a wedding gift, one of our best friends/dancer/aerialist/choreographer, Sarah Wollschlager, did an aerial performance to Etta James' "At Last," which contributed to the uniqueness and beauty of our ceremony. Our officiant, from the Brooklyn Society of Ethical Culture, Tasha Paley, also made the ceremony even more personal- she brought laughter to our guests and made several of us shed a tear while reading an excerpt from "The Little Prince." We then had the reception at Trophy Bar, which included an open bar, dancing, vegan cupcakes, and a photobooth. For the photobooth, two of our best friends created a caution tape backdrop and set up a wireless remote, allowing the guests to get ready and pose! As far as vegan cupcakes in NYC go, Babycakes is the absolute best...we were so relieved that all of the non-vegan guests really loved them! They also made us a 6" cake, where we put our super cute monster cake toppers, created by Leslie Levins. It was absolutely an incredible day and it wouldn't have been what it was without our amazing friends! Amy had two dresses - the ceremony dress was found on Ebay and was a similar design to Maggie Sottero's Rasharna dress, which she loved but when she saw the less-fussy Ebay version she was sold! Her reception dress was from Betsey Johnson's Spring 2008 collection. She carried a felt bouquet by Jennifer Rae of Ribbons n Bows Boutique (who she discovered through Rock n Roll Bride!) Wanna see more? Check out their slideshow! Oh...and their wedding invitation video is too damn cool for words (check it out after the jump...)

Valentine’s Love Letter

Kat

February 1, 2010

This beautiful Valentine's day/love letter themed shoot was sent to me by Alice Huand I'm afriad I couldn't wait until February 14th to share it with you. The shoot was put together for Fantasy Floral Designs. Amanda Heer is the original creator of the vintage brooch bouquet and for this shoot she created another keepsake bouquet called "Love Letter". The 'flowers' were made from vintage diaries and included photographs of loved ones to add another personal touch. The invitations in this shoot were provided by Papeterie Store. Thanks to Alice & Amanda for sending this over. I know people are going to go nuts for this! Credit: Alice Hu Photography

Enviable Vintage-Cool

Kat

January 31, 2010

A cute couple, both us glasses and fabulous fashion with that enviable vintage-cool vibe (the green dress was Amanda's grandmother's) rocking it with records and just generally hanging out...I just ...yeah, you know I love it. Amanda & David hopped around different locations throughout the East Side of Milwaukee for their engagement shoot. All of the places they visited had significance to their first date, the first stop being a record store. On their first date, David bought a record "for himself," which a few months later he gave to Amanda as a gift. She holds it in one of the photos. They also stopped at Comet Cafe, which was where they had lunch together for the first time. They even brought their own favourite coffee cups for the shoot. Thanks to Miranda & Adam of Capturing Your Day for sharing this shoot Credit: Capturing Your Day

Thursday Treats – 28th Jan 2010

Kat

January 28, 2010

First of all I have to start by saying O.M.G how awesome is this image sent to me by Kirsty Mitchell (and yes the bow was really that big) If you haven't seen her work before then go check out her Flickr - amazing doesn't even cover it! The make up was done by Elbie Van Eeden and I just loooove it. So what else has been going on? Well I've been frantically trying to get on top of all this bloggy goodness plus writing magazine articles (not that I'm complaining!) plus looking forward to the designer wedding show. On that note, thanks to everyone who entered the contest to win 2 free tickets. The winner are (dum dum duuuuuum)

Tasteful, Elegant & Edgy Boudoir

Kat

January 28, 2010

Prompted by my own soiree into the art as well as the fiery debate on the issue on Eastside Bride, I've been thinking about boudoir shoots a lot recently. So, it was almost certainly meant to be that I laid eyes on these perfect examples of tasteful boudoir on Kiss the Groom. Elegant, classy, edgy, ethereal and sexy all at the same time. Yes, I am definitely pro-boudoir...just as long as it's done right. Thanks to Elizabeth for allowing me to share these with you Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography / Kiss the Groom

Vintage Wedding Heaven

Kat

January 28, 2010

I have quite literally died and gone to vintage wedding heaven. This is one of those shoots, that as soon as I saw just one little sneak peak, I emailed the photographer right. that. second to demand to be able to feature them! The ever lovely Lisa of Ophelia Photography was of course more than willing to allow me to have my way with these, and boy am I excited to share. All you lovers of vintage fare are going to go just gaga. Perched on top of stone angel in a Vintage Wedding Gown and a crown of baby pink flowers, Corrie is slipping, almost falling. But that doesn’t compromise her poise; she tries a funny face (very Audrey Hepburn)surprise and a cool couture profile as she lengthens her leg just so. I hold my breath and click my camera following her lead, she is pure magic. When I purchased a Vintage Wedding Gown from GT Antiquesin Port Alberni BC, a few months ago I was instantly overwhelmed with visions of ethereal, romantic, and beautiful images. I conceptualized a beautiful young women who belonged in another world, from a distant time. I knew that the gown would fit perfectly on one of my favourite muses Miss Corrie Flint. Corrie is the type of model that truly evokes a character, and she is not afraid to “go there” and take risks. It is always such an amazing experience to photograph her. Thanks to Lisa for sharing these with us....oooh oooh oooooh don't you just LOVE them!?

Under the Spotlight – Royal Steamline

Kat

January 27, 2010

Something a little different in Under the Spotlight today. I'd like to introduce you to Aerin & Jeremy of Royal Steamline. They specialise in wedding invites with a gothic/steampunk/retro/vintage vibe and I think you're going to totally dig what they do! I can't wait to get going... Who are you and what do you do? Royal Steamline is Aerin and Jeremy -- a husband-and-wife design team based in Portland, Oregon, USA. We create wedding invitations that have a dark, clockwork or otherwise retro/vintage flavor. Through a subtle and sometimes anachronistic combination of shadows, textures and vintage illustrations, we aim to convey a sense of eras strange and forgotten. Sea monsters mingle next to robotic ravens, and gentlemen scientists have tea with rockabilly rebels. Simply stated, we offer unconventional invitations for unconventional people. Who/what are your biggest influences? Who do you really admire? We primarily create designs that aim to capture a theme or mood. Our influences vary wildly -- from vintage fashion & science journals to odd finds at antique stores. Now, if you mean visual artists that we follow and appreciate, here are a few names off the top of our heads: EMEK, Alex Gross, George Tooker, Gregory Crewdson, Joe Coleman, Irving Norman, Guy Burwell, Wayne Douglas Barlowe, Michael Michael Motorcycle, Toni Frissell, Chris Ware, Guy Colwell, R. Kenton Nelson, and Jeremy could stare at Todd Schorr's "The Spectre of Monster Appeal" for hours. What is the ethos and idea behind your business? We want weddings to be cool. We want to change the way people think about weddings and offer alternatives that speak to their personal tastes. About seven years ago, a number of friends who were getting married began coming to us to design custom invitations since they couldn't find anything that epitomized their rockabilly, goth or other non-traditional wedding themes. So, we started to make invitations that were outside of the normal, plain, anemic styles that we were (and still are) seeing everywhere. More and more couples are insisting that their weddings reflect their personal styles instead of conforming to traditional wedding styles, structures, colors and attitudes. We want to contribute to their big party and help them have the weddings they want. How do you come up with invitation ideas? Often, our designs are sparked from a book or artifact on our shelves like a first edition of H.G. Wells' Star Begotten, an Edwardian glass eye, or Liz McGrath curios. Jeremy's been deep into Victorian pulps and I'm obsessed with mourning buttons and early 20th century advertising and science imagery. We're inspired by the stories of retro technology, old movies, textures of old paper...the look of outdated fonts...some crazy ornate border flourish. The combo of the different worlds usually leads to some interesting aesthetics. What is your most popular design? It seems to change every month, but 10/6 is always up there. I think that's because it's so versatile and has its own interpretation for each couple. Do you offer custom work? Of course! We offer unique "from scratch" custom designs, as well as custom design changes to our readymade invitations. Tell me a little about your favourite invitation you created and why. Hmm…I like Coney Island 1896 because I'm a big fan of old sideshow posters and I've got a soft spot for cephalopods. I think it just looks great printed -- and it really sets an undeniably quirky and fun tone. Jeremy likes Vintage Rock because, well, it's a symbol of vintage rock: Viva Gene Vincent and Wanda Jackson! Do you have any advice for people looking for invitation ideas? Really spend some time and look around for the right invitation for you. Your wedding invitation is a great way for your guests to get a peek at all the fun that's to come. And if you don't see what you're looking for, it never hurts to ask! What has been the highlight of your career so far? Really, just doing this full-time is a blast for us. But if we had to name a single client that we were flattered to work with, it might be Voltaire. We were so honored he chose us to create the invitations for what looked to be an awesome goth wedding. Name a couple of bands/songs that are on your stereo at the moment? Music plays a huge role withregard to who we are and what we do (or, maybe, just how we do it). We actually met when we were both living in San Francisco and our first date was basically one big argument about music (but it was great!). We genuinely enjoy a huge range of music: I grew up loving bands like Bauhaus, Ministry, Joy Division, Clan of Xymox, and The Smiths while J listened to stuff like the Misfits, Neurosis, Hawkwind and Einstürzende Neubauten. These days, we're still all over the place! Recently, shows we've seen include Earth, Stereolab, Marissa Nadler, The Raveonettes, Vagabond Opera, King Khan and BBQ, the Horrors, Thrones, Atlas Sound, the Ghastly Ones…We haven't even mentioned Jeremy's love of early Americana (Harry Smith is a big influence) and my collection of hard bop and sad bastard vinyl. What can we expect from you in 2010? We're always working on new designs and will soon be offering matching programs, table numbers and other wedding accoutrements on our website (currently only available by special request). Also, our New Year's Sale is still going on: we put 5 designs on sales the week of New Year's. To contact Aerin & Jeremy about your wedding invitations, go check out their fabulous and inspirational website and drop them an email to hello@royalsteamline.com If you are a photographer or wedding vendor and are interested in being featured in a future ‘Under the Spotlight’ post then drop me an email for all the info.

Deluxe Boudoir

Kat

January 26, 2010

The vintage boudoir style is everywhere right now and it really seems to be sparking people's imaginations! I love how different people perceive things in their own unique way... Obviously my recently shoot was miles away in style to this one sent to me the other day by Courtney Wilson, but the brief was the same - to create some stunning boudoir images with a vintage flair. Courtney told me all about her inspiration behind this shoot: There was an image from Destry Rides Again (1939) where Marlene Deitrich is posed oh-so-sensually in her deluxe boudoir. I saw this image and was completely inspired to theme a shoot around it (the black and white shot was my interpretation of the actual image). The model is my sister, Eva, and she was a very willing subject on a rainy day at my home. After ransacking the whole house, we pulled together our favorite vintage accessories and went to town! Eva wore all her own clothes and I styled the shoot myself. her amazing shoes were from Shoegasm in Manhattan. Thanks to Courtney for sharing her vision with us