PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: ELIZABETH LUNA

Yes, this wedding is recent--Jan 10. San Ysidro is right on the Mexican border which explains the sunny, warm feel of these images by the very talented Riverside, California photographer, Elizabeth Luna. Says Elizabeth about this wedding, "Chris and Sarah met in Sweden while she was in college there. They had a long distance relationship for several years until last Saturday when they tied the knot! I am so grateful to begin the new year documenting this moment. The love they have for each other is quite obvious! Gosh I LOVE my JOB! Chris and Sarah thank you for being you! Thanks for having such awesome personalities and being so loving and open. I felt like part of the family.
Thank you to the following people for making all of this possible. . . . "

Florist Sassa Harte
Make up & Hair LunaBella
Cake Berolina Bakery
Venue San Ysidro Ranch Wine Cellar
Photographer Elizabeth Luna

About Elizabeth Luna

Elizabeth specializes in wedding and engagement photography. Her life and passion are wrapped up in photography. She has a knack for capturing who her clients really
are, their personality, laughter and free spirit through the magic of her lens . . .

SANS THE VEIL

Yes, veils are still trendy and there are more styles out there than ever, but before you make the decision to wear one, consider your options. Today, brides are bypassing the veil, going for special touches like hats, fresh flowers or jewels in their hair. The idea is, if you’d rather wear a feathered fascinator down the aisle and it works with your gown, go for it.


FLORALS in your hair. They compliment simple evening gown silhouettes with a tropical feel, A-lines and ball gowns with a touch of the romantic. There are three kinds of florals: Fresh, artificial and hand-rolled fabric flowers. All are beautiful choices. Fresh can be ordered through your florist possibly echoing some of those in your bouquet. Artificial flowers are typically silk, some so well made they look like they were just picked out of the garden. Hand-rolled flowers are made out of fabric like dupioni, organza or shantung, sometimes in the same fabric as your gown. These have a real haute couture look and are usually attached to a barrette or spongy wire-wrap. You’ll need the help of a hairdresser incorporating fresh flowers into your hair. Artificial ones sometimes come with an attached comb—sometimes not. If not, you’ll need help anchoring these in. Some hairstylists will even weave poufs of netting through the flowers, creating a real high-fashion look.


HEADBAND -- typically attached to a gathered pouf veil, you can wear the headband individually without the veiling. Headband brides have that fresh, Estee Lauder look. Bands range in style from simple, narrow satin ones to those covered in pearls and crystals. A great option for hair worn down, not quite shoulder length like a bob.

TIARA -- Just the tiara — no veil. This is a classic look. Most tiaras are made out of crystal and rhinestone. Best when the tiara sits upon a well-coiffed up-do.


HATS & FASCINATORS are the choice of some of the world’s chicest brides. Once you start trying them on, you’ll see how each works with the shape of your face, your body type and gown. Adornments can be feathers, flowers, ribbons, drapes and poufs of netting, to name just a few. The widest assortment can be found on Etsy. And if you don’t find exactly what you want, they’ll be able to custom make it for you.

HAIR JEWELERY -- These can range from Mother of Pearl hairpins to crystal adorned hair-sticks and clips. You can wear one or many sprinkled though a beautifully coiffed head. Top notch hair styling is a must to wear these properly.

SHEATH CHIC

Novia D'Art

The sheath is a favorite of brides who take pride in working out and strutting their stuff. I'm not referring to the evening gown or any variation with a flared skirt but the sheath Audrey made famous--that snug fitting, long columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.

Vera Wang

Giambatista Valli


Priscilla of Boston
The shorter sheath is also an option for the less formal wedding or even rehearsal dinner, bachleorette party or reception. The Priscilla of Boston dress above is short with a longer train, great for brides who want to change out their look from ceremony to reception . . . .

source

Giambattista Valli

Amy-Jo Tatum

Amy-Jo Tatum

INSPIRATION POINT

These gorgeous images are by Annie Bertram a Zurich photographer who's interest in photography was triggered by a course in perspective drawing and structure at the Hochschule for graphics and book art in Leipzig, Germany. Evocative of storytelling, all her images have a dreamlike quality capable of inspiring brides to tune into some rare and unique ideas . . .

VINTAGE GOLD AND IVORY INSPIRATION

This really caught my eye when it first posted to SMP. All the warmth mixed with white makes for a gorgeous palette . . .

LEAVING THE COTTAGE

Bonzi

Etsy may well be becoming the new Vogue. Lately the way fashion editors and bridal bloggers have been hailing.some of the artisan/designers with one-of-a-kind products on the site, you'd think so. It seems we have a new breed of fashion star who has left the cottage and moved on to a bigger niche in Bryant Park. Here are a few names: Bonzie, Carol Hannah, Twigs and Honey--all successful designers--all on Etsy. READ THE FULL STORY . . . . . . .

NEW TWISTS ON RINGING IN THE OLD

What do you get when you mix salvaged antique embellishments with vintage jewellery? All of the below and above. Inspired by the beauty and grace of bygone eras, Yulia Kunze began by collecting and reworking vintage items into contemporary headbands, crowns and combs. What started as a hobby became a full time pursuit last month when she launched her website. She says, "Each of my pieces is one-of-a-kind and made from antique and vintage materials - like rhinestones taken from 1920s dresses, art deco jewels, lace and antique embellishments. "

Rhinestone appliques of 1920s flapper dresses, Victorian jet beads, vintage millinery flowers, aged French lace, tulle, every one of Yulia's creations begins with her favored materials. Those materials are sourced worldwide and come from many different time periods to create that custom look. Each piece has a little bit of history behind it making it an individual treasure or unique gift.