Floral Fashionista Fridays: Sarah Seven

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Floral Fashionista Fridays presents the work of a young, talented, independent designer from Portland,Oregon. Her name is Sarah Seven. I think her designs are fabulous. She designs and sews all the dresses herself in her studio. Sarah takes custom orders which take about four weeks to produce.You can learn about all the details in her shop.
Each dress seems to tell a story. When I look at the dresses, I envision a certain style of wedding. This is so inspiring to me as a custom floral designer because it helps me to create a design that befits the bride and her dress. With so many wedding dresses being variations of the same basic style it is so refreshing to see something unique.
If I could have one wish for bridal styles to evolve. I would wish for coloured bridal dresses and shorter hems.....O.K. two wishes! I'm always kind of surprised when these young, hip brides come to see me and they describe their wedding dresses. I guess it surprises me that tradition still plays such a major part in wedding styles for the bride. I truly feel that a bride can hold true to wedding ideals and traditions but still wear a coloured and unique dress. Maybe, it's just me.....my daughter has said she is going to wear bright red on her wedding day! I can't wait! Well, actually I can!
I love the whimsy of this one for a bridesmaid dress. Yellow is a hot spring trend right now. I also just love the moodiness of the photograph. Kudos to the photographer.
O.K. I love, love this dress. Secret Agent Girl! I wish I had the legs to pull it off....sigh. But how cool would this dress be to put on after the reception? Jump on your new husbands motorbike and take off into the night. Again, way cool photograph. I must ask Sarah who the photographer is....
Too cute!
I love simple elegance. It is so great to accessorize with flowers.
I actually think this dress would be great to wear to a summer wedding.
Remember my wish regarding colour? The first bride who contacts me for a wedding consultation who is not wearing white, off white, diamond white,cream,taupe or any derivative of these colours will get 20 % off their bridal bouquet! Mention this blog post...so I remember.
Sarah donates 10% of her profits to charities. Book her while you can.... because the girl is in demand!

Labels: bridal bouquets, bridesmaids dresses, designer dresses, Floral Fashionista Fridays, sarah seven, Spring Wedding Flowers, wedding dresses

posted by Bella Fiore @ 11:23 PM

Natural Beauty: La La Bloom

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

I believe in make up for your wedding day.Even if normally you abstain from wearing any. I don't believe in layering it on thickly and making yourself uncomfortable in the process. I don't believe in putting make up on your skin that is harmful to you in any way.What we put on our bodies ends up in our bodies.
I believe in make up that will enhance your natural beauty, that will make you feel beautiful when all those eyes are looking at you as you walk down the aisle. I believe that well applied makeup transcribes very well to photographs and video. I know this to be true because I have a background in dance and theater.It is always important to define the eyes and lips, as this is what conveys emotion in any medium.
I have worn all kinds of make up from stage pancake to designer spa labels.I have been searching and searching for mineral make up that does not cost an arm and a leg to own. I have been searching for a mineral make up that does not layer on so thickly it looks like you have smeared dirt on your face ! Why the search? Because mineral make up is not harmful to you or your skin and contains no toxins.
I am pleased to introduce to you LaLa Bloom Mineral Makeup My search is over! Where did I find it? Right here in Victoria!
I LOVE IT !
How dramatic is this colour grouping? It's my favourite . Dana the owner of LaLa Bloom makes it easy for the novice by pairing complimentary colours together into kits that you can purchase easily in her online shop.
Look at all the different colours! I am sure there is something for every skin tone.
Absolutely, smoldering!
Eyes are so important in wedding photography.

Lips are so important too!
Especially for the after vows kiss!

Want that golden glow? I've just come back from Maui look without the sun damage?
Good mineral make up applied correctly gives a youthful glow; this is because of the natural light reflectors it contains.Mineral make up enhances your natural beauty without covering it up. Be naturally beautiful on your wedding day and always, always continue to BLOOM !

Labels: lala bloom mineral makeup, natural beauty supplies, wedding makeup

posted by Bella Fiore @ 6:54 PM

Introducing: Bella Bling Hair and Bouquet Jewelry

Monday, April 27, 2009

Introducing Bella Bling our newest line of custom made hair accessories and bouquet jewelry. After years of making these for brides I finally had an "Aha Moment !". My daughter and I were watching our favourite reality ballroom dance program. You know the one, where the girls wear those incredibly beautiful costumes and tend to show a lot of skin? While we were watching we noticed that girl after girl .... all were wearing these incredibly fabulous hair flowers. I mentioned to my daughter how fabulous their hair flowers were. My daughter said, "Yeah, Mom they are nice but not as nice as some of yours. You should sell yours." That's where the "Aha Moment" happened and the rest is history!
These are my absolute favourite because they are so dainty and feminine. They look incredibly beautiful in a bridal up do; they add sparkle and whimsy to just about any hair style.
Custom made hair flowers with netting add a bit of vintage glam to a hairstyle. These can be custom made to match your colour scheme; so don't be afraid to contact us to make something special for you.
These are made attached to alligator clips for easy use.
Ooh La La! This one is called "Swan Lake" and looks fabulous in a bridal up do!
Diamante Bouquet Picks can be custom made in any colour and look great in bridal bouquets and luxe flower arrangements.
Bella Bling Hair and Bouquet Jewelry can be custom made for any occasion in any colour you desire. We can also ship these internationally so do not be afraid to contact us. We would be pleased to make something custom for you. Bella Bling, Bling it On!!

Labels: Bella Bling Hair and Bouquet Jewelry, bouquet jewelry, Bridal accessories, Brides, hair accessories

posted by Bella Fiore @ 7:53 PM

Floral Fashionista Fridays: Natural Bridals

Friday, April 24, 2009

In keeping with our earth friendly theme this week we are featuring Natural Bridals. A new line of eco-friendly designer wedding gowns and accessories designed by Morgan Boszilkov. Morgan is based in Atlanta, Georgia, but works with brides from around the world. These dresses are handcrafted with love in the United States, and 5% of profits are donated to environmental causes. Morgan uses sustainable fabrics and strives to apply green and socially responsible principles to all aspects of her business. Her designs are elegant, beautiful, luxurious and Green!
Some of these dresses have been designed with detachable bottom skirts! This is a great option for a bride who wants something a little different at her reception, or plans to wear the dress again in its shorter form. A multi-purposed dress! We Love it!
Some of the fabrics Morgan uses in her designs are Peace Silk, Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Organic Linen, and Hemp. I have a particular fondness for all these fabrics.Luxurious but practical.

This one is my favorite for it's simple elegance and almost Grecian styling. The neckline, empire waist and soft draping of the fabric is so flattering.
You also got to love the back. Beautiful, elegant and sexy!
Natural Bridals eco-friendly bridal wear for the eco -friendly bride! Maybe we could encourage Morgan to create a line of eco-friendly bridesmaids dresses too. Then you could have one stop shopping!

Labels: eco-friendly bridal wear, eco-friendly weddings, green weddings, natural bridals

posted by Bella Fiore @ 9:39 AM

Jewelry Inspiration: Swept From the Sea

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Swept from the Sea is a local jewelry designer based right here in Victoria, B.C. Yeah! Cheri creates her designs from recycled beach glass found right on our very own beaches and sterling silver. We think her pieces are great for a beach themed wedding and would make lovely gifts for your female attendants. Please check out her shop. She has just had a big Earth Day Sale but am sure she will replenish her shop shortly, so check back.
These are my absolute favorite...flowers and beach glass! Perfect for bride or bridesmaid.
Simple elegance.

Such great jewelry sets for the bride! Very reasonably priced!


A junior bridesmaid or flower girl would love this silver anklet. She has a mermaid one too.
Swept From the Sea such a great business name and we think would make a lovely wedding theme. Think pale aqua, green, or sand coloured bridesmaids dresses, beach venue, bouquets embellished with shells and pearls, flip flops for shoes, seashell embossed cake, seafood appetizers and of course wedding jewelry from Swept from the Sea!

Labels: beach weddings, Jewelry to inspire, swept from the sea, Victoria weddings

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:05 AM

Earth Day 2009 : Seven Ways to a Greener Wedding

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Well, Earth Day is almost over.It's actually very sad that we even have to have an Earth Day. In truth, we should always be thinking about how we can reduce our carbon footprint.Sometimes it's the smallest and easiest things that in the long term makes the greatest impact. Here are seven ways you can have a greener wedding:

1. Start with the Rings: No one ever seems to think that they can make a green choice when purchasing their wedding rings but you can. By purchasing a ring made with recycled gold, platinum or silver you can make a difference. There are many up and coming jewelry designers who only work with recycled precious metals. Do you have lots of gold and silver jewelry lying around? Take it to your local jeweler who specializes in custom rings and have them melt it down to create wedding rings just for you. You will be supporting a local artist and using that old jewelry you never wear anymore.
2. The Invitations: Invitations made from recycled paper, printed with soy ink or ones that after the event your guests can plant because they are embedded with wild flower seeds. Make your wedding invitations like a postcard because it uses less paper. Skip the RSVP inserts instead have an email address set up so that your potential guests can email you their RSVP. If you have a wedding website you could have it directly on your site. Saves paper,stamps and money.
3. The Wedding Dress: More and more designers are designing wedding dresses with hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and fair wage silk.Check in on Floral Fashionista Fridays this week where I feature such a designer. Think of reusing a wedding dress. It could be your Mother's or Grandmother's, even one you found in a second hand store. With a dry clean and some design adjustments by a good seamstress you could actually have the dress of your dreams without breaking the bank. It's very trendy by fashion designers to upscale garments and fabrics to make something new and modern.You can do it too! Think of purchasing a dress you will reuse somewhere else later down the road and don't forget this aspect for your bridesmaids dresses either.
   
4. The Flowers: By using locally grown in season flowers you support your local flower growers. Buy locally grown organic flowers. When purchasing organic flowers from California or Columbia it really doesn't reduce your carbon footprint when you think of what is involved to import them. Look in your own garden you may find some flowers and greens you would love to have in your bouquet. Don't be afraid to wild source, for example salal and ferns grow in abundance on Vancouver Island. Ask your neighbors, friends and family for flowers from their gardens. Have a neighbor who has a green thumb? I do. I'm notorious for spotting plants in my neighbors gardens. "Is that dusty miller I see over there? Would you like some plums in exchange for some?" It also helps to keep bottles of wine, boxes of chocolates or home baking around for bargaining leverage! Some florists do not mind if you bring in flowers from your own garden. I certainly don't. I use wild sourced, neighbor bribed and my own garden pickings all the time in my designs!
   
5. The Food: Buy local organic produce and use a caterer who is all about supporting local artisans. We've got some good ones in Victoria. Build your menu around organic, local initiatives. That goes for your cake too. You can ask your cake baker to only bake your cake with organic ingredients.
6. The Booze: Buy organic beer and wine to serve at your wedding. Even better if it's local.
7. The Candles: Use soy candles, beeswax or vegetable wax. So much better for you and the environment than petroleum based candles. Support your local candle makers.

By using the three "R's" of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in your wedding planning you can make a difference in your local economy and have a stylish, elegant green wedding.

Labels: earth day 2009, green weddings, seven ways to a greener wedding

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:46 PM

A Step Outside the Box

Designed for the bride instead of a traditional bouquet. I just love it!

The Mother's of the Bride and Groom wore matching wristlets.

The flower girl carried this basket and wore white angel wings...you can see a bit of the feathers I added under the hydrangea.

Here is one of the centerpieces. Every table had a different centerpiece all variations of the same theme.
I love it when a bride just allows me to create and trusts me enough to step outside of the box. Weddings do not always have to be "matchy, matchy." As long as a basic colour theme or style is followed a wedding can have a cohesive look while bringing visual interest and dynamics to the event. Do not be afraid to mix it up a bit.
"The further from the path.....the prettier the flower."
~ Little Red Riding Hood ~

Labels: Floral Design, wedding decor, wedding inspirations

posted by Bella Fiore @ 1:23 AM

The Art of Holding Your Bridal Bouquet

Monday, April 20, 2009

I bet you didn't know there is an art to carrying your bridal bouquet. Well there is! I have had this pet peeve for a while now and am going to address it in this post. I look at a lot of wedding photos and it really disturbs me when I see a bride carrying her bouquet too high; usually she is carrying it under her chin somewhere and her elbows are tucked tightly into her sides like she's clutching something precious to her chest. While your wedding bouquet is precious it's not Frodo's ring!
Your wedding bouquet is an accessory like a nice pair of earrings, funky handbag or fabulous pair of shoes. It has been designed to compliment your wedding dress, your build, your colouring as well as fit into your wedding scheme. If you hold your bouquet too high it covers all the beautiful details and embellishments on the bodice of your dress. You know, those details you fretted about in the dress shop.....seed pearls or crystals, cap sleeves or strapless? What about that heirloom necklace your grandmother gave you to wear on your special day? What about that debate you had with your mother regarding showing your cleavage or not....you know..... the conversation you won to wear that plunging V neckline ? Forget about it because you won't see any of it if you hold your bouquet too high! Your poor groom when looking back at your wedding photos will sorely miss those cleavage shots that photographers so love to take! Sigh.Poor guy, I feel for him. Honest I do.
So, how do you hold your bouquet then? Hold your bouquet at your waist so that you elbows can touch the sides of your waist and then take your elbows out slightly so they are no longer touching your sides but have a nice curve in them. See above picture. Tilt the bouquet slightly forward so that the stems are pointing towards your stomach. The reason it is important to lift your elbows away from your sides is that it is flattering to your arms. It gives your arms tone.When your arms are mashed against your sides it makes them look large....even thin arms look larger when pressed tightly against your sides. Trust me it's true. Try it in the mirror. Tilting the bouquet slightly forward insures the bouquet can be seen by everyone including the photographer. A bouquet adds beauty,colour and gives lovely texture to photographs. Keep your bouquet with you for photographs; it is an important bridal accessory that you have put a lot of thought into. It is sad when you have put a lot of thought into your floral pieces for your wedding day and they are not represented well in your photographs. Not all photographers are details orientated. Ask your photographer to get some nice shots of your bridal party and close ups of their floral pieces, including your centerpieces, altar and cake flowers. You'll be happy you did. There are many details to think about when planning a wedding but thank goodness you now know how to hold your bouquet!

Labels: bridal bouquets, the art of holding your bridal bouquet, wedding bouquets

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:04 PM

Floral Fashionista Fridays Presents: It's a Wrap! Part 2

Friday, April 17, 2009

You don't have to be a model to wear something that looks like it's fresh off the runway! This organza ruffle caplet handmade by Christine from modernromancepdx based out Portland is just the ticket to all the glamour needed on your wedding day!
Garden roses wrap is perfect for a breezy garden wedding.
This is my absolute favourite! This silk shoulder wrap perfect for almost any style of wedding dress; so affordable, and great for the bride with an individual sense of style. I love shrugs and caplets and am so happy to see they are making a comeback.Thanks to designers like Christine at modernromancepdx you can look like a million bucks without having to spend it!

Labels: Floral Fashionista Fridays, modernromancepdx, wedding fashion, wedding style

posted by Bella Fiore @ 12:59 AM