Friday Inspiration: a Vogue Vintage Wedding from 1929

Dear Reader,

A charming story for our inspiration today: this beautiful bride is Francesca Braggiotti, serene and graceful in her 1929 satin and lace wedding dress... 

Francesca Baggiotti in 1929 wedding dress, photo by Edward Steichen for Vogue.

This demure and elegant 1920s wedding dress was made for Francesca's wedding to John Davis Lodge, and was something of a departure from Francesca's usual style. As you can see, Francesca didn't always look so butter–wouldn't–melt...! 

Mrs Lodge wows on stage. 1930s but so glamorous and so modern.

A famed beauty, Francesca and her sister Berthe were a renowned Italian dance duo, who ran a dance studio above the barracks of the Brookline Fire Department in Massachussetts. Francesca's costumes required special authorisation by the Mayor himself – as they were deemed too small to be worn on a public beach! All in the name of art, of course…

A fan photo of renowned 1920s beauty, Francesca

Francesca met her husband–to–be on the set of a movie; John Davis Lodge was the grandson of a famous Senator and would himself go into politics in later life. But in 1929, at the time of their wedding, he and Francesca made a fabulous glamour couple – the IT couple of 1929! 

Francesca and husband John Davis Lodge

Once his career in politics began to take off, Francesca successfully transformed herself into a very respectable Mrs John Davis Lodge. The papers called her 'the First Lady of Connecticut' and 'a popular member of New York society's younger set'.

A popular member of New York's younger set!

Francesca and John had a long and happy marriage. Here they are in 1971, while John was US Ambassador in Buenos Aires… Still looking rather fabulous.

In the grounds of the US Embassy, Buenos Aires

Francesca lived to the grand age of 96. What a fantastic character, and what a life she must have enjoyed!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you'd like to see more original 1930s wedding dresses and vintage–style dresses,
try my new Etsy store...

And for more vintage–style wedding dresses, 
please check out my Heavenly Collection here…

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White Horses, White Sands... and White Vintage Wedding Dresses.

Dear Reader,
I have gorgeous pictures for you today – all featuring one of my original vintage wedding dresses…




The model is wearing a beautiful 1930s lace dress with a rayon satin slip… dainty and delicate as can be.

It's a classic dress from a wonderful era – simple and romantic, yet with very clever pattern cutting.


It's this quality I've aimed for in 1930s–style Angel and Butterfly, from my own Heavenly Collection... Elegant simplicity, underpinned by the finest fabrics and clever cuts.

These gorgeous beach images are from a shoot by charming Kent wedding photographer, Sam Riley, with the help of stylist Lisa Nicolaou and hair and make-up artist Hannah Sorcha. 

And these lovely wedding blooms are by Wild Things, Mayfair.


One of my vintage veils also features in the pictures. You can see many more at my studio, or even have one specially made to complement your dress...

If you love the dress, I have a few similar 1930s wedding dresses at the moment – priced between £695 and £995. Do contact me if you'd like to come and see them. 

And of course, I have a full range of vintage–inspired wedding dresses in my Heavenly Collection. You can view these in the luxe surroundings of my stockists Luella's Boudoir (London) and Vintage Bride (Dublin).

White ponies, white sands, white dresses… Heavenly!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides


All beach photographs with thanks to Sam Riley
Art Direction & Styling: Lisa Nicolaou
Hair & Make-Up: Hannah Sorcha
Flowers: Wild Things, Mayfair
Film Scans: UK Film Lab
Shot on location at Camber Sands exclusively on film using Fuji 440H with Contax 645 and Canon EOS 1 cameras

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Real Vintage Bride Susan in 1930s-style wedding dress, 'Violette'.

Dear Reader,
Inspired by this burst of early Spring sunshine, I've chosen a seaside summer wedding for our Real Vintage Bride of the week...

1930s-inspired silk satin wedding dress Violette from my Heavenly Collection

For her wedding to Matt last year, gorgeous bride Susan chose to wear Violette in silk satin, from my Heavenly Collection of vintage-inspired wedding dresses.

Fabulosity vintage-style, on the Beach!

Ahh, summer days! Here's what Susan had to say about it…

"It was a beautiful day and I felt amazing in the dress, it was definitely the right choice. I got so many compliments on it all day too – a big success!"

Glorious. Roll on summer.
Love 
Helena 
Heavenly Vintage Brides

For more Real Vintage Brides, check out my website page here...

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