Rabu, 14 Januari 2015

My Top 7 Vintage Brides of Last Year

Dear Reader,
While I'm thinking about my trends forecast for 2015, it often helps to look back over past seasons. It shows what worked best, which classics will always be in style, and what new ideas evolved…
It's always a pleasure looking back at my brides. It's almost impossible to choose favourites - I can honestly say they ALL looked fabulous. But here goes (drum roll, please)… in no particular order, my very favourite 7 Real Vintage Brides of last year!

1. MOLLY in ORIGINAL 1960s 'PRISCILLA' WEDDING DRESS

Molly was a real angel, so unassuming and beautiful. We found the perfect dress for her - a high neck, long sleeve, willowy Priscilla of Boston dress.
I love a high neck dress with long sleeves and a slim-fitting skirt. It's such an elegant combination, so modest and charming. And vintage dresses do it best - just like Molly's.
High necklines don’t flatter every figure - I find they work best with a small bust. But when it does work - as here - it looks amazing
These gorgeous pics also showcase a big trend from 2014 - the natural flower circlet. How refreshing to see all those beautiful flower crowns and circlets, after a few years in the wilderness (sorry, just couldn't resist the hopeless pun!)

2. FELICITY in 'BUTTERFLY' 1930s STYLE LACE WEDDING DRESS

Lovely Felicity chose Butterfly from my own collection. I never tire of seeing girls bring my vintage style wedding dresses to life. I feel immensely proud of each bride, they all wear the dresses so differently and bring their own personality and style.
Felicity's dress really shows off her fantastic figure. And to me, her own style makes it looks the epitome of a perfect English summer wedding.  

3. JANE in 1950s LACE WEDDING DRESS

Jane married her charming partner George last summer, in a stunning original 1950s blush lace dress.
I admit to being a bit greedy here. When I met these two lovely and very impressive women, I wanted them both to be Heavenly Vintage Brides! I tried to tempt George as well as Jane, but it was not to be! 
Instead, they cleverly coordinated their styles, both wearing 1950s silhouettes in tea length. And I'm delighted with the results. Jane looks devastating in her 1950s tulle and lace vintage wedding dress - so stylish, and the perfect complement to her dramatic red hair.


4. CHLOE in 1950s STYLE 'BLANCHE' LACE WEDDING DRESS

Chloe looks fabulous in the Blanche 1950s inspired wedding dress from my Heavenly Collection
She chose the ballerina length, with a three-quarter sleeve and we finished it off perfectly with a beautiful silk ribbon and handmade silk rose. It's such a classic beauty - and so is Chloe! 
Chloe and her family were really fun to work with, I loved being a part of their brilliant day.
Beautiful Selina is a teacher. With her lovely athletic figure and even lovelier sweet nature, she suited the Bette dress from my Heavenly Collection so well.
It was a complete pleasure to be involved in Selina's special day. I loved watching her transform from a charming, kind teacher to a fabulously slinky and glamorous bride!

6. BECKY in 1930s LACE WEDDING DRESS

Dainty Becky was married last summer in a delicate lace peach coloured original 1930s dress.
I'm a big fan of pastel coloured lace and vintage has plenty to offer in the way of pretty shades of palest pink, peach and champagne. Inspired by this, I offer a similar choice with my own Heavenly Collection of vintage-inspired wedding dresses. Becky’s dress was so simple and just perfectly lovely for her, she accessorised it very well with the long veil and pretty silk flowers, made by my lovely seamstress Grace.

Lucie chose a stunning 1940s original vintage dress. I've rarely found such a fabulous dress - with its long net train, beautiful corded lace, and those little cap sleeves.
Lucie really shone in her dress at her wedding last summer - a truly beautiful bride and a wonderfully colourful, sunny wedding.
I often feel the 1940s gets a little forgotten, between the slinky 30s bias cutting and the flirty fun 50s dresses. But it's a decade I'm really fond of - sophisticated and glamorous without being fussy.
So there they are, in no particular order. Forgive me if I missed out your own personal favourites - I'm proud to say every one of my brides looked beautiful in their vintage wedding dresses. Take a look at more stunning real vintage brides here… and make your own impossible choice!

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides
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Sabtu, 10 Januari 2015

New Year, New Ideas!

Dear Reader,
Am I allowed to say a very Happy New Year again? (You can keep saying it until the very last Christmas chocolate has been eaten, can't you?) 
And I do wish all my vintage brides-to-be a happy start to 2015 as they plan their weddings. It's a big year for anyone setting off on such an exciting journey!
Well, it's a big year for Heavenly Vintage Brides too. I have lots to tell you. Just read on…!
As always, I'm looking forward to meeting new brides-to-be. It's always a pleasure. And I'm always inspired by my brides' requests and ideas for their vintage wedding dress style. Based on what I've learned from my clients in 2014, I have three exciting developments to announce…!


FIRST, MY NEW RANGE OF VINTAGE-INSPIRED VEILS

I'm often asked for veils to suit vintage wedding dresses. Last year, I concentrated on perfecting veil designs and materials, and I'm delighted to say I'll be launching my vintage-inspired wedding accessories range this year. I'll show off my new vintage-inspired veils very soon, here on my blog.


NEW STOCKISTS FOR THE HEAVENLY COLLECTION

It's not always possible for girls to get an appointment at my studio - my schedule is always crammed and I do see as many as I can. 
So to make sure we never have to turn anyone away, I'm developing a small number of stockists who can take appointments to view my Heavenly Collection of reproduction vintage wedding dresses
Personal service is hugely important - to me and to my clients. So it will only ever be a very small number of boutiques, carefully selected for their understanding of vintage and their ability to guarantee my brides a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Keep watching, as I announce the first ones in the next few weeks.

AND A NEW-LOOK WEBSITE AND BLOG

And to make sure everything is spick and span, I'm busy working on designs for a new website and blog format. I'll be launching in a few weeks - and you'll be the first to know. Watch this (cyber)space!
Meanwhile, many many thanks for checking in regularly. Drop in again soon for fun and informative posts coming up, including my annual New Trends Forecast, a look at vintage-style Winter Wedding Fashion, and my Top 6 Real Vintage Brides of 2014. I've spent many years immersed in vintage wedding fashion and styling, thanks for giving me the chance to share my passion with you!

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides
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Rabu, 31 Desember 2014

…And a Heavenly New Year to You!

Dear Reader,
Wherever you are when the clock strikes twelve tonight, I wish you a Heavenly New Year…!
Looking forward to lots more vintage wedding delights in 2015… 
Lots of love - and thanks for all your support in 2014.

Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides
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Rabu, 24 Desember 2014

A Vintage Christmas!

Dear Reader
What more can I say…?
Thanks so much for all your support this year. I wish you a wonderful Christmas, and here's looking forward to a vintage 2015!
With love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides
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Senin, 22 Desember 2014

Real vintage bride of the week: Jane, in 1950s lace and tulle wedding dress.

Dear Reader,
Today our fabulous vintage bride of the week is Jane. For her London wedding to George, Jane wore a gorgeous original 1950s wedding dress in latte-coloured lace.


Jane and George both wore tea-length dresses with a 1950s silhouette to complement each other's - making two equally beautiful brides. And like the dresses, all their day was a genuine delight. In Jane's words…
"George and I had such an amazing wedding day, it was utterly perfect, such a great party and celebration. By the end of the night we were overwhelmed by the fact we were married and all the love we felt from our fab friends and family."




"My highlights included: all our guests reading out the vows in unison, to which me and George replied together I do!; George singing Amy Winehouse's Valerie with the lyrics changed to Janie (epic!); our first dance to Earth Angel and then dancing the night away."



"I have to say, I felt like a princess in my dress and couldn't stop twirling! I love it so much. Helena - the support, guidance and sheer enjoyment I had on my visits to you, truly made the best start to my wedding planning, and I was so happy to find my 'perfect' dress. I have recommended you to several of my friends getting married next year so I do hope they get to meet you."


I love the way Jane's original 1950s wedding dress sets off her flame-red hair, but I'm sure you'll agree both brides look fabulous, and join me in wishing them big congratulations!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, please try my other Real Vintage Brides

Photographs with thanks to Bethan Haywood Jones
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Minggu, 14 Desember 2014

Quote of the Week- New Starts

“For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning." -TS Eliot


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