The White Dress by the Shore Sample Sale!
The Saturday from 10AM-4PM The White Dress by the Shore is having an amazing sample sale on bridal gowns from designers Anne Barge, Judd Waddell, Melissa Sweet, Modern Trousseau and Priscilla of Boston! Check out their website for more details!
A Bridal Photo Shoot in Paris — Part 1
At the end of March I had the amazing opportunity to fly off to Paris with my dear friends and colleagues, Robert and Kathleen Trenske and Beth Chapman from The White Dress by the Shore to put together and style a photo shoot in Paris! Clearly, it was my dream location. Can you believe I had never been to Paris? Blasphemy! But I cannot think of a better group of people to explore the city of lights with—especially since Robert and Kathleen could be Parisian tour guides and Beth, well, don’t you think someone as fashionable as her belongs in Paris?
Beth and I worked on coming up with a design board for our shoot, as we usually do, and were really inspired by a photograph that Robert and Kathleen took on their first trip to Paris. We wanted to do a monochromatic, black and white shoot, where the images felt like classic black and whites even in color. I really think we achieved that! Beth had a vision for fashion that was heavily influenced by runway, vogue, and of COURSE Sex in the City!
Throughout the process we worked with Kim Peytet of Parisian Events, who helped us source all the wonderful Parisian venders that collaborated with us! Kim introduced us to so many wonderful people who I will introduce YOU to throughout this post!
During our short (count 4 days!!!!) time in Paris, we did two days full of shooting and one day full of scouting. The other day was the day we all arrived—so we really hit the ground running! This shoot was recently featured on Style Me Pretty, and was part of Robert and Kathleen’s brilliant photography seminar – Taking Off.
Kim secured a beautiful apartment for us to work from and for Robert and Kathleen to teach. It had a roof top deck where we put together an amazing tablescape with the help of several talented people! The morning began with hair and makeup… our model, Segolene, is positively beautiful. Hair and makeup was covered by our new friend, Masafumi Matsuda, who also doubled as our Japanese / Parisian tour guide on day two. =) If you are looking for beauty while in Paris– look no further!! Masafumi is absolutely amazing!!! Beth styled Segolene in the most stunning Modern Trousseau gown before it hit the runway at bridal market and jewelry by The White Dress by the Shore in layers, and layers of decedent pearls and diamonds!
The shoes, by Vouelle, were beautiful white pointed toe heels with a little ruffle of fabric at the toe. Our friend Elizabeth Porcher Jones, lover of all things Paris as well, did the stunning calligraphy on this invitation.
Our male model, Jeremy, wore a classic black tuxedo by the generous folks at Tuxego in New York. Catherine Muller is the talented floral designer and created the ivy and white floral boutonniere. Our talented friends at Posh Paperie in San Diego mailed their amazing program, with ivory, silver, and red embellishments all the way to Paris for our shoot!
We styled the gorgeous tablescape with white linen from our friends at Rentals Unlimited. The best part? They happened to be in Paris (randomly) while we were there, and stopped in to say hello! It truly was an East Coast destination. They also provided the lace-styled chair caps and white napkins. Catherine Muller put together a beautiful white and green arrangement in an antiqued pedestal. The arrangement was very gardeny, filled loosely with calla lilies and other beautiful white flowers. She did an amazing job! The paper flower garland down the center of the table is absolutely brilliant—you need to run out NOW and get some! Originally I had envisioned the garland hanging over the table, but it was really windy on that roof top and there was NO way that was going to work. So we improvised. Thanks to kate’s paperie, the maker of that fabulous garland!
Is that cake not gorgeous? The Sugar Plum Cake Shop in Paris created a white and ecru cake with macaron and ribbon embellishments. Perfection!!! Posh Paperie created the perfect paper ribbon cake topper. The cake pedestal? Lugged in my suitcase (among MANY, MANY things). I’m said to say it didn’t make it home, but it was certainly a worthy sacrifice!!
Segolene wore a beautiful tulle necklace with broach by Miss Ruby Sue (broach by The White Dress by the Shore).
More beautiful table details! We love the place card holders, silverware and knife rests (only in France!), and glass chargers by Noel-Collet. More of Catherine Muller’s beautiful centerpiece and kate’s paperie’s tissue flowers. I love hanging things off the backs of chairs, so you know we had to do something!
Beth had an amazing pose that she wanted to create with Segolene… and viola… magic!!! Her bouquet was similar in style to our centerpiece and we wrapped it in the most BEAUTIFUL lace paper from kate’s paperie. I am still drooling over it!!
For most of the day it rained– so we stayed comfortable inside until the weather broke. We made a mad dash over to the Eiffel Tower for the second half of our shoot!
Big thank you to Robert and Kathleen for coming up with the idea and asking us to be along for the ride! We would have never had the opportunity to do something so amazing if it were not for you. Another big thank you to Beth Chapman, who is always amazing to collaborate with. Your sense of style and fashion really made this photo shoot what it was– spectacular. And big thank you to Marshie, our fashion and craft guru who had so many wonderful ideas!!!! Your energy, enthusiasm and company truly made our trip. We are so grateful to Kim of Parisian Events for introducing us to the wonderful and generous Parisian vendors who were so EASY to work with and fun! Your help was instrumental in the amazing success of our shoot and we are so appreciative!
Thank you all for your time, attention, creative input, and conversation!
More to come. xoxo
Photography: Robert and Kathleen Photographers / Fashion & Model Styling: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore / Event Design, Planning & Coordination: Jubilee Events / Event Planning: Parisian Events / Gown: Modern Trousseau / Jewelry: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore / Makeup & Hair: Masafumi Matsuda / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Tableware: Noel Collet / Shoes: Vouelle / Headpieces: Twigs and Honey / Paper Cake Topper Menus and Escort Cards: Posh Paperie / Lace Paper and Floral Garlands: kate’s paperie / Floral Design: Catherine Muller / Tuxedo: Tuxego / Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones / Cuff Links / Cake: Sugar Plum Cake Shop / Ruffled Tulle Necklace: Miss Ruby Sue / Gown Cleaning and Shoe Preservation: Madame Paulette
New Orleans Wedding Photoshoot: A Sneak Peek!
I am bursting with so much excitement to show you the above mini-teaser from our photoshoot in New Orleans! Big shout out to the amazing Tom Morlock of Vantage Point Films!
This shoot was a real labor of love for me… It truly blossomed into something bigger than I could have ever imagined! Can’t wait to share with you the behind the scenes, but in the meantime, enjoy this video. Below is a big shout out to ALL the vendors who put time and energy into making our shoot amazing!
Jubilee Events, The Cornstalk Hotel, Carla Ten Eyck & Co., The White Dress by the Shore, Datura: A Modern Garden, Jennie Fresa & The Beauty Library, Tom Morlock, Gala Cloths, Dr. Jazz and the New Orleans Sounds, Sucre, Perlis, MADELiNE Shoes, Poetic License Shoes, Posh Paperie, Twigs and Honey, Karen Lindler Designs, Sarah Drake Design, Elizabeth Porcher Jones Calligraphy, Orange & Blossom, Bella Umbrella, Nachtmann, Riedel, and Pommery Gold POP Champagne,
Modern Trousseau trunk show: December 10th-13th at White Dress by the Shore
Our friends at The White Dress by the Shore are hosting a trunk show for Modern Trousseau on December 10th – 13th. They will be showing both bridal and mother of the occasion gowns, with a 10% discount granted off of any Modern Trousseau purchase made during the event. Callie, the design of Modern Trousseau will also be unveiling her incredible 2010 line during this time exclusively at White Dress. Amazing!! Sign up quick as spots are sure to fill. For more information visit the White Dress by the Shore’s special events website!
Modern Trousseau 2010 Bridal Line
Modern Trousseau shared with me their new 2010 line that was shown at market this past week and I’ve been waiting to share it with you! May I introduce…
Addison
Autumn — a personal fav of mine!
Carla
Dalton
Harlow
Hailey
Holly
Lena
McKenzie
Poppy — another fav of mine!
Riley
Sabrina
Vanessa
Violet
an amazing chiffon bolero
fox shrug and a fur bolero
Congratulations to Modern Trousseau on an amazing new line of gowns. You all know my affection for their bridal line — I wore a Modern Trousseau gown myself (Kelsey to be exact!).
If you want to learn more about 2010 bridal market, the styles, fashions, and trends emerging into the new year, take a look at Beth Chapman’s recap from The White Dress by the Shore.
Bridal Market: Ruffles & Feathers!
from left to right: Simone Carvalli via @carleyroney; Atelier Aimee via @carleyroney; Modern Trousseau via Martha Stewart; Jenny Packham via Martha Stewart; Monique Lhuillier via @brides; Ines di Santo via @brides; Jenny Packham via Martha Stewart
There are so many styles emerging at bridal market this week — and thanks to wonderful technology — we’re able to get a glimpse into each show as they unveil their new masterpieces! Here are a few of my favorites that came through my twitter and rss feed. So much more to come!
Fitting at White Dress by the Shore
I was so excited to work with the wonderful girls over at The White Dress by the Shore on my wedding gown and accessories (I did a feature on the blog about them last September). For my first dress fitting I brought along my friend Robin Dini to check out my dress. She surprised me with her camera and took some beautiful shots of Beth, Josie and I talking about different looks and the couture element of ruffled tulle I added to my Modern Trousseau gown. Am I super lucky or what?
Josie did all the alterations to my gown and has come out with her own line of fine European lingerie, sold exclusively at White Dress. Its called Beneath the Gown, and her creations are magnificent!!
Modern Trousseau 2010 Collection: Sneak Peek!
A bunch of awesome landed in my inbox yesterday when Modern Trousseau emailed a glimpse of their new 2010 bridal collection. Yep, it is gorgeous.
left: Laura; right: Liza
left: Macey; right: Sasha
left: Scarlett; right: Stephanie
left: Summer; right: Taylor
left: Willow; right: Zoe
I also just read on The White Dress By the Shore’s new blog that they are exclusively hosting the new collection this weekend.
Trash the Dress with raw photo design
Two weeks ago I had the AMAZING opportunity to be photographed by the ridiculously talented Eric Langlois of raw photo design in Danbury, Connecticut. I contacted Eric many months back to set up a trash the dress session BEFORE my wedding and he was totally game! I wanted to do something different, fun, and geared toward me. I didn’t want to do anything that included water, sand, or woods–so not me. In college I would sneak into old, abandoned and decrepit buildings to photograph them (some of my favorites were Norwich Mental Hospital and Holy Land in Waterbury). I love the stories they would lend and it was so much fun to investigate their history.
Before we go any further — HUGE thanks to Eric Langlois of raw photo design who was totally game for breathing in asbestosis. Also, Tom from Paradigm DV collaborated with us and filmed the entire thing. I saw some raw footage of it and let me tell you, it is SICK (I can’t WAIT to share it!). The dress I wore was “Aimee” from Modern Trousseau via The White Dress by the Shore. The dress was so gorgeous and comfortable– it fit like a glove! My good friend Elisabeth from Blush Floral Design designed the most gorgeous bouquet, inspired by the vintage location we were shooting at. My favorite part? The little bits of tulle she incorporated through out the. My hair and makeup was done by Catie Bane of Dana Bartone & Co. She took my idea of Dita Von Teese and Katherine Heigl and merged them together. Don’t you think she did a super fabulous job? The birdcage veil and fascinator was from Brenda’s Brdal Veils via etsy.com.
A few years ago I came across this abandoned girls college in New York and knew that someday I would have to go back and investigate it myself. Eric and I were tossing around some cool locations to shoot at and then the light bulb went off in my brain! Armed with flash lights and bail money the three of us created a way inside and investigated the top three floors. The site was as scary and desolate as it looks above. The inside was VERY decayed and heavily vandalized; overall, it was pretty dangerous — a whole section of the building had caved in from three floors down (Watch where you step was really an understatement). Having been abandoned for over thirty years the floors were very soft, the paint chipped, weeds and vines had made their way inside. It was absolutely awesome and lived up to every expectation I had.
Eric had some killer ideas and his guidance was amazing. He has such a keen ability to make you feel COMFORTABLE in front of the camera. I was so nervous I was going to give bad Zoolander face — but he steered me in the right direction!!
On our way back, we jumped out of the truck and took a few photographs in this roadside field.. They turned out to be some of my absolute favorites!
Eric has so many more amazing photographs and a killer slideshow on his blog — click here for the slideshow and click here for some additional shots! I didn’t want to post all of them here so go show his blog some LOVE!
Modern Trousseau Trunk Show: March 12th-15th
Our favorite bridal boutique, The White Dress by the Shore is hosting a Modern Trousseau trunk show on March 12th — 15th. Modern Trousseau is an amazing designer based right here in Connecticut. I love them so much I decided to wear one myself! Here is the pertinent information:
Experience the classic elegance of Connecticut based designer Modern Trousseau
March 12th -15th by appointmentTrunk Show hours:
Thursday 12-8
Friday 11-7
Saturday 10-4
*Sunday 11-3:30
by appointment. 860.669.4596*Sunday’s focus will be on the mother of the occasion collection- brides, bring your Moms for a fun day of shopping for both of you!
A 10% discount will be granted off any Modern Trousseau purchase made during this exclusive event.
The White Dress by the Shore: Anne Barge & Couture Bridal Trunk Shows
The White Dress by the Shore, my favorite bridal boutique in Connecticut, is having some fabulous trunk shows this month. If you haven’t purchased your gown yet, then look no further than White Dress. They are the best!
Anne Barge Trunk Show
January 22nd – 24th by appointment
From lace, to ball skirts, to beading~ A collection of couture elegance
A 10% discount will be granted off of any Anne Barge gown purchased during the event.
**As a special gift, receive 15% off any Anne Barge gown purchased with an original retail value over $4500.
Couture Bridal Event
January 20th -30th
A 10% discount will be granted off of any bridal gown in our boutique priced over $3500 during this exclusive event
Designers include~ Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Anne Barge, Judd Waddell & Modern Trousseau
Modern Trousseau Trunk Show: September 25-27th
White Dress by the Shore is having a Modern Trousseau trunk show Thursday, September 25th through Saturday, September 27th. From their website:
A 10% discount will be granted on any Modern Trousseau purchase made during the event
Event Hours (by appointment only)
Thursday 12-8
Friday 11-7
Saturday 10-5:30
by appointment 860.669.4596
I really wish I could attend but I will be in Newport for the weekend for a long deserving vacation to celebrate my birthday. I encourage all of our Connecticut readers to attend the trunk show! Modern Trousseau is exclusively carried by The White Dress by the Shore (read our recent post featuring this beautiful boutique).
Vendor Spotlight: The White Dress by the Shore & Chic by the Shore
Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down with Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore and tour her exquisite boutique. It’s located in downtown Clinton in a historic and beautiful old home (I think she said it was over two hundred years old!). The boutique is so inviting and beautifully designed; it is, in every sense of the word, the essence of what a bridal boutique should be. I was so impressed by every element of White Dress – from the beautiful décor, to the unbelievable inventory of gowns by Anne Barge, Priscilla of Boston, Judd Waddell, and so many more. Beth also introduced me to a line of gowns by a very up-and-coming Connecticut designer, (more…)
