Vintage jewelry often finds its way into my mind when designing wedding dresses (and often, onto my fingers, ears and neck!) Many years ago, before the current trend of “vintage weddings” appeared, I devoted an entire collection to two of my favorite eras of jewelry design: Art Nouveau 1890-1910 and Art Deco 1920-1939.

Still one of our most popular silhouettes, Cloisonne features intricate “inlaid” velvet on delicate tulle embroidery with ribbons and beading along the neckline…almost takes the place of a necklace, although a lovely pair of earrings might be nice!

The Art Deco style of the 1920’s has always been a favorite of mine (and many of my brides). The Renee gown has vintage brooches at the bodice and the lace rose motif is based on the classic Paul Poiret rose seen in his classic “La Rose de Rosine Parfum, 1912.

This season, I’ve been tempted to visit this era again, especially with a couple of gowns, Haviland and Deauville…1920’s glamour seems oh so now! How to keep it modern yet timeless? Don’t OVER-do on the vintage details…if your dress is classically retro, keep the shoes modern and sexy. Maybe the venue is city chic, and you arrive in a classic car and serve Absinthe! Or vice-versa, and the venue is a 1920’s estate, and you add some modern clean lines to the décor…or how about your whole décor and story IS retro, but you have a rockin’ band and the bride and groom each sport a few tattoos?! You know me, I’m really not one for “rules” about a wedding…to me, the magic lies in each individual couple telling a story that is so perfectly “them”.

I love to see how our brides interpret these fabulous eras as inspiration for weddings…they always look like such fun parties, and so memorable for their guests! It’s all about finding your own personal details and inspiration to create a love story uniquely you.

A beautiful bride came to our Trunk Show this weekend to purchase her dream gown, Kristene. She pulled out the most amazing vintage shoes to show me, and I freaked out! I hope I didn’t scare her (I don’t think so, she ordered the gown!) but they are just too special, I couldn’t’ contain myself! Hand embroidered and entirely encrusted with tiny seed beads…even tiny sprays of flower and leaf on the back of the heels! She found them on Etsy, in mint condition, and a perfect fit…what are the odds?! Well, I see a lot of beautiful shoes from our brides, but these are a true treasure!

I think part of my excitement, is that I just introduced my new “Windsor Rose China” collection, which is inspired by my grandmother, who used to make just these sorts of precious heirlooms. It’s kind of uncanny how the embroidery on these shoes so perfectly matches the vintage jacquard waistband on Waverly. I have just now come out of my creative cocoon having put that collection together, and to have it literally walk in the door was so amazing!

It is the little things, the unexpected surprises in life that are sometimes what slay us, aren’t they? The obvious, big things are wonderful, but sometimes the small, special, and truly personal gifts and moments are the ones that mean the most. Sometimes I see a bride have such an emotional response to one of my gowns…maybe it reminds her of someone dear who is no longer with us, maybe it’s a childhood memory that she doesn’t even recall, but somewhere in her soul, the gown whispers to her…

Who knows why we love the things we do, but it sure makes life delightful!

Happy Friday, lovelies! Another beautiful bride wearing one of our favorite gowns, Kristine. This dress is trully so versatile – it can be bohemian, casual, formal, 20′s flapper or beachy chic – how you wear it is up to you.

From the bride, Kateri;

“The ceremony took place in one of the pastures, and was originally supposed to be open air. After checking the forecast several days before the wedding, we made the decision to rent a small tent for the area. It rained on our day, so that was one of the best last-minute decisions we made. We had tons of ivory candles in mason jars along the aisle and throughout and it felt really cozy and sweet under the tent surrounded by the people we love. We borrowed an antique carriage, that was basically falling apart, from an adorable old farmer and used it as a backdrop. Our friend played acoustic guitar. We had an amazing woman as our officiant who included our family and friends in the service. It all felt so personal and so warm.”

Head over to Ruffled to read all about it!

Wedding vendors (Rhode Island):

Venue: Bride and groom’s home / Wedding photographer: agaimages / Wedding flowers: Weed Weavers / Band:Equinox / Wedding gown: Claire Pettibone, purchased at Bella Bride / Wedding catering: West’s Bakery / Bride’s earrings: Anthropologie / Groom’s shirt and tie: J. Crew / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Urban Outfitters / Flower Girl Dresses: dressbabybeautiful / Ring Bearer’s shirts: Land’s End / Wedding invitations: Lucky Luxe