The Sun*Kissed Designs Studio - Bridal Style Inspiration Blog for Sun*Kissed Designs

~Upon a Season For Giving Thanks!~

11/28/2013

As I reflect this Thanksgiving evening, I hold gratitude for the abundance of love, joy, and blessings in my life. Something that we all do upon a season for giving thanks!

With full stomachs and overflowing hearts, may you and your loved ones enjoy the company of one another, the blessings of plenty and the preparation for the time of giving.

This has truly been a blessed year for Sun*Kissed Designs! (As every year has been :) ) As an expression of my gratitude, please enjoy the Thanksgiving Sale. From now until Tuesday December 3rd, 2013, All Ruffle Collars previously on sale for $50 are $25, and All Large Hand Beaded Flower Shawls, normally $250, are $125!

This is a great way to get handmade, unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones for the Holiday season! This weekend is one of the most popular shopping times of the year. There is Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, all full of various sales and discounts. At times it can seem overwhelming, draining or impeding on the precious moments you have with family and friends. Take it easy and shop in a way that allows you to enjoy the journey! Happy Gifting!

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Sun*Kissed Designs Displays Vintage Glamour at The Red Carpet Bridal Tour Howard County!

10/29/2013

"Meadow" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~Alex. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

On Monday October 21, 2013, Sun*Kissed Designs participated in the Red Carpet Bridal Tour Howard County! The Red Carpet Bridal Tour is a 4 venue experience where brides-to-be visit 4 different event locations where vendors are present to provide services, demonstrations, tastings and shows, to help them plan their wedding. The Gathering Place, an event venue located in Clarksville, MD, was the 3rd stop on the tour where Sun*Kissed Designs shared the runway with custom menswear designer Christopher Schafer Clothier! Brides-to-be were treated to a runway experience where all of the fashions displayed were couture designs. Below are images from the runway! For the remaining runway images, visit the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs. For more information about The Red Carpet Bridal Tour visit www.redcarpetbridaltours.com. Beautiful hair and make-up designs for each model were created by Bridal Beauty Associates, and all of the images from the bridal tour were provided by L.A. Birdie Photography!

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed Designs
Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier
Hair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty Associates
Photography~ L.A. Birdie Photography
Models~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~ Malak. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Light As Air" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~ Camaree. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Something Wonderful" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Deja Thai. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Fair Lady" Bridesmaid Dress. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Loney. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Love" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Katrina. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photopgraphy.

We've been published!!

10/28/2013

It is official! The photo shoot conceptualized by Ashley Stubbs of d Kin Photography, featuring the "Loved" Wedding Gown by Sun*Kissed Designs, has been published!

On October 23, 2013, Hey Wedding Lady published the photo shoot as "Blushing Beauty Bridal Portraits by D Kin Photography". The author gives a picturesque description of the photo shoot and even includes her favorite element...the mini horse, Peanut! (You must check out the full photo shoot album on the Facebook Page! The cuteness of a mini horse is not to be missed! :) )

Hey Wedding Lady is an amazing publication that showcases real weddings, styled photo shoots and provides readers with inspiration boards and countless visual tools to plan their big day! The author is a California native that shares and displays her inspiration nationwide.

Check out the article here!!! Hey Wedding Lady

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Venue~ Crow Farm and Vineyard. Model~ Joy Bowman.

Proudly displayed!!

~Blushing in "Loved"!~

10/28/2013

"Loved" Wedding Gown. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and dKin Photography.

Recently, Sun*Kissed Designs collaborated with d Kin Photography, as part of the creative vision of photographer Ashley Stubbs, for a photo shoot! The photo shoot took place at Crow Farm and Vineyard in Kennedyville, MD and featured the floral design of Intrigue Design and Decor, make-up artistry by Behind the Compact and Joy Bowman as the beautiful model.

"Loved" Wedding Gown is a sneak peak of the new Coastal Collection by Sun*Kissed Designs! It is a peach chiffon and rayon dress that features a completely hand beaded strap with individual seed beads and alternating pink, blush and dusty rose tulle and organza hand beaded flowers that overflow from the second strap, throughout the chiffon bodice. The skirt base is a flowing rayon that has alternating cathedral pick-ups and gathers. "Loved" was designed with the sunset in mind! As a wedding gown that breaks through traditional design concepts and colors, it was created to accent an outdoor scene, while remaining inviting and classic. When partnered with the beautiful location of Crow Farm and Vineyard, the cascading details of the floral bouquet by Intrigue Design and Decor, the flawless artistry of Behind the Scenes, the effortless beauty of Joy Bowman and the incomparable vision and technique of dKin Photography, it is no wonder that the photo shoot left many blushing with fascination!

Here is the synopsis of the photo shoot by photographer Ashley Stubbs of dKin Photography.

"I wanted to assemble a shoot where we used local artists and contributors to showcase our work. The styled shoot revolved around a handmade dress from Sun*Kissed Designs. The design was custom made, which uses a peach chiffon bodice and peach rayon skirt. There are alternating cathedral gatherings throughout the skirt. The bodice features handmade tulle and organza flowers and florets that creep up one of the straps. The flowers are centered with beautiful hand beaded pistils and stamens. The other strap is adorned with beads that were hand sewn into the dress.

Behind the Compact did both hair and makeup for our shoot. Sara wanted to incorporate the model's ombre hair coloring into her design. She meticulously hid every bobby pin, too! Also, the makeup was flawless. She was able to give the illusion of airbrush makeup, but with no airbrush at all!

Crow Farm is a locally owned and operated farm that raises angus beef. The farm is also a vineyard that boasts award-winning wine! Crow Farm is home to a bed and breakfast. It will encompass over 10 acres of grapes, which can make several bottles of wine :)!

Intrigue Design and Decor assembled a gorgeous arrangement of roses and orchids. It literally was breathtakingly beautiful.

Joy Bowman was our model for the session. I have worked with Joy on previous shoots, and she has been one of the most gracious models I have ever met. She takes direction and criticism incredibly well. I look forward to seeing BIG things from her."

Check out images from the photo shoot below and the entire album on the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Model~Joy Bowman Hair and Make-up~Behind the Compact.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Venue~ Crow Farm and Vineyard. Model~ Joy Bowman.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Floral Bouquet~ Intrigue Design and Decor. Model~ Joy Bowman.

~Falling for Autumn~ All Ruffle Collars On Sale For $50!!

10/7/2013

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Fall is here and to celebrate, Sun*Kissed Designs is offering a sale! From Now Until December 20th, All Ruffle Collars are sale for $50! With $25 off of the original retail price of $75, you can choose from the velvet, silk velvet, Point d'Espirit lace, organza and Dragonfly Flower Tulle fabric selections and various color choices. Ruffle Collars are not just for brides anymore! You can include the luxury accessory into your everyday wardrobe! Ruffle Collars are apart of the couture gowns of the Sun*Kissed Designs Bridal Collection! Gowns that are inspired by all things coastal and incorporate the beauty of each of the 4 seasons into the hand beadwork and floral touches. These beautiful accessories are a wonderful piece to accentuate your outerwear and daytime or nighttime outfits!

Each Ruffle Collar has hand beaded drawstring edges and some are adorned with handmade flowers! It is the perfect accessory as we exit the Summer heat and enter transitioning Autumn! Below are some pictures that will give you some inspiration to help decide just How You Ruffle Collar! Visit the Accessories Boutique to purchase!

The Cream Silk Velvet Ruffle Collar and the Point d'Espirit Lace Ruffle Collar pictured 5 different ways! This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

The Black Velvet Ruffle Collar pictured 5 different ways! This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

The Cream Silk Velvet Ruffle Collar pictured on Love Wedding Gown (l) and Joy Wedding Gown (r) along with the Dragonfly Flower Tulle Ruffle Collars in Dusty Rose and Turquoise. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

~The Ruffle Collars~ By: Sun*Kissed Designs
(Visit the Accessories Boutique for detail images!)

Black Velvet Ruffle Collar. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Silk Velvet Ruffle Collar in Cream. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Organza Ruffle Collar in White. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Point d'Espirit Lace Ruffle Collar. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Dragonfly Flower Ruffle Collar. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Dragonfly Flower Ruffle Collar. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

~An Artist's Eye~ How to Include Artistic Inspiration in Your Bridal Style!

9/16/2013

Pablo Picasso's "The Old Guitarist".

As an artist, it is easy for me to see the beauty in everything! From nature to people watching, I see something beautiful in it all. It is no wonder why I feel a novel display themed throughout your reception or bridal style, could include taking an artist's approach.

Including an artistic approach to your reception and bridal style does not need to be a daunting task! Simply think of an artist that inspires you or of whose work you enjoy, and decorate and style with them in mind!

I am a huge lover of Picasso's Blue Period. The colors and feel, though intended to be more melancholy in nature, propel me to notice the fine line created when beauty stops being bright and starts breaking through darkness. The shades of blue, brown and grey are base colors that I include in creating my gowns and pieces that become more jubilant in design, concept, style and construction. This is the same process you can use to incorporate an artistic approach to your wedding day! Notice the key colors, shapes or emotions about artwork that you like and design your bridal inspiration around them.

~Receptions Themed by a Famous Artist~
Artistic Work-"The Old Guitarist" Artist- Pablo Picasso

-Using the greys, browns, and blues throughout the portrait, build a
color group that you like. Example: Sky Blue and Grey

-Next include more architectural inspiration. Choose reclaimed
wooden frames as table markers and a part of your center
pieces. Notecards with the actual portrait can be sent along with your
invitations as a way to include any special information or directions.

-Lastly, including your chosen colors in your floral arrangements,
bouquets and boutonnieres. This is subtle homage to your inspiration.

~Artistic Elements with Accessories~
Artistic Work- "The Old Guitarist" Artist- Pablo Picasso

-Including artistic elements with your accessories is simple!
Bridesmaid dresses in soft blue, groomsmen in soft grey instead or tuxedos or traditional black. A beautiful blue velvet sash tied around
the waist of your gown!

-You could also include cuff links with Picasso portraits, and printed silk ring bearer pillows as great ways to continue the artistic theme!

Drawing inspiration from artwork and including it into the elemental design of your wedding can be both fun and meaningful and you will in turn develop your own artist's eye!

Include different shades of the same color!

Use reclaimed wood pieces for center pieces and table markers.

~Tea and Tiffany's~ Tiffany Blue and Tea Selections for Your Rehearsal Dinner or After Wedding Brunch!

5/29/2013

As we bask in Spring, I can't help but to stay inspired by the scenes around me! The flowers at new bloom are lovely and add to the beauty of the often unpredictable weather.

A sea of natural colors that always brighten my mood are, turquoise, seafoam, lime green, skyblue and Tiffany Blue. These colors are calming and beautiful!

Tiffany Blue is the defining color of Tiffany and Co., the world renowned jewelry company. Luxury items that are sure to put a smile on your face! (I mean, who doesn't love Tiffany's!!) But the turquoise blue hue from the Tiffany's gift box, is a color that just screams spring and early summer.

One of the many events during your wedding that you will plan will be your rehearsal dinner. This gathering takes place, normally, the evening before your wedding. It is a great time to make memories with your family and close friends before your big day! Another great event is the after wedding brunch.

The after wedding brunch is an optional affair. (Especially if you are leaving for your honeymoon in the evening right after your wedding or early the next morning.) It is a special meal shared with your family and the close members of your wedding party that can stay around to participate.

To keep either or both events simple yet lovely, choose tea selections with savory and sweet accompaniments. Decorating the affairs in Tiffany Blue and a sea of blue or natural hues, is a great way to create a memorable space. Light personal touches, such as themed place cards (small sand buckets, small tea light lanterns, sand stones and starfish!) can also serve as parting gifts for those you hold dear!

Choosing your tea selections, and the lite fare that goes with, doesn't have to be a daunting task. These days loose leaf tea comes in an array of flavors that extend past the traditional Earl Grey and English Breakfast blends. Flavors such as Chocolate Orange, Eye of the Tiger (caramel and chocolate!), Mango and Teavana's Strawberry Paraiso, are great choices that are sure to satisfy the palettes of your guests!

Be sure to offer a great selection of both savory dishes, such as baked macaroni and cheese or Italian wedding soup and sweet options like, cranberry and orange scones, mini tarts, small decadent chocolates and gourmet cupcakes. (Georgetown Cupcakes, anyone!!?) This will definitely please the appetites of those close to your heart!

Pairing an amazing selection of loose leaf teas and delicious treats with a beautiful display with hues of beautiful Tiffany Blue, will create a lovely and memorable rehearsal dinner or after wedding brunch!

Using shells, sand stones and sand dollars as place cards are a great way to decorate and can be personalized to serves as parting gifts as well!

Choose aromatic loose leaf teas!

Beautiful tarts!!

~Maid to Perfection~Styling Your Bridesmaids in Non-traditional Ways!~

4/26/2013

We can all recall images of bridesmaids in less than flattering bridesmaids' dresses! From the dresses that are terribly outdated to the dresses where the wrong color was chosen, even movies have been made about horrible bridesmaid dress choices! That image does not have to be apart of your wedding!!

Modern bridesmaid dresses have been designed with your bridal party in mind! Styles that not only compliment and flatter every figure and complexion, but are also cute enough to wear again in the future! Your bridesmaids will thank you!

While making the selection of your bridesmaid dresses, here are 4 creative ideas to consider.

Color~
Your bridesmaids do not have to wear the exact same color!! Dresses worn in the same style but in different hues and shades of the same color or within the same color family are a great way to make a unique statement! Shades of blue! Gathers of yellow! Choosing a color theme, such as Spring or Autumn, using a few different colors, is also a great way to switch it up.

Style~
Your bridesmaids do not have to wear the same dress style!! By placing each bridesmaid in a different dress style but in the same color, this will create an individual look that is accommodating of various body types and silhouettes! This also allows you to play around with the lengths, necklines, detailing and fabrications so that each of your gal pals is completely happy and looks stunning!!

Gown Style Theme~
Have you always loved vintage dresses of the 50s!? Do your bridesmaids each love beach inspired sundress gowns?! Create a gown theme, within your bridal colors, that is unique to the personalities of your bridesmaids!

Wedding Theme Styles~
Is your overall wedding theme whimsical, light and airy?! Are you incorporating an antique approach to your wedding decor?! Include elements of your wedding theme into the accessories and detailing of each bridesmaids' look! This allows you to choose the same style of dress and just accessorize and style each bridesmaid differently. Choosing different jewelry or accessories, will accent each dress and compliment each bridesmaid!

Your wedding day will no doubt be a memorable one! And by highlighting each of your bridesmaids in a unique way, they will remember your efforts for years to come!

~Hues of yellow with gold and bronze~

~Cool shades of blue~

~Vintage jewelry and accessories to keep each bridesmaid unique~

~Spring is Sprouting!!~

4/18/2013

I love Spring!! Not only is it a shift from the colder temperatures of Winter, it is a reminder that change is constant and that new beginnings inevitably beckon for our attention! I happen to notice with no hesitation!

The colors of Spring can be a direct inspiration as you plan your wedding day attire and decor! And incorporating floral elements and accessories can be a chic surprise to any wedding theme.

Spring accents can range from a garden decorated reception or the bride's hidden pair of floral shoes! Adding vines throughout your reception tables and including robust, floral arrangements as your centerpieces, are a great way to pay homage to Spring on your big day. Showering your reception tables with flower petals and candles add a lovely romantic touch!

Floral beading and embellishments add a subtle hint of Spring to any wedding gown and bridesmaid's dress. Fabric flowers and beaded flowers are elements that can make any look playful!

Men's ties in flower prints and Springtime colors, continue the theme. Accessorizing with flower adorned shoes for your bridesmaids and shrugs and wraps with flower embellishments, create a beautiful living bouquet!!

Many wedding planners have created petal designs for the bride to walk through as she makes her grand entrance. These stunning displays can create a floral design or can include the initials of the bride and groom!

With the stunning display that Spring is gifting us daily (yes, even on the rainy days everything looks greener!) find amazing ways to include it into the decor and accessories to make your day memorable!!

Table decor can be accented with vines!

Flower petals add a romantic touch!

Use the colors of Spring to inspire you decor, attire, accents and bouquets!

~Demure vs Ornate Floral Decor

2/22/2013

The theme of your wedding floral decor can be just as important as your gown itself. Choosing flowers that you connect with and that inspire you will help you narrow down the options. When designing the theme and feel of the floral decor for your wedding, your selections may evolve into something demure or ornate.

Elaborate, ethereal, whimsical, and fantasy-inspired are all ways to describe ornate themes in floral decor. The moment you see it, your breath is overwhelmingly taken away! And you feel as though you just stepped into a beautiful garden!

The ornate can take the form of large centerpieces and cascading ivy plants or detailed tablescape florals featuring many flower types in the same beautiful vase. It leaves an impression and makes a statement that can not be ignored.

Simplistic, chic, elegant, modern, and rustic are all beautiful expressions of demure floral options. Though demure florals can be subtle, they draw the eye into all of the special touches that are added. Including personalized notes for each table or choosing elements of your wedding theme that can be expressed differently on each table, are great ways to bring drama to more subtle tablescapes.

No matter the decor style that you choose, adding your own personal touches to either the ornate or demure florals is a great way to keep you apart of your big day!

A lovely example of an ornate tablescape arrangement!

To make an elaborate floral arrangement more demure, reduce the flower types used and opt for only 2 colors of the same flower!

To create a balance of demure and ornate, add a second flower type in a different color just as an accent piece!

An amazing flower choice for a demure theme are succulent plants! These plants are not only simple, they are elegant and sure to turn heads!

To make a demure flower themed tablescape standout, choose a flower type with dimension. Place several kinds of a flower type on the same table or simply add a personal note, with each flower centerpiece, for the guests at each table to enjoy!

The ultimate in elegant demure tablescapes, is to simply add 1 single flower type or stem to a lovely vase!