Bridal Style Inspiration Blog for 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.

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We've been published!!

10/28/2013

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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!!

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~Spring is Sprouting!!~

4/18/2013

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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!

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Creating the ~Vintage Winter Sparkle~ Photo Shoot!

11/17/2012

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Developing a concept like "Vintage Winter Sparkle" was easy for me! Think of the pretty things I would like to see at a winter wedding. But I wanted to take the concept a step further by choosing artisans that were passionate about their crafts and put their heart and soul in their work. I knew just who to ask!!

Jen Reilly Hattenbach Reilly-Graves~ Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios

Jen and I met at a bridal show and have collaborated on a photo shoot in the past. So working with her was an idea I didn't have to think twice about! What most people don't know is that in addition to being an amazing photographer, Jen creates photo books of the images with her own graphic elements, that can personalize any collection of memories!

Tenisha Dotstry~ Peggy Jay Jewelry

I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with Tenisha during a bridal fashion show where I was first introduced to her amazing jewelry! Beautiful and timeless pieces that compliment any gown. And crystal jeweled shoes that can be custom jeweled!!!! (She applies each jewel one by one!) I've fell in love with her work and will not look back!

Sara Lawrence~ Up Do's for I Do's

It was at my very first bridal show that I met Ashley Riddle, the owner of Up Do's for I Do's! She was so nice and had super amazing staff members, I knew that I had to collaborate with her in some way in the future! So while planning the shoot I knew I wanted the best and she and her staff are definitely the best! (Just look at their work and read the reviews and raves!!) She and her team can make any make-up application look natural and can create beautiful hair styles for any occasion! Sara was the perfect beauty expert, so good that this renowned make-up artist, can effortlessly create and maintain any overall look!

Maribel Kalata~ EightTreeSteet

Being a lover of all things pretty and florals was the starting place when choosing a florist for the shoot. Maribel's passion speaks volumes and is seen in every detail of every arrangement, boutonniere...and brooch bouquet!!! I adore brooch bouquets (and had no idea how heavy they are!) And Maribel's bouquets tell a story! You wonder not just what was her inspiration, but why certain pieces were chosen and where they had been before. Her flower arrangements bring elements in from nature that compliment without being an obvious choice. Her work is pleasant to be around!

Rachael Powers~ Cakes by Rachael

Rachael's cakes are amazing. They taste good and look like artwork! What more can you ask for! It takes great skill to show the elegance of simple design. Although much of her work is also ornate, the beautiful cakes made for our shoot, were designed in such a way that effortless beauty was on full display!

The Elkridge Furnace Inn

The Elkridge Furnace Inn is a fine dining restaurant rich in decadent cuisine, vintage elegance and local history. Located on the Patapsco River, this venue that holds weddings, special events and corporate meetings, was the perfect place for this shoot! The interior and the exterior grounds created a special location full of natural elements that could be the perfect backdrop for love in any season. It also has the most professional and kind staff around!

Tia Beverly and Anthony Smith~ Our Lovely Models!

What can I say Tia and Anthony are just beautiful! And from start to finish very professional and accommodating. I knew that they had the look I was going for for the shoot, and after working with them, I know they have the talent as the perfect models as well!

Visit the highlighted links above for more information about each vendor! Take a look of some of the behind the scenes shots during the photo shoot! For the entire collection of images click here-------> Sun*Kissed Designs

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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~Vintage Winter Sparkle~

11/17/2012

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On November 11, 2012, Sun*Kissed Designs joined an amazing group of vendors to bring to life my vision for some Vintage Winter Sparkle!

We came together and created a photo shoot that was held at the lovely Elkridge Furnace Inn! I knew coming together with such talented artisans would produce something beautiful, but I had no idea that I was in for something simply lovely!! Check out the images below and visit these amazing vendors on their websites and Facebook pages for more updates and information! To see the complete collection of images from the photo shoot click here-------> Sun*Kissed Designs

~Participating Vendors~

Styled Wedding Photo Shoot Concept: Sun*Kissed Designs/Chantél F. Fielder

Photographer: P Squared Studios-Jen Reilly Photography/ Jen Reilly-Graves

Florist: Eight Tree Street/ Maribel Kalata

Jewelry: Peggy Jay Jewelry/Tenisha Dotstry

Gown, Ruffle Collar, Shawl and Fascinator: Sun*Kissed Designs/Chantél F. Fielder

Cake: Cakes by Rachael/Rachael Powers

Make-up and Hair: Up Do's for I Do's/Sara Lawrence

Models: Tia Beverly and Anthony Smith

Venue: The Elkridge Furnace Inn

Date of Shoot: November 11, 2012

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Brooch Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Gown, Fascinator and Ruffle Collar by Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is the property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Cake by Cakes by Rachael. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs

Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. Make-up and Hair by Sara Lawrence for Up Do's for I Do's. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Jeweled Shoes by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Gown, Ruffle Collar and Beaded Shawl by Sun*Kissed Designs. Brooch Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Hair and Make-up by Sara Lawrence for Up Do's for I Do's. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. Gown and Ruffle Collar Sun*Kissed Designs. Boutonnier by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

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~A Farewell to Summer~

8/30/2012

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and Kathleen Hertel Photography.

Happy August Sale-abration!!!

During the month of August, you enjoyed amazing new sales and discounts each week. As the summer comes to a close, Sun*Kissed Designs is offering the last deal of the summer season. Check out the highlighted sale and a few accessories pictures below!

Sun*Kissed Designs is now offering a selection of the hand beaded, handmade accessories through the website!! Visit www.sunkissedbridal.com and click the Sun*Kissed Designs Veil Accessories Boutique and the Sun*Kissed Designs Hair and Body Accessories Boutique tabs under the "more" section to purchase veils, hair accessories and shrugs, collars and shawls! These accessories are also great for any special occasion! For custom orders and to make customized requests for current products, please email [email protected] before you place your order in case an invoice needs to be generated!

In honor of the end of summer, from now until September 5th, 2012 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) Receive 20% off of any gown purchase and 50% off of custom designed accessory orders!(Because both the Gown orders and the Custom Accessories Orders are custom creations, please email [email protected] your requests so that an invoice can be generated.) Shop away!!

This is a great time to get your wedding gown and/or bridal party gowns or a gift for someone special or for yourself! Each piece is made to order, so please allow 2-5 business days to create and process your accessories order. Gown orders will require fittings and the actual design and creation of your gown. Please email for further details and more information. Rush item creation and Rush Delivery are both offered, visit the "Policies" tab on the website for more information.

**If you would like something custom and need some ideas, I invite you to schedule a free consultation where I can show you each gown, veil and accessory that I offer and you can discuss with me your budget, and your vision for your wedding! This would be a great time to go over any custom design ideas, beading color changes or any thing else you can think of! My office is conveniently located at 41 State Circle Suite 5 in Historic Annapolis, MD 21401. It is open by appointment only to ensure that each client has undisturbed time to view the gowns. Or if more convenient, I can come to you, bringing the gowns or accessories your are interested and the photo albums of additional products! You can schedule a consultation through email at [email protected] , on my website at www.sunkissedbridal.com or over the phone at (443) 803-2757.

Also check out detailed pictures of the gowns and veils on my Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs. Throughout each month I write about inspiration for your big day! Everything from, accessories, decor, and bridal colors and so much more!! This blog can be found on my website at the tab marked Bridal Style Inspiration!!

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Join Sun*Kissed Designs at the T Rose International Bridal Show N. Va!!

8/25/2012

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On Sunday August 26th, 2012 from 12pm-4pm, Sun*Kissed Designs will be at the T Rose International Bridal Show at the Double Tree by Hilton Crystal City!! There will be amazing vendors and great giveaways! This is a great time to meet local vendors that will help you plan the wedding for your dreams! For tickets and more information visit http://trosebridalshow2012nova.eventbrite.com/ and enter Sun Kissed Designs for a free ticket! See you there!!

Directions

Directions from: North (Baltimore, Philadelphia, Wilmington, NY, NJ)

Follow I-95 South to 495 Beltway in the direction of Richmond, VA. I-85 splits at the Capital Beltway; continue to follow signs for I-95 South. Follow I-95 South across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Virginia. Take the first exit off the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Alexandria, VA. to Route 1 North. Stay on Route 1 North (which is also called Jefferson Davis Highway) for approximately 6 miles. Stay on Route 1 North until you get to 23rd Street in Crystal City. Make a left onto 23rd street; go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Take Eads Street to Army Navy Drive (about 10 blocks). Make a right turn onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel is on the right side.

From South: (Richmond, VA Beach, North and South Carolina)

Take I-95 North to 395 North. From 395 North take the Pentagon City/Crystal City Exit. Then turn left onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel will be on the right hand side 3 blocks down.

From Washington D.C. (14th street bridge)

From Washington D.C. you need to exit to the 14th street bridge which will take you over the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Crystal City, VA. On the 14th street Bridge you will need to be in the far left lane (14th street becomes Route 1 South) which will take you into Crystal City, VA. Your first exit once inside Crystal City will be the 15th Street. Take the 15th Street Exit, and go one block and make a right. This will be Eads Street. Make a right onto Eads Street. Go 3 blocks onto Eads Street and this will take you to Army Navy Drive. Make a right onto Army Navy Drive and the hotel is on your right.

From Maryland (Rockville, Gaithersburg..) I-270 North PA, OH

From I-270 North take I-495 South into Virginia. Exit on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia. Travel about 10 miles South and exit at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA. At the airport stay on your right side and follow the sign to Crystal City, VA and then exit Crystal Drive. Take Crystal Drive North for approximately 1 mile Crystal Drive will turn left into 12th street: go under the overpass and make a right onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel is located on the right hand side.

From Annapolis, MD (Route 50) and the Eastern Shore

Take Route 50 West towards the direction of Washington D.C. Follow Route 50 which becomes New York Avenue. Take New York Avenue to 14th Street and the 14th Street Bridge. on the 14th Street Bridge you need to be in the far left lane. (14th street becomes Route 1 South) which will bring you into Crystal City, VA. Your first exit once inside Crystal City will be 15th Street. Make a right onto 15th Street; go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Take Eads to Army Navy Drive. When you get to Army Navy Drive make a right. The hotel is on the right side.

From Route 66 (Northern Virginia) Fairfax, McLean, Tyson's Corner

Take 66 East towards Washington D.C. Take the exit for 110 South. Stay in the center lane and 110 becomes Route 1 South, which will bring you into Crystal City, VA. On Route 1 make a right onto 20th street. Go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Eads will take you to Army Navy Drive. When you reach Army Navy Drive make a right, and the hotel is on the right side.

Walking Directions from Pentagon City Metro:

When you exit the Pentagon City Metro --walk to Army Navy Drive (towards 395 & the Pentagon) -- make a right on Army Navy Drive and go 3 blocks. The DoubleTree will on the right side (once you cross over S. Eads Street).

This is about a 10-12 minute walk.

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Think Spring!!

6/28/2012

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The weather lately has been beautifully unpredictable! With storms and tornadoes touching ground here in the Mid-Atlantic and record high temperatures that challenge the name 'Spring', it may be difficult to draw inspiration that is both beautiful and practical.

Even though the weather is more like Summer, why not just think Spring!!

Inspirations from Spring can still fit into the warmest Summer wedding day. The cool colors of turquoise and sky blue mixed with the light fabrics if silk shantung and crepe back satin, will be visually pleasing and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Clear and frosted glass vases give the look of crisp and cool to any table centerpieces. And fresh spring flowers bring the beautiful color palette to full bloom! River rock favors are a great touch to lead your guests to think of soothing, rocky shores!

The elements of nature that can be tied into your Spring inspired Summer wedding are endless!

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Join Sun*Kissed Designs July 8, 2012 At The T Rose International Bridal Show!!

6/28/2012

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Join Sun*Kissed Designs at the T Rose International Bridal Show on July 8, 2012 from 12 noon until 4pm! Sun*Kissed Designs will be one of the featured designer collections for the Gala Fashion Show!! There will also be amazing wedding vendors, and door prizes, including a few special giveaways from Sun*Kissed Designs!! The bridal show will be held at the Greenbelt Marriott located at 6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5.00 each at www.trosebridalshows.com or can be purchased at the door for $8.00. Brides can sign up to receive a complimentary ticket, just email [email protected]!!

This is an amazing event you'll not want to miss!!

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Fall In Love!

9/23/2011

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I loooooooove Fall!!! It is romantic and picturesque and so beautiful! From the cool temperatures (wearing boots!) to cider, tea, candy apples and scents of cinnamon and maple! I love Fall!!

When the seasons change it is the perfect time for transitions. Wardrobe transitions, mindset transitions, and creative transitions! Planning for a fall wedding leaves you with so many options!! (Pun sort of intended!!)

While traditional colors for autumn include browns, oranges and hues of foliage, you can go your own way by infusing natural elements into seasonal expressions and than adding your own twist! For white wedding gowns, choosing colors from your bridal party can still be the bright colors that you would typically reserve for spring and summer, but include natural elements. Add beige and muted (soft) brown to turquoise and magenta. Use mint greens and off white to accent and bring in the color of twigs, sand and moss as natural elements!

For beige and cream wedding gowns, bright colors can still be chosen!! Pair yellow and coral with brown and beige. And lavender and grey coupled with tan and white to create a new fall palette! Accenting with river rocks and seashells in the decor brings in natural elements outside of the traditional offerings of autumn.

To accent the color palette even more, bring in muted gold, silver and bronze. These metallic colors softly move towards to colder days of late fall and early winter and add a sparkle to the overall look. This new combination of colors for fall can definitely be used for both the bridal party and within the decor for your wedding as well!

Play around with textures, tones and natural elements! Have twig pieces added to the boutonnieres! Include soft flowers to your headpiece! And request moss to be added to your bouquet!!

Nature undoubtedly leaves us with bountiful inspiration! Bring it along with you on your special day! (Pun totally intended!)

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

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.

We've been published!!

~Spring is Sprouting!!~

Creating the ~Vintage Winter Sparkle~ Photo Shoot!

~Vintage Winter Sparkle~

~A Farewell to Summer~

Join Sun*Kissed Designs at the T Rose International Bridal Show N. Va!!

Think Spring!!

Join Sun*Kissed Designs July 8, 2012 At The T Rose International Bridal Show!!

Fall In Love!

About Me...

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Categories

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed DesignsMenswear~ Christopher Schafer ClothierHair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty AssociatesPhotography~ L.A. Birdie PhotographyModels~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.

About Me...

Archives

Categories

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.