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

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.

~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!!

~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!

Creating the ~Vintage Winter Sparkle~ Photo Shoot!

11/17/2012

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.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

~Vintage Winter Sparkle~

11/17/2012

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.

~Blueberries and Cream~

10/12/2012

Fall is amazing time to tap into the beauty of the season! One of the best things about Fall are the different smells and colors that nature extends! Apple cider and cinnamon! Maple spice and pumpkin! And Blueberries and Cream!

Blueberry is an amazing color that can be combined with even the brightest of hues. Being less stark than black, blueberry is a lighter version of navy blue and adds its own special touch to wedding decor and bridal accessories. It is a sophisticated neutral color with an edge!

Bridesmaids' dresses in blueberry can be accented with pinks, corals and greens. Sapphire jewelry can accent your wedding gown and bridal decor incorporating blueberries and cream will be a beautiful way to get away from traditional black and white themes!

Blueberries and cream can be a subtle way to bring a nautical look and feel to your wedding decor without projecting too much of a theme. By using naval colors solely for inspiration, this allows you to include other elements to your wedding decor. This color combination is strong enough to be paired with the most rustic burlaps and the most pristine silks! When paired in a country, rustic or vintage theme, it lends a touch of modernism. When paired with silks and precious metals, it accentuates classicism!

Play around with different textures of fabrics while using the same shades of blueberry and cream! This creates a depth to the overall look and feel! Be inspired this fall by blueberry and cream. Use it in color selections, decor and maybe even dessert choices...because it tastes just as good as it looks!!

New ~Fall In Love~ Sun*Kissed Designs Sales Offers Now Available on the website!!

9/11/2012

In preparation for Fall, new sales and discounts are available on the website, www.sunkissedbridal.com! As the summer comes to a close, Sun*Kissed Designs is preparing for the Fall season by offering even more deals and discounts! Check out the highlighted sale and a few pictures of the accessories 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!)

To kick off the Fall season, from now until October 11th, 2012 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) Receive 30% off of any accessory purchase including custom orders! (Prices have been adjusted on the website to reflect the 30% off savings. Because the Custom Accessories Orders are custom creations, please email [email protected] your requests so that an invoice can be generated.) New products will be listed for you to Fall In Love with so shop away!!

This is a great time to get your wedding gown and/or bridal party hair and body accessories 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.

Full Length Veil. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Custom Hair Fascinator. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Sun*Kissed Designs SHINED at the T Rose International Bridal Show Northern Va.!!!

8/29/2012

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and Brittani Gattis Photography.

This past Sunday August 26, 2012, Sun*Kissed Designs attended the T Rose International Bridal Show at the Double Tree By Hilton Crystal City in Arlington, Va! It was an amazing experience with great highlights, giveaways, blushing brides and amazing vendors!

The show started with excitement as brides-to-be were invited to take a tour of the top level ballrooms where they could enjoy a great view of the Potomac. This was followed by vendor interactions and hourly giveaways, including a hand beaded veil by Sun*Kissed Designs and a $200.00 gift certificate from Sun*Kissed Designs! A fashion show by another amazing vendor showed great gown options!

Candy bar! Cupcakes! Wedding Cake samples!! What more can I say! Make-up by Traci Rosales and hair and make-up by Circe Aveda Salon and Spa provided beautiful tutorials as well as provided hair and make-up for the models for the fashion show.

Some of the vendors that Sun*Kissed Designs loves were also in attendance as well! Peggy Jay Jewelry makes stunning jewelry and jeweled shoes and accessories! Weddings By Sandy is a spectacular wedding officiant and Mimi's Mocha Treats makes delicious cupcakes!

New vendors that are quickly becoming favorites are Sweet Creations Cakes, Circe Salon, Brittani Gattis Photography and many more! Enjoy a few of the pictures below and for the entire photo album and the official T Rose International Bridal Show photo album of the event visit the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs!

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Giveaway Veil! This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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

8/25/2012

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.