Bridal Style Inspiration Blog for Sun*Kissed Designs

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!!

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

9/16/2013

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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.

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

5/29/2013

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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!!

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

4/26/2013

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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~

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Some Lovely Vendors, Venues and Bridal Professionals That Sun*Kissed Designs Loves!!

12/29/2012

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Since April of 2011, when Sun*Kissed Designs first emerged, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the best in the wedding business along the way! Some local to the MD, DC, VA area and some as far as Texas! From bridal shows to photo shoots, here are some of the vendors, venues and bridal professionals that Sun*Kissed Designs <3's!!

(In no particular order, they're all amazing! Visit their websites listed below.)

Allison Nance~ Blessed Events (Wedding Planning) www.blessedeventsweddings.com/

Wendy Wang~ Dulce Life Photography
www.dulcelifephotography.com

Jen Reilly~ Jen Reilly Photography/ P Squared Studios
www.psquarestudios.com/

Mark and Mary Chamberlin~ Chamberlin Photography
www.chamberlinphotos.com

Blair Roberts~ Sweet Blossoms LLC (Floral Designer)
http://sweet-blossoms.blogspot.com

Maribel Kalata~ Eight Tree Street (Floral Designer)
http://eighttreestreet.wordpress.com/

Ashley Riddle~ Up Do's for I Do's (Hair and Make-Up Artistry)
http://www.updosforidos.com/

Tenisha Dotstry~ Peggy Jay Jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/peggyjayjewelry

Rachel Powers~ Cakes by Rachel
http://www.cakesbyrachael.org

June B. Xu~ JBX Studio (Hair and Make-Up Artistry)
http://www.junebxu.com/

Laura Knott~ Simply Delicious Desserts LLC
http://www.simplydeliciousdesserts.com/

Trevisio Restaurant
http://www.trevisiorestaurant.com/

The Elkridge Furnace Inn
http://www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com/

Tanya Waltrick~ T Rose International Bridal Shows
http://www.trosebridalshows.com/

What's Up Annapolis Weddings Magazine
http://weddings.whatsupmag.com/

Historic Oakland Manor House
http://www.historic-oakland.com/

Sheraton Annapolis
http://www.sheratonannapolis.com/

Crofton Country Club
http://www.croftonclub.com/

Ellicott City Weddings and Events
http://www.ellicottcityweddingsandevents.com/

Greenbelt Marriott
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgb-greenbelt-marriott/

Double Tree Crystal City
http://doubletree3.hilton.com

Historic Londontown Gardens
http://www.historiclondontown.com/index.php/weddings-a-rentals

Our Lady of Mattaponi
http://site.adw.org

Embassy Suites Hunt Valley
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com

Double Tree Annapolis
http://www.doubletreeannapolis.com/

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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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~Blueberries and Cream~

10/12/2012

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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!!

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~Fear of Falling~ Non-traditional Approaches to Autumn Weddings

9/20/2012

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When we think of fall, maroons and deep burgundy, hunter greens and brown oranges, saunter in our mind. Twigs and crunchy leaves, cider and chilly temperatures all present themselves. But what if we could go against the grain and accent an autumn wedding with non-traditional colors?!

Putting a different spin on the spice and moss hues of the season, just takes a little ingenuity.

~Start with your favorite color~ In love with hot pink?! Got a thing for lime green?! Start there! There is no other day where your favorite color should be most prominent.

~You don't have to be highly seasoned!~ Twigs, transitioning leaves, maple candles, never have to be apart of your wedding just because it is Autumn. Bring in sand and darker shades of river rocks! Toss in some dried floral elements with fresh lavender or use fresh fruit as part of your center pieces.

~Explore with a touch of gray~ Gray is those beautiful natural colors that can compliment any season. You don't see much gray in the fall, but bring it in by using several different shades of it at once.

~Get out in the elements!~ Fall is an amazing season that also promises a hint of unpredictability! But outdoor weddings and/or receptions don't have to be out of the question. And of course it is not too late to enjoy an intimate setting on the beach! Garden locations that have a small creek, sandy beaches with rocky bluffs, historic local stone buildings, all are unique approaches to locations that will still allow you and your guests to enjoy the elements of Fall!

Use the bold colors you love to brighten up traditional autumn looks!

Mixing river rocks with sand or fresh lavender is a nice touch that also brings in seasonal elements.

Using shades of gray or any neutral color can compliment traditional Autumn colors.

A beautiful garden or outdoor setting is the perfect way to embrace an Autumn wedding!

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Fall in Love...All Over Again~

9/11/2012

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New Love, Reconnected Love, Reunited Love...it's all love! Planning a vow renewal or getting married after the first time, is an exciting process. Just because this isn't your first walk down the aisle. doesn't mean that it still can't be spectacular! Here are a few guidelines:

~To thine own self be true~
There's something wonderful about a love that stands the test of time. Love doesn't require that we get it right the first time. There are no rules! Leave the rule book behind and navigate from your soul. Let colors and textures that make you feel beautiful be the starting point for your bridal style inspiration.

~Location, Location, Location!~
Choosing a venue can be as stress free as using your own backyard or as scenic as choosing a coastal landmark! The choice is yours. Exotic locales, meaningful homesteads and eccentric turfs, all bring a touch of character to the theme of your wedding.

~Add Special Touches~
There is a story to tell with vow renewals and re-connections or even marriages for the mature couple. Share that story with your guests! Invite your attendees to walk down memory lane along side of you. Have a slide show that uses sepia and black and white images. Decorate with items that have a natural patina! Tell the story of your love, how you reunited after years of being apart, or how it was you fell in love all together...you could be the inspiration for another couple!

~Enjoy the process!~
Tragically most brides are so focused on everything being perfect and acceptable, that they miss out on enjoying the process! Engage in all of the planning. Choose dishes for the main course that you and your guests will find memorable. Have spontaneous extras during the reception! (Think theme photo booths, bridesmaids vs groomsmen prepared dance-offs, a first dance that includes all of the couples over 50 joining the bride and groom!) Think of ways to make the pictures that will fill your wedding photo album, uniquely yours! Leave in impression so that every time thoughts of your wedding come up, it will have your guests and you and your groom, Fall In Love...All Over Again!

Keep things simple!

Use vintage buckets to hold wedding favors!

Choose memorable locations!

Leave your guests inspired!

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Champagne and Cupcakes! Presented by Sun*Kissed Designs and Ellicott City Weddings and Events!

8/20/2012

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This past Thursday, Sun*Kissed Designs partnered with Ellicott City Weddings and Events to create "Champagne and Cupcakes" as part of the Ellicott City Main Street Girl's Night Out 3rd Thursdays!! Local patrons enjoyed live music, giveaways and amazing merchants and venues! Ellicott City Weddings and Events was the partner location for the gowns and accessories of Sun*Kissed Designs! This venue is a great facility for weddings and receptions as well as corporate events and personal gatherings. The space is sophisticated and charming with modern decor accenting a vintage restored building. It is utterly lovely and the gowns and accessories felt right at home there!!

Below are a few pictures of the gowns on display! To view the entire album visit the company Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs!!