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.

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~Blushing in "Loved"!~

10/28/2013

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"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.

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

10/7/2013

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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.

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

9/11/2012

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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 chantelfrancina@sunkissedbridal.com 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 chantelfrancina@sunkissedbridal.com 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 chantelfrancina@sunkissedbridal.com , 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.

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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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~Upon a Season For Giving Thanks!~

~Blushing in "Loved"!~

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

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

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

Fall in Love...All Over Again~

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

Fall In Love!

About Me...

Archives

Categories

~Upon a Season For Giving Thanks!~

~Blushing in "Loved"!~

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

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

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

Fall in Love...All Over Again~

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

Fall In Love!

About Me...

Archives

Categories

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