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

9/16/2013

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PicturePablo 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!


 

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Include different shades of the same color!
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Use reclaimed wood pieces for center pieces and table markers.
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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!

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~Hues of yellow with gold and bronze~
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~Cool shades of blue~
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~Vintage jewelry and accessories to keep each bridesmaid unique~
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Snow Queen!!~Faux Fur and Winter Weather Accessories~

1/31/2013

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Winter weddings are beautiful!! The snow and colder temperatures are truly inspiring. Whether it is through icicles or snow topped roofs, snow is a beautiful way to romanticize a scene!


If you are planning a wedding during the winter months or in a colder destination, there are great ways to accessorize that will leave you looking breathtaking and timeless and will keep you warm!


Faux fur, tweed, velvet, wool, leather and suede are all amazing and versatile fabrics. These textiles are perfect for winter weather and can all remain lovely when used in a neutral palette!


Wraps, shrugs and jackets are all great accessories that can be made using winter weight fabrics and in the colors that will match and/or compliment your wedding gown and bridal colors! Each creates a different styled look and feel for your wedding and a fun way to include something old, new, borrowed or blue!

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Faux fur is a beautiful way to keep warm! It is cost effective and can be accessorized with beautiful brooches to increase its elegance!
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Choose a winter weight fabric that is neutral in color so that it can be adorned with crystals or sparkling elements that will make it pop!
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New Hair Accessories in the ~Sun*Kissed Designs Hair and Body Accessories Boutique~!!

11/17/2012

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New loveliness has been added to the ~Sun*Kissed Designs Hair and Body Accessories Boutique~!! The Hand Beaded Headband, Hand Beaded Floral Headscarf and the Hand Beaded Flower Headband are 3 beautiful alternatives to the traditional wedding veil! Chamberlin Photography in Stafford, VA contacted Sun*Kissed Designs for a few custom headpieces and 3 different looks were created! Check back for the images that Chamberlin Photography used the pieces in.


Intricate and unique, each piece and also be customized to incorporate your wedding colors, you favorite color or even something blue! Take a peek and then head over to the  ~Sun*Kissed Designs Hair and Body Accessories Boutique~ for more detail images of each piece!!




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Hand Beaded Headband. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Hand Beaded Floral Head Scarf. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Hand Beaded Flower Headband. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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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




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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

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This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Brooch Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Gown, Fascinator and Ruffle Collar by Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is the property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Cake by Cakes by Rachael. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs
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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.
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Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Jeweled Shoes by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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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.
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This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.
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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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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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There's a New Gown in Town!!

7/20/2011

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
We have a new addition! Something different from the current gown line "Of Sand and Shore" but yet still cohesive! 

Still interested?!?!

Introducing the Timeless Wedding Gown! The gown is still coastal inspired but with more vintage, romantic, natural and estate additions and embellishments. This will definitely add to the beauty of Sun*Kissed Designs!

Enjoy the new addition!

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Oceanic Jems!!

7/20/2011

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
I am always in awe of the scenery when I go to the ocean!! It is sometimes by the crisp air as it passes by your cheek or by the enormous rocks occasionally strewn across the sand. There is just something lovely about the ocean!

While visiting Rhode Island recently, I passed through several beaches. Each offered something different from the others. We eventually came to a spot situated near harbor waters. The rocks were huge! The air beyond inviting!! And the inspiration was out of this world!!

I design gowns that are unique with hints of familiarity. Accessible yet off the beaten path...much like this beach. I feel that getting away from the mainstream and what is expected opens the door for creativity and for the bride to shine as well as the gown...

So when I saw the crisp blues and solid greens, coupled with the frosted and dark grays, it was like seeing the perfect palette of coastal inspired accessories!!

Ocean rock inspired jewelry doesn't always come heavy, stark and casual. There are necklaces made of labradorite and chrysocolla earrings. Opal, turquoise and chalcedony stones gathered for bracelets. The list of natural stones is endless!! 

Neiman Marcus offers the Gurhan Precious jewelry collection where beautifully simple pieces are abundant. And the Sundance catalog offers jewelry by designer Danielle Welmond where she creates radiant stone jewelry that is soft and lovely!

It is always fun to play with contrasts! Pairing a soft wedding gown with contrasting oceanic jems brings many elements of individuality and loveliness to your bridal attire!

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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This image is courtesy of Sundancecatalog.com of work by artist Danielle Welmond. Aqua and Labradorite Necklace.
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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Of Sand and Shore!

5/19/2011

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Bringing an element of surprise to show off your bridal style is a great way to keep your wedding unique! You don't have to schedule a destination wedding to sweep your guests away to a calm, serene ambiance. It can all start with the color palette chosen for your wedding party!

Colors like turquoise, pale pink, and khaki, instantly convey the elements of the shore. Incorporating various textures such as soft satin coupled with silk shantung, reflect the smoothness of the water and the grainy sands! By focusing on a neutral color scheme and working in soft and bold colors, you will be sure to create a visual oasis to display for your guests...and to enjoy for yourself!

I believe in keeping things simple! Letting nature and all things lovely inspire! There is a rhythm that nature has and when you let it relax you, you receive this calming moment of bliss! When planning your wedding style, let nature in to guide you!  Miles of sand and eons of ocean can leave you breathless...the same emotion you want to feel from your guests!!

Let the fashion and style from your wedding be one of calm inspiration intrigue and loveliness...blissful...like an ocean oasis of sand and shore. 

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    About Me...

    My name is Chantél Francina and I design and create hand beaded wedding gowns, bridal accessories and special occasion gowns and accessories!! I started designing clothes 15 years ago and am completely self taught. I have designed and created just about everything, but have fallen in love with creating bridal and special occasionwear!
      I draw inspiration from the coast, all things lovely,art and being a woman of 32! I am a New England Native who loves to make pretty things. Visit the Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs for more photos and information.





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