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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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~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!


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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!
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Choose aromatic loose leaf teas!
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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!

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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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~Spring is Sprouting!!~

4/18/2013

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I love Spring!! Not only is it a shift from the colder temperatures of Winter, it is a reminder that change is constant and that new beginnings inevitably beckon for our attention! I happen to notice with no hesitation!


The colors of Spring can be a direct inspiration as you plan your wedding day attire and decor! And incorporating floral elements and accessories can be a chic surprise to any wedding theme.


Spring accents can range from a garden decorated reception or the bride's hidden pair of floral shoes! Adding vines throughout your reception tables and including robust, floral arrangements as your centerpieces, are a great way to pay homage to Spring on your big day. Showering your reception tables with flower petals and candles add a lovely romantic touch!


Floral beading and embellishments add a subtle hint of Spring to any wedding gown and bridesmaid's dress. Fabric flowers and beaded flowers are elements that can make any look playful!


Men's ties in flower prints and Springtime colors, continue the theme. Accessorizing with flower adorned shoes for your bridesmaids and shrugs and wraps with flower embellishments, create a beautiful living bouquet!!


Many wedding planners have created petal designs for the bride to walk through as she makes her grand entrance. These stunning displays can create a floral design or can include the initials of the bride and groom!


With the stunning display that Spring is gifting us daily (yes, even on the rainy days everything looks greener!) find amazing ways to include it into the decor and accessories to make your day memorable!!

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Table decor can be accented with vines!
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Flower petals add a romantic touch!
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Use the colors of Spring to inspire you decor, attire, accents and bouquets!
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~Demure vs Ornate Floral Decor

2/22/2013

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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!

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A lovely example of an ornate tablescape arrangement!
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To make an elaborate floral arrangement more demure, reduce the flower types used and opt for only 2 colors of the same flower!
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To create a balance of demure and ornate, add a second flower type in a different color just as an accent piece!
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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!
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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!
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The ultimate in elegant demure tablescapes, is to simply add 1 single flower type or stem to a lovely vase!
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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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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!

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Keep things simple!
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Use vintage buckets to hold wedding favors!
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Choose memorable locations!
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Leave your guests inspired!
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Sun*Kissed Designs SHINED at the T Rose International Bridal Show Northern Va.!!!

8/29/2012

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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!

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Giveaway Veil! This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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Join Sun*Kissed Designs July 8, 2012 At The T Rose International Bridal Show!!

6/28/2012

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


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




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Another great chance to see Sun*Kissed Designs!! January 29, 2012 at the Embassy Suites Hunt Valley!!

1/12/2012

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In addition to the What's Up Annapolis Bridal Showcase on Sunday January 22, 2012 at the Double Tree Annapolis Hilton, join Sun*Kissed Designs at the Embassy Suites Hunt Valley for the Bridal Showcase on Sunday January 29, 2012 from 12:00pm until 3:00pm!!

Sun*Kissed Designs will be in attendance displaying new gowns and accessories!! Along with Sun*Kissed Designs, there will be plenty of amazing vendors, giveaways and treats to sample!! Sun*Kissed is giving away a hand beaded veil worth $100!! Bridal shows are a great way to meet amazing vendors all in one location! And it is the perfect opportunity to sign up for free consultations to get the gown of your dreams made by Sun*Kissed Designs!! 

So click Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Bridal Show for more information and to purchase tickets! Admission is free to brides and guest tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. The Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Hotel is located 213 International Circle Hunt Valley, MD 21030. The event is from 12:00pm until 3:00pm.

In honor of the Bridal Showcase, Sun*Kissed Designs is giving away 2 additional veils through the Facebook Page!! Enter to win by 'Liking' the Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs and leave a comment or send the message "I want to enter to win!!". The winning names will be drawn on Monday January 23rd, 2012 and the winners notified by email.
 So come out to the Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Bridal Show on Sunday January 29, 2012!!

Directions:

From BWI Airport: I-295N to I-695N. Continue onto I-695N (Balto-Beltway). Take I-83N to Exit 20A-Shawan Rd. Merge onto Road and take next Left onto McCormick Road. Take First Left onto International Circle. Hotel on Left.

From 70 East: Take I-70E to I-76E to I-83S to Exit 20A-Shawan Rd. Merge onto Road East and take Left onto McCormick Road. Take First Left onto International Circle. Hotel on Left.

For GPS Purpose, use the following address: 213 International Circle, Cockeysville, MD 21030



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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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