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

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

10/7/2013

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.

Dragonfly Flower Ruffle Collar. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

~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!!

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

4/26/2013

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~

~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!

Snow Queen!!~Faux Fur and Winter Weather Accessories~

1/31/2013

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!

Faux fur is a beautiful way to keep warm! It is cost effective and can be accessorized with beautiful brooches to increase its elegance!

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!

New Hair Accessories in the ~Sun*Kissed Designs Hair and Body Accessories Boutique~!!

11/17/2012

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!!

Hand Beaded Headband. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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

Hand Beaded Flower Headband. 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!!

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

9/20/2012

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!

Fall in Love...All Over Again~

9/11/2012

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!