Off The Rack

Wedding dress shopping has become a lot easier with the arrival of some fabulous, affordable, designer gowns in local department stores like David Jones and Myer. If you're a bride who is not really keen on traditional bridal boutique gowns, or their price tags, take a look at some of the modern, fashion-savvy gowns available in your local shopping mall.



Carla Zampatti ($925 AUD) gown showcased on the runway (above)
and worn with style at two real weddings (below).



Images by Blumenthal.



Images by Reed Photography




Myer has introduced the label Matcevski Sweethearts, a range of silk gowns priced from $250 - $399. Affordable, flattering and stylish for either bridesmaids or the bride.



Matcevski Sweetheart range as seen in Cosmopolitan Bride (below)







Local designer Akira Isogawa's gowns are popping up on a lot of photographers pages right now. Here are the images from his website alongside real brides looking runway ready.



Left: Akira Isogawa Right: as seen in Real Weddings Magazine



Left: Akira Isogawa Middle: Jonas Peterson Photography Right: Cosmopolitan Bride




Lisa Ho has some gorgeous dresses that are wedding day worthy (although her website certainly doesn't show it). But if these real brides are anything to go by, i think a visit to Lisa Ho is certainly not going to be a waste of time.



Left: Emma Hughes Photograhpy Middle & Right: Angela Higgins

Birds Of A Feather

This delicate feather theme will get your feathers all ruffled with wedding delight. Start with a simple feather on your invitation to set the scene, then incorporate them in a myriad of ways throughout your day. From a feather trimmed veil, boutonniere, to your cake topper and shoes, heck, why not end the celebration with a fun and romantic feather fight with your newly crowned husband. Your guests will be floating too as you ask them, "At the kiss of the bride and groom, please wave your feather for a flight into happiness"













Row 1: Circle Park Bridal, Net-a-porter, Dress Finesse
Row 2: Yvonne Floral Design, Flowers Direct

Row 3: Kristin Vining, It's a Jamie Thing, Weddings and the city
Row 4: Huetopia Designs, Joyce, Huetopia Designs
Row 5: Effi Georgia, Jane Yeh, Kristin Vining
Row 6: Terranea Resort
Row 7: The Wedding Informtion Site , Sue Wong at nordstrom, Wedding Gowns

You've Got A Secret Smile

Nobody knows it,
But you've got a secret smile,
And you use it only for me.



When you are flying around and around the world,
And I'm lying here lonely,
I know there's something sacred and free,
Reserved and received by me only.






Secret Smile Lyrics by Semisonic
Image via The Brides Cafe

Breakfast At Tiffany's Engagement Shoot

If you've ever been to my dollshouse (that's what everyone calls my little home... 'the dollshouse'), as soon as you walk in, there's one thing you will notice... my love for Audrey Hepburn. I have pictures on the walls, books on the coffee table, more books on the bedside table, tiffany bags scattered around the place... it's an Audrey assault of the eyes. I love the glamour of it all. Her style, her elegance, her beauty. I know there are plenty of Breakfast At Tiffany's lovers around the world, and i've seen a few images of Tiffany themed weddings (yes i've seen the "Today" show and Martha Stewart one)...but i am yet to see somebody do a really really really good Breakfast At Tiffany's engagements shoot!



Pllllleeeasseeeeee can somebody do a fantastic Holly and Fred/Paul engagement shoot !!! Otherwise I guess i'll just add it to my scrapbook of ideas for the day i find my own Fred.







Here are some basic styling ideas for the shoot i would do:
Look 1: Of course it's the icon black dress (which i have!!), long gloves, pearls, big sunglasses, tiara, coissant, Tiffany & Co. window (or an elegant chandelier).


Look 2: Trench coats, an ally way with old tin dust bins, rain, kisses, kisses & more kisses !!!
Look 3: Men's tuxedo shirt, iconic eye mask, tassle ear plugs, bath tub seat, vintage phone, old suitcases.
Look 4: Black wide brim hat with scarf, big sunglasses, chunky earrings, suit with vest, skinny tie, New York style street front.
Look 5: Tiffany & Co. store, vintage red wool coat, brown fur hat, black morning suit, cat and dog costume masks.



Some more inspiration...
















Cute couple, Ossan and Tiffany, had a Tiffany & Co. inspired pre-wedding shoot.




See the full shoot at Axioo Photography



Can somebody please shoot some of the other gorgeous 'coupley' scenes from Breakfast at Tiffany's.