HATS AND FLOWERS

I always said if there were a sequel to Breakfast at Tiffany's, we'd find Holly Golightly sporting a hat on her wedding day. Since HG is really that zanier side of Audrey Hepburn that surfaced in the 1960s, she set the trend for le chapeau as an item of chic rather than a required accessory. So brides of today are following her lead, wearing a hat to clinch a whole bridal look while expressing a little panache . .Silk and tulle fascinator and cabbage rose picture hat available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal under Head Chic.

HATS AND FLOWERS

I always said if there were a sequel to Breakfast at Tiffany's, we'd find Holly Golightly sporting a hat on her wedding day. Since HG is really that zanier side of Audrey Hepburn that surfaced in the 1960s, she set the trend for le chapeau as an item of chic rather than a required accessory. So brides of today are following her lead, wearing a hat to clinch a whole bridal look while expressing a little panache . .Silk and tulle fascinator and cabbage rose picture hat available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal under Head Chic.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner

VEIL PRIMER

Think about it: you'll probably wear a knock out gown again sometime in your life but when will you ever get the opportunity to wear a veil? That's something to ponder when you're weighing out the, "Will I or won't I veil?" question. The gorgeous board above was put together by Liane Roy of Forget Me Not Details in Buffalo, NY. It has just about every veil you can think of starting off with the smallest wisps of chic birdcages and poufs to sweeping cathedral lengths in tulle, lace, netting and organza.

VEIL LENGTHS
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Blusher or Flyaway-a fly away is typically attached to the back while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
Elbow-Extends to the elbow or a couple inches below.
Fingertip-Most popular length; can be worn by nearly every figure type with most silhouettes.
Waltz-Falls anywhere between knee and ankle.
Chapel-Considered formal. Extends about a two feet beyond the hemline.
Cathedral-Most formal. Extends three feet or more beyond the hem.

Double Tier-Two layers, typically the shorter one a blusher but not always.

STYLES

Top photos: Variations on the birdcage and pouf veils

Middle photos: Short pouf and blusher veil

Bottom photos: mantilla and scarf veil

Pouf-Opposite: Width of veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped-Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil.
Long Scarf-Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length
wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

All veils above available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/ amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

VEIL PRIMER

Think about it: you'll probably wear a knock out gown again sometime in your life but when will you ever get the opportunity to wear a veil? That's something to ponder when you're weighing out the, "Will I or won't I veil?" question. The gorgeous board above was put together by Liane Roy of Forget Me Not Details in Buffalo, NY. It has just about every veil you can think of starting off with the smallest wisps of chic birdcages and poufs to sweeping cathedral lengths in tulle, lace, netting and organza.

VEIL LENGTHS
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Blusher or Flyaway-a fly away is typically attached to the back while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
Elbow-Extends to the elbow or a couple inches below.
Fingertip-Most popular length; can be worn by nearly every figure type with most silhouettes.
Waltz-Falls anywhere between knee and ankle.
Chapel-Considered formal. Extends about a two feet beyond the hemline.
Cathedral-Most formal. Extends three feet or more beyond the hem.

Double Tier-Two layers, typically the shorter one a blusher but not always.

STYLES

Top photos: Variations on the birdcage and pouf veils

Middle photos: Short pouf and blusher veil

Bottom photos: mantilla and scarf veil

Pouf-Opposite: Width of veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped-Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil.
Long Scarf-Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length
wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

All veils above available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/ amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Stephanie Williams Photography

I instantly fell in love with this embroidered silk organza before it ever took the form of the above 1950s silhouette. Recently to slide off the work table, 'April' is the newest in my 'Dioresque Collection'--layers and yards of skirt under a tiny, cinched waist.
Somewhere between semi-formal and high fashion, I find the just-above-the-ankle Ballerina length so flattering--especially when worn with Barbie-doll heels or ankle-straps a la 1950s . .

The stunning photo was taken in San Juan Capistrano, California by the very talented wedding and fashion photographer, Stephanie Williams, who has a name for making her brides look like models and models look like real brides.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Welcome Spring in with the 'Sophia' Gown. Best worn against the back drop of greenery and blooming flowers, 'Sophia' is an A-line cut, wrapped in ivory gathered tulle from bodice to hem. Handmade pink organza rosettes secured with pink quartz beads are dappled all over the dress and matching shawl.

'Sophia' was conceived and designed with the outdoor and/or more informal wedding in mind. Accessorized here with a trio of pink roses as head piece, 'Sophia' would look just as stunning paired up with short or long veil. A picture hat wrapped in tulle is another option for this gown that would set it into high fashion/romantic dressing . . .

To order or ask questions about 'Sophia' you can either call or email me. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal couture

415.258.8204

contact@amyjotatum.com

Model: Natalie Angela

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Lace and cotton Georgette. Combined they make a luscious combination. The 'Mira' dress is part of the Dioresque series, a capsule collection of dresses redolent of the 1950s era. A halter top in Chantilly lace sits atop a full gathered skirt.

This dress could easily go semi-formal or less formal depending on accessories. A fingertip veil paired up with gloves would put it into the former category while fascinators, hats and cage veils the latter. Here, the model is going somewhere in-between and looks like she might be opting for a restaurant or small garden wedding.

If you want to see more gowns like this check out my site http://www.amyjotatum.com/. Also, if you want to place an order or simply talk about this gown call me 415.258.8204. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area.