Just a few sneaks before Hannah with Rooted Trumpet Photography is finished with the whole gallery from our styled shoot at the HighPointe Estate in Liberty Hill, Texas.
Ellie gown
Felicity gown
Re-introducing the Dewdrop Gown
The Dewdrop gown may sound familiar but I updated it recently and wanted to re-introduce her. She was photographed by several photographers at this styled shoot so these are just some of the first ones I got back from Ericka Geier Photography, more to come!
The Dewdrop gown is made with seaweed-style coral sequin stretch fabric, nude knit lining (bodice), silk chiffon, and silk charmeuse. She was designed for the modern bride who loves comfort, pink, and sparkles. Perfect for a beach wedding, a modern downtown wedding, or a pink modern elegant wedding at Houston’s Lux Vita. (see below)
Changes made to the Dewdrop gown:
Added silk chiffon ties at the center back to hold the dress on better because of the deep V in the front and back.
Added a zipper at the center back so it can fit more models/brides. (Pull-over style previously because the top is stretchy)
LOVE the pink velvet chairs and crushed pink velvet table cover. Next Chapter Weddings is amazing at styling weddings.
CREDITS
Planner/Coordinator: @next_chapter_weddings
Venue: @luxvitaevents
Backdrops: @mulberry_basket
Artificial Bouque: @lonestarflorals
Tablescape & Fresh Flowers: @all.the.pretty.things.htx
Stationery: @autumnfoxdesigns
Calligrapher: @le_le_lines
Cake: @theglutencakery
HAMU: @brittneyjohnsonmakeup
Bride: Angie
Photographer: Ericka Geier Photography
Sneak Peak-Styled Shoot with Katie Knotts Photography at the Villa Antonia
Huckleberry Wedding Films
Song: "Feels Like" by HRDLY (provided by Musicbed)
Dream Team:
Photography: @katieknottsphoto
Hair + Makeup: @rievbeauty
Planning + Design: @thegroovyweddingco
Venue: @villa_antonia
Florist: @christieturnerdesigns
Stationary: @theprintedbride
Videography: @huckleberryweddingfilms
Gown: @desireemariedesign
Rentals: @premiereeventsaustin
Charcuterie: @luxboardsatx
Cake: @simplydeliciouscustomcakes
Models: @ashleyysykora @leauramullins @jackhedrick
Jewelry: @shopgraceandcharm
Car: @babybluedrivesforyou
More photos from the Winfield Inn Styled Shoot with Mackenzie Smith Photo
Darlin’ Wedding Gown worn by model Chelsea Mattison.
2nd model pictured wearing the Ellie long sleeve lace gown worn by model Kristina Kerr
Creative Partners
Design + Planning: @thegroovyweddingco
Photography: @mackenziesmithphoto
Venue: @thewinfieldinn
Rentals: @modernpicnics
Floral: @moonflorastudio
Hair: @stylesbyv
Stationary: @ox.ink
Makeup: @harshalani
Rentals: @alpalitaustin
Balloons: @kiwisparty
Bakery: @wombakery
Copywrite: @kidd_you_not
Models: @_chelseamattison @madilage @basically_maggies (Kristina Kerr)
Vegas mini dress with Erin Venable Photography
Edited photos are back from Erin when she photographed the Vegas dress in Vegas!
Creating your Custom Gown
Some brides come to me with a complete dress idea in their head and it makes the consultation go by pretty fast. I had brides bring in photos of gowns from the internet and we sketch their dream dress by piecing different dress ideas together. I have also had brides love my designs and want a recreation of a dress from one of my collections.
But sometimes, you know you just want a custom gown, or you just know you want to buy local or support small women-owned businesses like me, but you do not know what you want. This post is here to help!
Choosing your Bodice
Sleeves?
The Ellie gown has both fitted long sleeves with thumbholes, and cape sleeves (that leads into a cape in the back!
choosing your waistline
Choosing your skirt
Veil?
The Daisy veil is a fingertip length veil with gold lace and pink artificial flower appliques
Bridal Alterations with Rebecca
I wanted to share some BTS photos of alterations/custom work I did on Rebecca’s wedding dress. I was pleased to be working with one of my idols dresses—Leanne Marshall.
The dress did not fit her so one of the few solutions to fixing that is by adding a corset back. Since she did not come with extra fabric, and Leanne Marshall is known for her unique and gorgeous colors, color matching with store bought fabric was nearly impossible.
Luckily, for Rebecca, I am skilled in dying fabrics, and began a dye bath for the tulle fabric, the silk charmeuse fabric, and the cotton lace appliques.
I also added bust cups, boning, and bishop sleeves to her gown.
I am very excited to see photos of her on her big day! Will post ASAP.
Styled Shoot with Ophelia Portraits
I had the pleasure of working with Jay from Ophelia Portraits over the weekend and I’m in love with the results!
Her approach to photography is different from many of the photographers I have been working with recently so it was great to see my dresses from such a different perspective.
I am not fluent in photography lingo but as an outsider, I can tell you her pictures look like vintage paintings, take a look for yourself. Ophelia Portraits website.
(Lighting and video below by her partner Joe with Joseph McMillan photography)
Jay not only photographed our gorgeous model, Payton Gisel from MAZZAmodels, but she also did the flawless makeup!
Those gorgeous locks are prepped by the talented hair designer, Sarah Lund.
Creative Partners:
Photo @ophelia.portraits
Model @payton_gisel with @mazzamodels
Lighting @josephmcmillanphoto
Hair @sarah.lovekm
Makeup @jaybrans
Gowns Audrey Gown and the Savannah Gown
Houston Botanic Gardens Styled Shoot with the April gown
Next Chapter Weddings put on another fabulous styled shoot in Houston and asked me to join as a vendor. I jumped at another opportunity and sent Brandi my April gown.
You may know this about me already, but I LOVE cacti! So I’m obsessed with this gorgeous venue!
Above photo of flat lay by @erikageierphotography
Tags:
Planning @nextchapterweddings
Location @houstonbotanic
Photo @senaephotography and @erikageierphotography (flat lay photo)
Model @paige_beitler
HMUA @polishedmakeupandhair
Jewelry @christinagreenejewelry
Calligraphy/Stationary @shemadeitlikethat
Floral @pompomflorists
Art & Decor @mulberry_basket
Dress April Gown
Published in Trends Wedding & Lifestyle Magazine
https://trends-magazine.net/santa-fe-sunset-styled-shoot/
Exciting news! The Wildflower gown was just published in Trends Wedding & Lifestyle Magazine on 1-10-2021 from one of my most recent styled shoots with Candice Dawn Photography, model Sparkle Sauls, and Christie Turner Designs (florals) at the 71 West wedding venue.
The backdrop, decorations, theme, and planning was all done by Texas Hill Country Styled Shoots—LOVE
The Swig Rig is such a cute bar to add to your wedding
Model: Sparkle Sauls//Event Venue: 71 West Ranch//Floral Designer: ChristieTurnerFloralDesign//Fashion Designer: Desiree Marie Design//Photographer: Candice Dawn Photography
Pastel Styled Shoot at Stonehouse Villa with Chelsea Farner
More photos from the styled shoot at the Stonehouse Villa with the Felicity gown and the Daisy gown.
My first pavlova from Crema Bakery! Loved it! Pink, glittery, blueberries, cream—adore!
Tags:
Photographer// Chelsea Farner
Location// @stonehousevilla
Stylist, Planners & Decor// @texashillcountrycollective
Bride 1// @brighteyedjenn
Bride 2 // @sarahc.may
Groom// Harvey Sun
Florals// @christieturnerdesigns
HMUA// Silk + Glow @silkandglow
Banner// Lynwood Weddings @lynwood_weddings
Bakery//@cremabakerycafe
Stationary and Calligraphy// @unlostcalligraphyco
Wedding vows + Poem// @showrites
Felicity and Daisy at the Stonehouse Villa
I had the pleasure of visiting the gorgeous venue Stonehouse Villa and finished a new dress, Felicity, just for the occasion.
Texas Hill Country Styled Shoots hosts styled shoots and has several photographers, as well as other amazing local vendors, get together almost monthly to make magic.
Here are some photos back already from one of the photographers, Lauren Crumpler Photography.
Daisy gown
Credits:
Planning/Design: Texas Hill Country Styled Shoots @texashillcountrycollective
Photographer: Lauren Crumpler Photography @lauren.crumpler.photo
Floral: Christie Turner Designs @christieturnerdesigns
Venue: Stonehouse Villa @stonehousevilla
Model 1: @brighteyedjenn
Model 2: @SarahC.may
HMUA: @Silkandglow
Southwest Styled Shoot at 71 West
This is only one set of 3 for the styled shoot at 71 West with the Wrangler and Wildflower gowns from my Southwest Bride Collection…so there’s more to come!
The styled shoot was designed by Texas Hill Country Styled Shoots and inspired by Santa Fe, so I knew my Southwest dresses would fit right in with the bright, colorful, cactus-themed boho wedding.
Creative Partners:
Photo @countryanchorphotography
Decor/Planning @texashillcountrycollective
Floral @christieturnerdesigns
Location @71West
Model (1st pictured) @fitmissbri
Model Groom @andyerixson
Model Bride 2 @genuinesparkle
HMUA @studio43HMUA
Bar @the_swig_rig
Vegas baby! BTS Styled shoot with Erin Venable Photography
Photographer Erin was looking for a fun elopement dress for her styled shoot just a month ago and I took on the challenge of creating a new dress specifically for the occasion!
Meet the Vegas dress!
This dress is made mostly from a refurbished vintage wedding skirt that I was gifted from a client. I did not have much time, and shipping during COVID has been hit and miss, so I had to work with what I had, but it worked out perfectly, so no regrets!
Cute couple, Hayley and Bryen rockin’ these looks!
Removable puff sleeves snap on at the shoulder
Lace boots from House of Elliot click here
Styled Shoot with Mackenzie Smith Photo at Winfield Inn
Teaser photos from Dec 20th Styled Shoot with Mackenzie Smith Photo.
Model Chelsea Mattison is modeling my Darlin’ gown below from the Southwest Bride Collection.
Model Kristina @basically_maggies modelling my Ellie gown below.
Creative Partners
Design + Planning: @thegroovyweddingco
Photography: @mackenziesmithphoto
Venue: @thewinfieldinn
Rentals: @modernpicnics
Floral: @moonflorastudio
Hair: @stylesbyv
Stationary: @ox.ink
Makeup: @harshalani
Rentals: @alpalitaustin
Gowns: @desireemariedesign
Balloons: @kiwisparty
Bakery: @wombakery
Copywrite: @kidd_you_not
Models: @_chelseamattison @madilage @basically_maggies
Real Bride Anjie 10-4-2020
- - - behind the seams - - -
Bride Anjie came to me with a very specific design in mind, and I was very happy to help her. I love working with brides who bring me out of my comfort zone. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
I also personally love her choice of no-train. I opted to have the smallest train ever on my wedding day, because they get in the way of having fun!
The dress is two pieces; a corset top adorned with handmade roses, bows, crystals, and lace that layers over a gathered full hi-lo multi-layer and color skirt with lace appliques. (& multi colored matching veil)
Wedding Day!
YAY! Congrats Anjie & Chris!
photos by Melissa Vinsik Photography
Should I get a Custom-Made Wedding Dress?
I would love to say every bride should get a custom-made wedding dress, but after working with lots of brides, I can say that there are some qualities/traits some brides possess that make them a better fit for purchasing a custom-made wedding dress.
If one or more of these traits sound like you, then you will want to consider going custom!
She knows what she wants, almost exactly, and cannot find it at a traditional bridal salon
She loves the idea of having something no one else has and loves a lot of the designs I have created
She’s creative understands the process of making something from scratch
She loves to support local entrepreneurs and understands even though Desiree or another Dress designer may strive for perfection, it may not be perfect, it’s Wabi-Sabi
In addition to one of the above traits:
She understands she will need to attend around 5-7 fittings, possibly more if the design is changed, or there are weight changes*
*She understands someone is making a gown for her so she maintains her weight. The fitting process usually takes 3-6 mos.
She can visualize her dress from the sketch, not for the faint of heart
Designer Pledge:
I promise to be realistic with you on what I can create, within your timeline and budget, and what would need to be substituted because I don’t have the same equipment as large manufacturers or a tool/fabric/applique is unavailable to me.
I know this is the most special garment you may ever wear, and I am thrilled every time I get to be apart of that experience with a bride. I will put in every effort to make it the best experience for you.
Custom Bridal Gowns currently average at $2,000.
Lux Vita Styled Shoot with Rivers Light Photography
Savannah gown
Wildflower gown from the Southwest Bride 2020 Collection
Planner/Coordinator: Next Chapter Weddings
Venue: Lux Vita
Linens and Decor: Mulberry Basket Events
Plates/Stemware: Grands Rentals
Lounge Area: Decor 369
Arch/Sweets/Stand/white outdoor flower wall: Dulce Decor by Sylvia
Cake: Gowdas Bakehouse
Sweets: Gud sugar
Florals: Red Experiences
Purple Artificial bouquets: Lone Star Florals
Flower Walls: Southern Flower Walls
Hair & Makeup Artists: Simple Beauty Artistry
Sha’Ketha with Vivid Glam Artistry
Photographer: Rivers Light Photography
Styled shoot of the Darlin' gown at Yellowstone National Park with Gypc Girl Photography
What Fabric Should I choose for my Wedding Dress?
Knowing what type of fabric you want before heading to the salon or to get a bespoke gown made for you will help your search.
photography by Kristen McKelvie
As a bespoke designer, this is a hot topic around my studio, so I wanted to clearly lay out the pros and cons of each fabric because there isn’t one that is perfect for all brides/dresses. Choosing between natural, artificial, and synthetic fibers are your biggest step because it narrows down the fabric selection and your designers vastly. I encourage you to think about what means most to you on your wedding day, having a luxe smooth breathable fabric that is more expensive and harder to care for, or a more available, less expensive, easily cleaned, wrinkle-resistant fabric that is not breathable or absorbent. After all this research, I can say that, in my opinion, a cupro silk alternative looks like a great middle ground-breathable, silk-like smoothness, absorbent, and smooth, but it does wrinkle easily, so keep the steamer close.
Main Dress Fabrics
Natural Fibers
Artificial Fibers aka Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers
Main Dress Fabrics
Synthetic Fibers
Main Dress Fabrics
Polyester is most commonly used, because it is readily available in many colors and fabric types, has easy care, and is wrinkle resistant.
It is what most designers in bridal salons use for main dress fabrics and linings.
My Darlin’ gown below is made with polyester chiffon and polyester lining but still looks luxe!
Lace Fabrics
The ‘Jes’ gown below is made with a 3D Guipure Lace fabric and cotton lining.
Lining Fabrics
Is your Wedding dress fabric missing from my list? Comment below. And if you have any questions about choosing your wedding dress fabrics, please ask away!
