The New Mina Dress is all hearts and feathers!

The Mina dress is handmade in Lakeland by designer Desireé.

Photography by Brittany Borders Photography

Heels by Betsey Johnson

Terracotta Styled Shoot at Cypress Grove Park

Photographer @kaylarodriguezphotos

Organizer @carolinairaisphoto

Day of Coordinator @klatch.events

Arch @klatch.events

Tables/Linens/Decor @weliketopartyevents

Bar Cart @tipsytravelerbar

Gowns @desireemariedesign 

HMUA @emcbeautie 

Stationery @pimenteldesignstudio

Cake @icedbytaylor

Florals @thefancyflorals

Signage @weddingsignsnmore

Treats @sweet_sensationss1 

Models: @canvasofcaity

Brown Bra cups, nowhere to be found-update

UPDATE 5-30-23

You can now purchase mocha brown push-up cups from Wawak.com for $3.98-5.00 for each pair. https://www.wawak.com/garment-construction/bra-cups/serged-push-up-bra-cups-1-pairpack/#sku=brc6amo

I’m surprised I am just now realizing the lack of brown bra cups. I have been in the bridal design/bridal alterations business now for several years and with the sheer wedding dress trend, I’m just surprised I have not come across this before now.

Sheer wedding dress showing brown cups

Felicity gown-Sheer Wedding Dress, notice how the cups are seen slightly through the lace. Beige cups are used in this design.

But I had a bridal client come in recently and ask for me to swap out her bra cups in her wedding dress for ones that matched her skin tone. It seemed like an easy request.

Normally I go to wawak.com and order bra cups in beige or white, they are also available in the color black. The only “brown” cups they offer are round with no push-up (90% of women want the extra lift on the wedding day).

The pair I normally order for most of my brides, push-up. No “mocha” available.

The only option they carry in “mocha”

I took to Facebook and asked my group of Bridal Alterations seamstresses what they thought of the situation and if they had any sources for me to order dark brown cups from. Again, to my surprise, 90% of the comments told me to dye them or to cover them myself because they too, know there are limited to no sources for brown bra cups.

I did more research on google.com and found an etsy seller selling mocha cups, but they look more copper than my bride, and from the reviews, they are copper-colored in person as well. And the company is “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS”


I did have a couple of women suggest I order brown cups from a Maggie Sottero retailer. I contacted 3-4 retailers that were able to order the cups and they all gave me prices between $15-30 per pair. This is outrageous considering you see the price for the beige pair above from wawak.

I asked for a bulk discount rate and I was told there was none.

New Approach-

DIY-ing brown bra cups,

Dyeing vs. Covering

Fabric Dyeing

  • Takes too long

  • Messy

  • Room for error

  • Fabric dye, gloves, tub, etc. becomes pricey

Covering with Fabric

  • Use a 4-way stretch knit. I used a Powernet mesh

    • If you must use a woven, use 8” bias strips

Making the cups from scratch?

  • I researched making the cups from scratch as opposed to covering $2-3 cups with inexpensive mesh fabric and the costs/time are greater

  • If I made it from scratch, I would need foam 6mm or 1/4” thick, not available at JoAnn

  • The cups would have to have seams for me to create the concave, and I would have to add extra foam for push-up

  • I would still have to cover them because they do not have mocha/dark brown/milk chocolate color available

Conclusion

I’m covering the bra cups I purchase normally from wawak.com with brown mesh I received from fabric.com on amazon.com.

This link is helpful for tips on covering your bra cups. https://withmyhandsdream.com/2019/02/06/a-grey-teeshirt-bra-and-panties/

Covering the beige cups with brown 4-way stretch mesh

Finished covered brown bra cups ready to be sewn in my clients wedding dress

I decided I should sell some as well on my website since there is such a limited supply, and some ladies needing these cups may not be able/want to cover them.

Brown Push-Up Bra Cups Now available in the shop!

For every pair of cups sold, $1 will be donated to the NAACP

Real Bride Vervain Marries Shawn in a Custom Made Lace Ball Gown

Behind the Seams

Erica/Vervain came to me with lots of beautiful laces she already handpicked herself and a bodice piece from her mothers gown she hand beaded/embroidered. We then started sketching her dream dress together (she already sketched it once) and I began putting together her ball gown.

She is wearing a hoop skirt underneath several layers of lace and satin for that full look. Hoop skirts opposed to layers of net and tulle are a great option because it gives you so much space for your legs/feet to walk and it keeps you cooler throughout the day.

I am grateful to have worked with her on this dress, I love it, and her photos from the wedding are GORGEOUS!

Wedding Day

Tags:

Stephanie Rogers Photography

Venue-Barr Mansion

Hair @magical_mitzi https://salonlofts.com/mitzi_naiser

Flowers @madame.ling

Cake Toppers @shroomware

Real Bride Crystal-Custom Made Wedding Dress

I love working with creative brides like Crystal. She had a vision of a purple and black tulle gown with crystal appliques and we created her dream gown. Her dress fits perfectly into her bridal party and looks like it was made to match her decor. I always have a Halloween bride, and this year, Crystal was that bride. I love how she incorporated Day of the Dead makeup and decorations, a very popular holiday in Austin Texas where her wedding was held.

🎄 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄

Follow me to BLB Hacienda Wedding Venue in Orlando, FL. It’s a spacious venue with much to offer including scenery, animal friends like retired Disney Clydesdale horses, donkeys, and even a peacock!

Credits:

Photos: @laughwithoutfearphotography

Organizer @carolinairaisphoto

Styling/DOC @lanasstyle_

Venue @blbhaciendaweddings

Decor @velveteventsorlando

Gowns @desireemariedesign

HMUA @emcbeautie

Balloons @sweet_sensationss1

Models @twoboholovers + @amaliaespinosa

Stationery @saniquecalligraphy Cake @icedbytaylor

Welcome Sign @signed.bytaylor

Tipsy Trailer @tipsytravelerbar

Space Cowboy Styled Elopement Shoot at Joshua Tree with Scott Photography & Co.

I'm a space cowboy
Bet you weren't ready for that

Christmas Styled Shoot with Carolina Irais Photography at BLB Hacienda

It’s the most wonderful time of year!

I’m a sucker for winter weddings and pinecones! See our interpretation of a Winter Florida Wedding from our styled shoot below. This is my first styled shoot since moving back to Florida, FL photographers/stylists/planners hit me up! Cue the christmas music.

Dresses in order as pictured:

Felicity

Gardenia

Ellie

Credits:

Organizer @carolinairaisphoto

Styling/DOC @lanasstyle_

Venue @blbhaciendaweddings

Decor @velveteventsorlando

Gowns @desireemariedesign

HMUA @emcbeautie

Balloons @sweet_sensationss1

Models @twoboholovers + @amaliaespinosa

Stationery @saniquecalligraphy

Cake @icedbytaylor

Welcome Sign @signed.bytaylor

Tipsy Trailer @tipsytravelerbar

Real Bride Quin-Preview Photos by a sea of love

So happy to have worked Real Bride Quin on creating her dream dress.

She came to me just a couple months before I moved to Florida with a dress inspiration pic from one of my favorite designers, Brandon Maxwell.

We changed the neckline and the waistline but kept the color and the same silk faille fabric as the designer.

I love working with brides on creating unique dresses just like this black midi length gown.

She was married on Friday the 13th so they had a “Jason” a few of their photos. :D

This is just a preview from photographer a sea of love, more to come in a month!

Cottagecore Wedding Dresses

What is cottagecore?


Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates simple living, particularly in the countryside. It encourages a lifestyle rooted in traditional skills—like baking bread, gardening, and sewing your own clothes. (The Good Trade)

Cottagecore is small paisley prints that remind you of Little House on The Prairie, your grandma’s house, and running through fields of wildflowers.

Ellie GownPhoto by Elizabeth Wiseman

Ellie Gown

Photo by Elizabeth Wiseman

Jazmin GownPhoto by Gypc Girl Photography

Jazmin Gown

Photo by Gypc Girl Photography

Michaela GownPhoto by Alexis Julia

Michaela Gown

Photo by Alexis Julia

Real Bride Megan wearing the Gaia Gown

Real Bride Megan wearing the Gaia Gown

Savannah Gown

Savannah Gown

Which is your favorite?

Real Bride-Giving Back-BLM Giveaway-Bridal Gown for Activist Meme Styles

Felicity at the Atelier Du Jour in Salem Oregon with Kendra Cates Photography

Published recently on Glamour and Grace Blog, this elegant styled shoot was inspired by Parisian vibes and yellow tones.

The Felicity gown can be styled in many different ways, but its silk chiffon and lace appliques make it romantic, light, ethereal, and perfect for a spring wedding.

Photography: Kendra Cates Photography | Venue: Atelier Dujour | Design and Florals: Maruwa Design Floristry and Events | Videography: Tamarack Film Co. | Desserts: Banquette Bakery | Beauty: Beauty By Shawna | Rentals: The Party Place | Harpist: Beth Evans Harp | Dress: Desiree Marie Design | Model: Jessica Morin | Submitted by Published + Pretty via Matchology

Choosing Undergarments/Shapewear for your Wedding Dress

Undergarments/Shapewear are completely the brides’ preference.

But I am asked frequently about my opinion on what undergarments work best for my brides.

In this post, I will go over some common shapewear garments I would choose for my brides.

Choosing what shapewear works best for your dress all has to do with what you are looking to target.

The most common area I find brides/women want to target is the tummy/waist area, so I focused on that for this post.

Tip: When looking for an undergarment to smooth your tummy/waist area, look for “high waist” or “high rise”.

Some options include:

  • High Waisted Fitted Half-Slips (Controls-Waist/Tummy/Thighs)

  • H/W Control Shaping Shorts (Controls-Waist/Tummy/Thighs)

  • H/W Briefs (Controls-Waist/Tummy)

  • Bodysuits/Full Body Slips (Controls-Bust/Waist/Tummy/Thighs)

  • Longline Bra (Controls-Bust/Waist/Tummy)

 

H/W Fitted Half-Slip from Yummie

Click here On Sale now for only $17.40

 

High Rise High Control Shaping Shorts from David’s Bridal

https://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_maidenform-high-rise-high-control-shaping-shorts-12622_shapewear-and-slips $29.95

I do not see any difference from the slip/skirt to the shorts. So choose what makes you feel more comfortable.

 

H/W Mid Thigh Sculpting Shorts + Booty enhancer

https://www.spanx.com/shapewear/weddings/oncore-high-waisted-mid-thigh-short $78


These H/W shorts will slim and transform your shape into the ideal hourglass shape with their compression and booty enhancement panels.

 

High-Waisted Brief

https://www.spanx.com/suit-your-fancy-collection/suit-your-fancy-high-waisted-brief $64


This is a great option for brides looking for tummy/waist/sides control but does not need any thigh control/compression/smoothing.

 

Built-In Bra Full Fitted Slip

https://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_maidenform-built-in-bra-convertible-full-slip-2304_shapewear-and-slips $66

This is a great option for the bride who wants an all-in-one! This fitted slip gives you bust support as well as waist/sides/tummy/thigh control.

My only concern is the back. It is not shown on the website, and if you have an open back/low back this might become an issue with this option.

 

Low Back Bodysuit from Bare Necessities

https://www.barenecessities.com/tc-fine-intimates-wonderful-u-low-back-firm-control-bodysuit-4491_product.htm?pf_id=TCFineIntimates4491&color=Black $98

I love this one because of the low back and it targets the waist/tummy/sides. Great for the bride who doesn’t need thigh control and has a low-back dress.

 

Longline Bra

https://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_dominique-molded-seamless-longline-8541 $79

A longline bra smooths your middle and gives you a bust lift/support.

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Real Brides-Alexis and Megan Wedding at The garden of the gods, colorado springs

I found Alexis on Facebook and reached out to her because she was looking for someone to create a bridal blazer with a long train. I loved working with her on this blazer, we added pockets, and a ribbon on the train for her to hold on her wrist for ease. I also modified her jumpsuit by making her bell-bottoms a straight-leg fit.

It all turned out very modern and chic.

I had the opportunity to work with her fiancé, Megan, as well as with her bridal dress alterations. I added a lining, adjusted the sleeves, and lowered the slit on her gown.

They got married at the gorgeous Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO.

I love all the modern neutral tones they used in the floral, accessories, and decorations.

Cheers!

Photos by Makenzie Grall Imaging

Elopement Styled Shoot at the Desert Compass Inn

Real couple Kelly and Elizabeth modelled for our styled shoot at the Desert Compass Inn this past spring with travelling/elopement photographer, Erin Venable Photography.

The Desert Compass is a trendy vacation rental property in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It looks so cute and it would be a perfect wedding venue for any one of the boho dresses from my Southwest Bridal collection.

Kelly is wearing the Thunderbird gown and paired it with matching turquoise earrings and leather boots. Our model Kelly made the earrings she is modelling. They are campitos turquoise made with repurposed leather. Check out more of her work on Instagram @kellyhorriganhandmade

Fun Fact: The fringe on the Thunderbird gown has been updated with a brighter polyester fringe instead of the original cotton fringe that got too messy and wadded up after the first styled shoot. I love natural fibers just as much as anyone, but with dresses that are going to be worn multiple times, like my dresses for styled shoots, sometimes a manufactured fiber is the way to go to be time and cost-effective. With that being said, I absolutely recommend natural fibers (silk, cotton, linen) for your wedding day, since you are going to be only wearing them once and they are more luxurious.

Real Bride Ashley-Wedding Photos of Ashley and Beth

The Design

It was such a pleasure working with real bride Ashley on her custom-made bridal top, bridal pants, and bridal cape.

Since the lace was such a big part of this design, we spent some time searching for the perfect one. It’s a modern organic floral embroidery on tulle fabric from French Lace supplier, Imperial Lace.

We chose shiny ivory satin for the pants with a champagne tuxedo stripe and waistband. We also added pockets!

The matching cape was inspired by celebrity bride Solange’s wedding cape. My favorite part of the design is the last-minute lace applique we added to the inside of the cape!

The buttons down the back and the bustier-style bodice make this wedding top distinctive.

Wedding Day

Ashley and Beth got married on October 20, 2020, at the Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park.

Dallas Heritage Village is home to the largest and finest collection of 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes and commercial buildings in Texas.

They were married in front of their masked friends and family during the 2020 pandemic.