Strapless continue to reign as the preferred wedding dress but what are the options for brides who want to have a little more reserve at the ceremony or even keep the chill at bay as we head into the cooler months? Of course there are cute cardigans and stylish wraps …

And then there are wedding boleros. From delicate shrugs to a long-sleeved jacket-style, they certainly add an element of style to a dress. I asked cutting-edge dress designer, Amy-Jo Tatum of Bride Chic, to tell us a little bit about boleros and why a bride might want to consider wearing one.

What types of dresses are best to wear with a wedding bolero?
In my good opinion sheath silhouettes work best but then think about how grand and great A-lines and Ballgowns pair up with boleros. Also, the more minimalist the dress, generally the more ornate the bolero can be. Example: An allover lace bolero with a simple satin sheath. Likewise, the simpler the bolero, the more intricate the dress can be . . .

{above: Carolina Herrera with long sleeves and another with ostrich feathers source {right} Oscar de la Renta}

What types of dresses will never work?
Obviously ones with humongous or puffed sleeves. Wearing any sleeves with a bolero kinda defeats the whole idea.

Do you match material for material?
Sometimes. Other times a bolero is worn to add some texture or interest to the dress

Is the point to keep warm {even a little?} or are they a complete fashion statement?
Both. Boleros certainly can pull your whole look together. On the other hand, boleros are worn more and more this time of year and into the coming months to winterize a dress. They are also a great way for brides to go both sleeveless and with sleeves all in one day as, despite Kate Middleton’s defining dress, it is still hard to find a sleeved gown . . .  And then, some brides feel they need to be covered up in church but want to go bare armed and party hearty at the reception.

Amy Jo’s bolero designer pick …

“One of my favorite bolero designers on earth at this time is Yvonne Crotty who goes under the label of Bonzie.  She has perfected the bolero to go with just about any wedding dress or ensemble.  From her barely there little shrugs to bolero jackets, her Victoriana meets Steampunk look lends itself well to the high-waisted jacket as you’ll see.”

Thanks Amy! Great info for anyone considering wearing a wedding bolero! Personally, I LOVE them! Be sure to check out Amy Jo’s couture dresses–totally gorgeous, totally unique!!

Thoughts on wedding boleros … Why would you wear a wedding bolero? Make a fashion statement? Keep warm? Keep it modest for the ceremony?

It’s Color Monday! Today’s spotlight is on Pantone’s fall 2011 color: “Quarry” Gray

I think I have found my new favorite neutral–Quarry {showcased on the Save the Date}. With its gentle blue undertones, Quarry seems to be a natural and effortless choice for vintage wedding inspiration. And look how nicely it plays with the other colors …Yes, this pretty stylish neutral is very impressive and flexible enough for any wedding style!

What do you think of Pantone’s Quarry Gray?

{click to enlarge}

necklace via Etsy, trunk {Braedon Flynn Photography}via Ruffled, table setting & bride {Maren Kathleen} via Pinterest, “French Vintage” Save the Date Magnet via MagnetStreet.

Considering Pantone’s Quarry Grey for your palette–when you’re personalizing in Design Studio, choose your color to edit, and select the tab for “custom colors”. Then move the sliders to get these values:

(C) Cyan = 45
(M) Magenta = 22
(Y) Yellow = 24
(K) Black = 0

BEAUTIFUL. FABULOUS. FUN. As promised … Doug & Emily’s vintage-modern wedding. This wedding is so gorgeous and I adore every precious and pink detail.  Actually, all of the details are fabulous and so beautifully captured by Josh Gooden- photographer extraordinaire! From the detailing on Emily’s dress to the exquisite table settings … and beyond!

Gorgeous Ceremony & Reception at the historic Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg, VA
Amazing photography by Josh Gooden -By the way- Catch all of Emily & Doug’s e-session on Josh’s blog… *sigh*
Lovely Save the Date & Wedding Invitation suite by MagnetStreet Weddings {featured below} They did an incredible job personalizing the design- “Fancy Blossoms” for her wedding stationery. Light and romantic- LOVE the pink they chose!

A beautiful couple … Doug & Emily! Enjoy the eye-candy and Emily’s rendition of her favorite details from their big day …

One of the things I most loved about the wedding and spent a lot of time on were the centerpieces. I scheduled the wedding around the season for peonies because I have always wanted peonies at my wedding. My parents are antique collectors and specifically deal with early American pattern glass. The Thomas Birkby House was built in the era of a lot of their glassware so I used their glassware for all of our centerpieces. They were so gorgeous! To add to the flowers on the table, I had paper peonies handmade and put them on boxes for the favors.

We are also huge picture takers so we incorporated that into our day by having the photo booth with the props. We hand-made the lips and mustaches for the props to make it fun. The guest book was a photo guest book and guests also got to take their own picture to bring home as a favor.

Another thing I absolutely loved were my “something blues.” First-  the blue Manolo pumps with the gemstones. I loved them and got so many compliments. The second was my something borrowed and blue. It was a sapphire and diamond ring that used to be my great aunt’s and now belongs to my mom. It has such a sentimental value and I was so happy my mom let me wear it. It also kind of reminds me of the Kate Middleton/Princess Diana ring. I loved it and did not want to give it back!!!

From their Save the Date, to their Program, Belly Bands, Gate-fold Wedding Invitation, Enclosure & RSVP, Place Cards,  and Thank Yous … Fancy Blossoms is the design Emily & Doug chose and personalized with pink. Well done- beautiful job.

Congratulations Doug & Emily! May a life of love and happiness be yours always! Much thanks for sharing your beautiful day with us! Head over to Josh’s blog to see more!

xo

I’m excited to feature Emily & Doug’s adorable vintage-themed engagement session captured by Josh Gooden of Josh Gooden Photography & Cinematography  The session location was at the Swanannoa Palace- a 1912 northern Virginia mansion- what a perfect place for these pics!

Emily brought the props from her parents’ antique store- so props to Emily’s parents for sharing in the theme. So fun!

Stay tuned tomorrow- more from this high-energy couple when we feature their GORGEOUS outdoor wedding!