I am currently working on the Spring Bride 2013 collection – 6 frocks with a spring theme of pinks, greens and ivories. The big photosoot is scheduled for the 23rd of April, but since we were in Devon and … Continue reading
A brief glimpse at the newest collection of the sample bridal dresses from Prior Engagement – all handmade examples of what can be done with a few basic tools and a pile of silks…. Prior Engagement is a sister branch of my main company, Prior Attire, and specialises in unique historical, Steampunk, unusual and definately unorthodox wedding dresses – all bespoke made, one-of-a-kind designs.
The winter bride desings have been bubbling inside me for the last few months, so it was a joy to actually start working on them. Although I love creating historically correct garments, the research that goes into them and the period accurate techniques, the bridal and the steampunk side of the business let me use my own imagination more and indulge in the design process as well. The results – below:-)
We have booked the venue, Woodland Manor Hotel about 4 weeks in advance, hoping for some snow on a day, but knowing that even if there is no wintery magic outside, the interiors will provide us with lots of interesting background.
Fortunatelly, a week before the shoot it snowed and on the day of the event we had snow – and quite a lot of ice….
Our team:
Paul Mockford from Shears Mockford Photography , with whom we worked before on a 18th century bridal shoot at Harrowden Hall. Jason was on hand to help him out with the lights, as was my husband, Lucas ( who was also snapping away…).
Our stylist, Sarah Dunn from Sarah’s Doo-Wop-Dos
Tina Haden from The Haberdashery Bride was providing lovely b
ouquerts, tiaras and combs.
Kat Allen from Rose Tinted VIntage in bedford provided some lovely jewellery and Lizzie pauling from Lil MIschief furnished us with some furry accessories – hats, fascinators, stoles and capes.
Our models were: Gem Bow Tyke, Sophie Mathews and me!
and the gowns:
1. The Swan
Swan from the back…
corset in silk satin duchesse, hand-applied rhinestones, skirt in silk and feathers… lots of feathers…. we shot a mellow bridal version and then a more dramatic look:-)
the Ice Queen look:
Narnia is mine!!!
2. Grace
Corset and skirts in shimmering blue silk duponi, handapplied silver lace decoration and beading.
the skirts could be pinned up with tiny snowflakes for a more contemporary look!
3. The Frost
A fun gown in silk taffeta, decorated with lace, beaing, rhinestones, brooches – lots of sparkle!
4. The Aurora Borealis
A more traditional gown in silk satin and taffeta, with lots of sparkly decoration…
5. The Russian coat
A coat to keep the bride warm on her way – in cotton velvet, lined with silk, trimmed with faux fur – and decorated with thousands of blingy bits!
And that’s that’s winter sample collection – something to help our future brides decide on the style, fabrics and decoration:_)
Many thanks to all involved – and looking forward to shooting our Spring Bride Collection in April!
A Damsel in This Dress 