Hi and welcome to the Studio di Luce Photography Blog. I love shooting weddings, but my passion lies in fashion! This is probably why I love shooting weddings so much because the of gorgeous dresses.. the killer shoes.. the hair/makeup.. I just enjoy it all! Sure, documenting the love is my primary goal, but throw in all the other stuff and then top it with flowers, a slice of cake and a glass of champagne and I'm in heaven !!! So I want to share with you some ideas, thoughts, stories and maybe even some inspiration, all somehow related to the work that I do. Enjoy!
Say Yes to Your Perfect Wedding Dress!
by Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce
One of the first things a newly engaged bride will do is search for her beautiful wedding dress. But finding the perfect dress, for some, can be even harder than finding the perfect guy. There are so many styles, fabrics and shades of white, where do you start? Understanding the basic wedding dress styles and fabrics, as well as the most popular shades of white, can help you quickly narrow down your choices to those that will be most flattering for you.
Surprisingly, the traditional, pure white dress is not the best choice for the majority of women because it washes out most complexions and can give a sallow look. A better choice for most is a warmer white with a slight yellow cast which is very flattering to fair skin. If you have more of a medium skin tone with an olive undertone choose a cooler white, or if you have a pink undertone go for a creamier white or champagne. If you have dark skin you can wear just about any shade of white, but give some thought as to the time of day of your wedding, as a bright white on dark skin can tend to look like it's glowing in low light.
For dress styles, choosing something that flatters your body shape and understanding the variety of fabrics that are available is very important. When it comes to fabric, the same style dress can look and feel different in a variety of fabrics since each material is designed to produce a distinct effect. What looks great on one bride can look unflattering on another, so seek out a professional consultant at a bridal boutique who can assist you instead of relying on the opinions of your entourage. Have fun in the search and remember, just like the right guy, the right dress is out there waiting for you!
A-Line or Princess Cut:
These are the dresses that cut close past the waistline through the hip, and then flair a bit near the hem, similar to the shape of a letter "A". This is an excellent choice if you are pear-shaped.
Ball Gown:
This is more of a traditional dress, fitted at the bodice and waist with a very full skirt. Like the Princess Cut, this is a good choice if you are larger on the bottom than top, but can also add curves to a very thin figure.
Empire:
With it's very high waistline cut right below the bust, to its slim skirt, the Empire is great for more of an athletic or boyish figure which doesn't have much of a waistline.
Mermaid or Trumpet:
This is a very form-fitting style that flares out just below the knees (Mermaid) or just above the knees (Trumpet). If you have curves on the top and bottom, this dress is for you!
Sheath:
The sheath dress is a very straight cut from top to bottom that just skims your figure and looks fabulous on tall brides. This style can also be worn by a petite bride to elongate the figure.
If the Shoe Fits!
Finding the Perfect Bridal Shoes
by Lisa Miller of Studio di Luce
Finding the right shoes to wear on your wedding day can prove as difficult as finding the perfect dress. It's hard to believe, but your wedding day shoes are one of the most important things you will wear on your big day, so I'm here to offer a little guidance from my experience as a wedding professional.
As a shoe lover myself, one of the first things I ask to see when I arrive to photograph a wedding, besides the bride herself, are her shoes! And I'm not the only one checking out the shoes that day. Everyone seems to be eager to see what the bride will wear with her gorgeous gown, and we are all so pleased when we don't see the predictable white satin pump when she steps out of the limo.
The new trends in bridal footwear are amazing and the internet is filled with options so it's not hard for the bride to find the perfect pair. I've seen brides wear everything from biker boots to custom-painted heels, cowboy boots, and even high-top sequined sneakers. There are no rules, so be true to yourself and pick something that reflects your personality.
Here are some of the biggest trends for bridal shoes this season:
1. Printed Wedding Shoes
Printed and patterned shoes are really big this year, and so if the your budget allows, spring for a pair of hand- painted shoes from local shoe designer Bonnie Manning of B. Gall Designs. www.bgalldesigns.com
2. Pink Heels
Bright Pink is hot, but all shades of pink rule when it comes to embodying the characteristics of cool, trendy and fun!
3. Wedding Shoes with Feathers
We’ are seeing feathers everywhere, in hair pieces, bouquets, and dresses, so why not on your shoes, too! It's a charming detail, and an angelic finishing touch!
4. Mint Wedding Shoes
It's the hot new color for this year and mint shoes are the perfect touch when you are looking for subtle but trendy.
5. Blue Heels
Wear your "something blue" as your wedding shoes and add a splash of color to your big day!
6. Vintage
Always in style, you can't go wrong with a pair of vintage lace pumps or booties.
7. Finishing Touches
Shoes adorned with embellishments such as pearls, beads, sequins, and rhinestones (especially on the heels) are big again this year. Also very popular are the straps that look like a necklace for your ankle… fabulous!!
Tie the Knot Elegantly
The Victorian Era was an age of innocence and protocol when a bride’s gown was demure and left much more to the imagination than modern attire. The silk, lace, ruffles and bows all portrayed a felling of romance and femininity that is still perfect for a couple’s special day.
Victorian-style weddings and theme parties are gaining popularity, and specialized vendors are finding a niche to fill. From historic Venues, like B7B’s and National Register sites, to vintage gowns and floral finery, there are many choices to help you create a day surrounded with Victoriana that you, your family and your friends will never forget.
The very Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, is home to Uniquely Yours, a modest dress shop that specialize in Victorian and Edwardian reproduction dresses and wedding gowns, where you are instantly transported to a time of elegance and romance. It’s a feeling that proprietor June Kostek thinks every woman should experience on a regular basis.
“The Victorian period was all about femininity and innocence, and they dressed in a way that allowed ladies to be ladies- something that is coming back into fashion, especially for weddings,” she says.
The store opened in 1991 and has dressed women from all over the world for weddings, Victorian tea dances, Victorian-themed parties and, most notably, for the “Somewhere in Time” Weekends held every year at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where fans gather to honor the beloved movie dressed in period clothing.
“Victorian-style weddings are especially popular with middle-aged brides, in particular for second weddings or renewals of vows,” Kostek says. “But the best part is the style works well for any woman, regardless of her age or shape.”
Dress The Part
Checklist for getting the period look: