Nostalgia

So I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic for the past week. Now that I have my online store ready to go and my man and I are approaching our 3 year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on path that has lead me here. I always knew that I wanted to start my own business, but three years ago, I didn’t know exactly what it would be. I knew I wanted my business to make a difference and have a positive impact on the world, but I didn’t know exactly how. Then an idea came to me as Dan and I started planning our wedding. I’m not exactly what you would call a gown-gal. I’m more of a running-jumping-climbing-trees sort of individual and so the thought of tripping over myself or sweating to death under the August sun didn’t really jive with the image I had of myself on my wedding day. I set to work designing and sewing my own wedding dress after being disappointed with my options in bridal boutiques. I then wondered if there were perchance other women who felt the same way? Perhaps I could design dresses for the ever so slightly non-traditional bride looking for something a little different.  And I could use sustainable fabrics and work with local graphic designers, photographers, and seamstresses in the process!  Yes, this could work; it would work! And the rest, as they say, is history. So in the spirit of reflection and our approaching anniversary, I decided to post some of my favorite photos from our wedding day almost three years ago. The time has simply flown by and I couldn't be happier. I hope you enjoy the photos from our wonderful day.

Um, excuse me, Ms. Maid-of-Honor, but you're not allowed to look better than the bride! 

I don't want to talk about it.

Look at her shoes!!!

Seriously, can I have those?

Tres chic, non?

Photography: Leah Dunbar / Venue: Fanny Hill

Beth and Craig

Talk about a picture perfect could not have asked for better weather day for a wedding!  Mid eighties, sunny and with a light breeze. Spectacular! It had rained almost continuously for two weeks previous to Beth and Craig’s wedding, but they kept their fingers crossed that the weather would break. Their risk paid off and they were rewarded with the most beautiful day, possibly ever.  There was a slight issue with the bridesmaids’ high heel shoes unintentionally aerating the lawn due to all the rain.  But in the grand scheme of things, who really cares?  We make a lot bigger sacrifices than that for fashion, right?

Speaking of picture perfect, how lovely are the bride and groom?  Beth is seriously one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out.  She is funny, generous, and extremely gracious. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, and as you can see, it would not have taken a lot of work on my part to make her look incredible!  Beth and I worked very closely on the design of her dress.  She loves fashion and had a very good idea of what type of silhouette would be most flattering on her figure. Honestly, I’m hard pressed to think of anything wouldn't look amazing on her. So over the course of a few months and a lot of e-mails, we came up with the final design constructed in a Hemp/Silk blend with a silk organza underlining and spun silk lining. Très belle, non?

I hope you enjoy the photos from Beth’s and Craig’s beautiful wedding!

 

 

One of the bride's lovely sisters, and my good friend, Stephie. Seriously, how ridiculously cute is she?

My dear friend, Arthur, sporting his unique style of Dr. Who meets AC/DC. 

All but the last four photos in these series were taken by the lovely Avesha Michael. 

Joe and Sarah

Welcome to my first post!  This blog represents my little corner of the internet where I’ll be posting updates on my fledgling bridal business, passing along inspirational gems, and sharing my thoughts on any number of fashionable topics.

 

Something New, LLC is my attempt to interject levity into the sometimes intimidating world of the wedding gown. I have created several custom bridal gowns over the past two years, including my own, and am now in the process of finalizing a line of ready-to-wear wedding dresses.  Party dresses that you can get married in.  Dresses for brides who want to go to the bathroom by themselves. These are ideas that I try to keep in my mind at all times while designing a dress. 

In honor of my first post, I thought I would share pictures of my first custom dress that I created in the summer of 2009.  It also happens to be from the wedding of my two excellent friends, Joe and Sarah.  I had the pleasure of designing Sarah’s dress after she learned about the business I was starting. Being my very first client, Sarah knew that she was taking a bit of a chance.

“So, how many gowns have you made?”

“Well, one. My own.”

That conversation could make any bride-to-be a little nervous. But Sarah had the faith in my ability to be my first client. Together, Sarah and I designed this beautiful empire waist 100% silk satin crepe bias gown.  After a lot of sweat and a few tears (no blood, luckily.  It doesn't go very well with white) I delivered Sarah’s dress for her wedding day. She loved it and the silhouette was simply stunning.

At the reception, Sarah said she felt like she “was walking on a cloud.” Yay! 

As you can see from the pictures below, they had some very interesting weather for their big day.  They had it all: clouds, rain, lightning, thunder, sun, and wind!  Oh, man, the wind! After being friends with these two for ten years, this was absolutely appropriate.  In fact, I think it made their day even more amazing.

I hope you enjoy the pictures below!

"What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable wall?
They get married."  -Kyle  

Photographer: Leah Dunbar / Venue: Phoenix Park