SPARKS OF POSSIBILITY

We all have them.

 

2013 is getting ready to burst onto the scene and she has been working on that outfit forever. Everybody is preparing to catch the sparks that fly from the wings of her possibility. This is just the sort of piece that you would wear to a party like that. Pleated tulle tufts whisper out from underneath hand pressed silk velvet petals.

Silver rhinestone arches confront mediocrity with just a sparkled glance. Job well done rhinestone arches but do tell us about the beaded band on which you rest for it looks divine as well.

 

A one yard piece of very special ribbon forms the foundation of this headband. It is silver grosgrain with real silver threads woven through it. This creates the most delightful glints as it moves. Akin to those sparks of possibility I would say. A sheer beaded overlay of organza shows off glass beads, itty bitty sequins and rhinestones. You can find Sparks of Possibility here and here.

Let's roar into 2013 and catch some of those sparks to light our latest fires. xo

NEW ARRIVALS

Today was really a great day. Spent it with beloved family, went sledding and cooked up a storm. Hoping all of you are also with loved ones, happy and healthy this holiday season. I am working on a pretty piece for New Years but I also wanted to share some of the newest additions to the Emici Bridal family with you now. Also, if you are in the market for a one of a kind piece you should really check out the sample sale going on right now in my Etsy store. Now to the new designs!

 Pretty little floral halo number that is one of a kind. Features dyed silk chiffon petals that cradle little pearl and rhinestone centers. I placed each flower on a double face velvet ribbon in the most gorgeous moss green color that is allowed by federal law. You can check it out here.

This antique chantilly lace bow headband, what can I say. I adore it. Side story to tell you about this lace. I often show things that I am creating to my mother because she loves to create just as much as I do. When I showed her this lace she began to get teary eyed and said it reminded her of the family. It was familiar to her in some way. This has never happened before. Of all the things that I have created. Just thought that was special enough to share with you here. 

These lace bows are layered with antique silk net and attached to a silk grosgrain ribbon. You can find them here.

 

Silk organza open peony flower. Simple but just enough to draw longing glances. A pretty take on a classic bridal favorite. Centered with a stunning rhinestone button for a little sparkle.

Another one of a kind piece. I am a girl that finds creating pretty pieces out of gorgeous materials I have collected along the way is a must do. Even though I don't have enough to create multiples of a piece doesn't stop me. The lure of the possibility is too much to bear. Ha, I regret nothing! This is created with dyed silk chiffon petals, rhinestone buttons and a hand dyed silk velvet leaf that is hand cut and pressed. No two leaves are exactly the same. Oh and don't forget about the double face velvet ribbon. Gorgeous and available here. For now that is. If you love it, please grab it!

CLAIRE PETTIBONE

Excited to finally share this post with you guys! My luckiest girl in the world streak is still going strong. Alison aka The Knotty Bride toted me around with her for a while when I attended Bridal Market in NYC. She took me with her to check out Claire Pettibone's fashion show debuting her romantic new collection. Did I really just write that? Yes.

I am a details girl so this post is about some of the lovely details of the show. First thing, the cookies! I collected my most beautiful cookie while I marvelled at the display. These Orange Spice couture cookies are the work of Sweetambs. I don't think I have ever seen a cookie as beautiful as these. Each one had shimmer and gold accents along with the most delicate details. Edible artistry. 

Everybody was also handed a glass of yummy sparkling wine from One Hope Wine which donates half of its profits to charity. If you like wine you really should check them out.

I was searching for Kristy Rice of Momental Designs as I wanted to finally say hello to her in person. Spotted her and snuck in for my ambush introduction. All the booklets for the show were designed and hand painted by Kristy Rice. Such beautiful and unique work, love each brush stroke. 

They were all bound with a pale blue silk dupioni ribbon with letterpress by Two Paper Dolls.

Accidentally took a photo of the floor during the show. Even the floor was glamorous complete with sparkling wine, gift bags, silver chairs and ribbon streamers.

This photo is from The Knotty Bride's coverage of the show. You simply must go check it out here. She has photos of every single look in the fashion show for you to see. The runway itself was covered in a carpet of over 100,000 pink rose petals. Not making that number up by the way. It was listed in the program credits! Petals were supplied by Petal Garden. Before you head over to The Knotty Bride to see all the dresses please check out this video below.

Have you ever wondered what the photographer section looks like at a major bridal fashion show like this? I took this video for you guys so I could share. I loved the sound of all the shutters from the cameras. Sounded actually quite soothing, akin to rain on a window. Enjoy!

THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN ALL THE LAND

Sometimes I think that I may be the luckiest girl in all the land. Oh all right, maybe not THE luckiest but certainly lucky at times. Such as when I make that red light, the fact that I get to design for a living (how awesome is that?!) or that time recently when I was able to go to NY Bridal Market!! So just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. Here on Manhattan Isle.

I am dedicating this entire post as a love note to one designer, that for me, made my mind completely melt over trying to take in every last detail. Mr. Rafael Cennamo. Let me put it to you this way. Picture a large candle that has been burning for a while, that ever growing pool of melted wax created by the flame has warmed the outer walls of the candle just enough where you can reach out and cave it in? That was my brain after immersing myself in what I am about to show you.

Right as I walked through the front doors to Bridal Market this greeted me. I stopped to admire this dress as it was just the sort of thing I had come to Bridal Market to see. It was bold and so wonderfully constructed. Things were looking good for lil' o Marie. Very good indeed.

It was not until hours later that I happened upon the booth that housed these dreams made reality. The layers of blush ruffled confections shown above were enough for me to want to stop and burrow into this gown and make a permanent nest. I have practice at this after all. I am sure everybody would understand to now send my correspondence to the insanely gorgeous hand pleated silk ruffle abode that I would now occupy. Which by the way, would probably have been a wonderful new home since the staff at Rafael Cennamo's booth were positively some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet. Not just saying that either. If the purpose of Bridal Market was to audition for the title of Best Hosts Ever they would have a strong lead.

The beads on this dress, if placed end to end, would reach to the moon with enough to spare that you could fashion yourself the most glamorously beaded glove to smack yourself back to your senses. Not that you would want to. I know I certainly would just be happy to stay on the moon in my dreamland heavily beaded dress.

That's right friends, don't adjust your screens. There are beads inside the net layers as well. I love it when designers do this. This is just the sort of added detail that captures my fascination. An above and beyond that takes clothing all the way to art.

Illusion back on this gown. It conjures emotions in me, serious deep "I love you" emotions. Is it normal to feel emotion for a dress? For me it is, so yes.

Close up of bust detail on another mind bending frock. 

 

Another reason that I am the luckiest girl in all the land are my friends, like the wonderful, funny, ultra cool friend Alison who is the Knotty Bride. She graciously put me in her pocket for a couple days while I was in New York. More on that later, soooo fun. This made it possible for me to attend few shows such as the Spotlight on Couture fashion show at the end of Bridal Market where I put my press hat on for her and snapped this photo. This was quickly deemed my favorite taken at the event. This was the portion of the fashion show where Rafael Cennamo was showing off pieces in his collection. So Mr. Cennamo, I love your work. Thank you for dazzling me while I was there.

More to come about my trip to Bridal Market. I have some other fun things to share with you guys! Alison is all finished with her coverage so now I know whatever I share with you is green light and go. Full speed ahead.

What do you guys think? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

ANTIQUE LACE BOWS

When I saw this antique lace trim I knew it was for me. Didn't know what I was going to make but it was obvious that it should come live in the Emici Bridal studio. So I paid the adoption fee and brought it to its new home. We have been very happy.

If feathers are not for you but you love the bow... fear not! The hair comb is also available sans feathers just for you.

Lace bow cuff with a jeweled band over double face velvet ribbon. This velvet ribbon is so yummy it will induce purring. Which is crazy right? I know you're not a cat because you are reading this right now but this bracelet will have you making cat sounds.

The cutest pair of shoe clips that ever was.

One of a kind lace bow headband with golden trim and feathers. The chiffon ribbon used for the band is silk and angel whisper soft both in color and feel.

Beaded band is sewn by hand onto the silk chiffon ribbon and then accented with gold rhinestones. This was a very fun piece to create.

Last on this lacey list is this ultra simple cuff on a very special grosgrain ribbon that has genuine silver threads woven into it providing little winks of light. It compliments the sparkle of the rhinestones so well. They belong together don't you think? Very limited supply on these antique lace bows. If you want to check them out please visit my website here or my Etsy store.

Don't forget to leave a comment below! Which piece is your favorite?

BRIDAL BEVERLY HILLS DAY OUT

I am so excited to finally share this photo shoot on the blog! It's just the thing I need heading into December. Soon there will be snow on the ground here but when I look at these sunny Beverly Hills pics I can feel my sun loving self come to life! The wonderful, lovely and ever delightful Beverly Harris put this gorgeous shoot together and brought so many beautiful details into it. One of the best treats that I can get as a designer is to see photos of my work in action, especially when paired with all the elements that make it a complete snapshot into a day in the life of a bride. Let's just say I wore my eyeballs out looking at these photos taken by Kishana Highgate and it was 100% worth it.

Custom illustrated stationery, lucite drink stirs and jewelry by Astrid Mueller. Astrid truly is an inspiration and never ceases to dazzle me with her creativity.

 

 

I could die over this photo. Just die. All hair accessories by Emici Bridal. She looks lovely with the Dame feathered fascinator! This flower is pressed in an antique French flower press that was purchased right from the owner in France. The presses were found in an old warehouse in a box! Luckily they were rescued and I had the opportunity to purchase a couple. So lucky to be able to have this piece of millinery history in the Emici Bridal studio.

Photography: Kishana Highgate
Wedding Planner and Event Designer: Beverly Harris Weddings
Hair & Make-Up: Denise Marquez
Transportation: Exquisite Transportation
Silk Flower Hair Accessories: Emici Bridal
Stationery, Scarf, Ring and Swizzle Sticks: Astrid Mueller
Cupcakes: Cake Crumbs Beverly Hills
Hotel: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
 Dining: Villa Blanca
Dress Boutique: JLM Couture Flagship Boutique
Lingerie: Naked Princess

EMICI BRIDAL IN SEATTLE TIMES SUNDAY MARKET

Check out the Emici Bridal Vintage Hollywood ring bearer pillow in the Sunday Market section of the Seattle Times! HUGE thank you to Caitlin King for including my work in her story for the Seattle Times. What a great honor!