Will You Marry Me?

Every little girl grows up dreaming to hear the words "Will You Marry Me?"

They dream of the dress, the ring and who they will marry. I myself have always been a HUGE fan of jewelry. If you ask my husband he would say I have enough to pass down to the next 10 generations or so. But hey, some women collect shoes and I collect jewelry......okay, okay, I collect shoes too, but I wouldn't be a woman if I didn't :)

There are so many options out there for engagement rings....types of gold, setting, stones....but the trend of colored stones is really growing. I myself have a setting full of diamonds, but when my sister got married a few years ago she chose an Alexandrite from her center stone. Before then, I never really thought about adding color to my wedding ring. Now, I kind of wish I did....(hint, hint Daniel)

I found some beautiful pictures of different setting combinations of metals and stones. The options are endless. So, when hearing the words "Will You Marry Me?", what color ring do you see in your furture?

Colored Crinolines....Bold and Beautiful!

Most people think that color crinolines are a new rend this year. Although the trend is growing in 2011, the colored crinolines have been used throughout the decades as styles get recycled.

A touch of color may not be for everyone, but offers a playful way to show your true colors on your wedding day. From soft pastels to bold hues, brides to bridesmaids, choosing colored crinolines can turn your wedding into something BOLD and BEAUTIFUL.

Who could forget some of our great movie history like "Gone with the Wind", where some of the first colored crinolines made their debutes...






Check out some of these bold and beautiful brides......LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Same Place...New Space!

Happy Monday!!

For those of you who don't know I am part of a group called Wedd Stl. www.weddstl.com We are a one stop shop for all your wedding needs. We are located in Webster Groves in a wonderful "home-like" setting. I was offered a bigger space down the hall in a different room and was super excited to change it up a bit!

The space is larger, giving me more room for display, fittings and creativity. I got everything moved in last week and it feels like home already!

Here are a few pics of my new space. Still have a few minor things to add, but overall I am very happy with my cozy office!

It's all about the dress....Royal style!

I have been dying to see what her gown was going to look like...after all isn't it all about the dress?






Royal style was in full force this morning! The combination of traditional and modernity gave Kate the Timeless gown that everyone had been waiting to set their eyes on. From the ivory and white satin gazar to the Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace, Kate's style never seizes to amaze me!








The v-neck is something of a signature for the future princess, but we also saw similarities to the wedding dress of Princess Grace of Monaco.





Her Gorgeous gown would not be complete without the perfect accessories. The veil was just breathtaking with layers of soft, ivory silk tulle and hand embroidered flowers this ensemble was a perfect marriage between the two.
Bravo to Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen for this Timeless creation that will certainly have its place in History :)






Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (that’s Prince William and Kate Middleton if you missed it)

It's up and running!!

Good day in Blogland!!

Things have been kinda quiet here on the my blog the past couple of weeks. What was I doing you ask? As much as I would love to say I have been sitting here on the beach, feet kicked up and a cute little umbrella drink in my hand, I cannot. I have been trying to mark off things on my "to do" list while juggling the NEVERending Motherly duties of home. I have to say there is never a dull moment here in the Martin household...there is always someone needing something, getting hurt or screaming(the high pitched little girl screaming that is like nails on a chalkboard). I know...don't you wish you were here to enjoy it too? LOL I love my girlies and wouldn't change a thing...they keep me on my toes and in full running mode!

I did get to sneak some time to myself this past week in between sewing and cutting to start filling my etsy store. This has been on my list of "to do's" since February and I am so excited to finally have an online store of my creations to offer. I am not completely finished with it. I still have all of my accessories to list this week, but I feel like I have accomplished something BIG! As the ink on my "do to" list fades from age I am more than excited to mark off several of my numbered items.

Not only did I get my dress listings up, I am also offering an April Promotion. Purchase any gown from my etsy store and recieve 10% off the purchase price with code:Aprilbride






http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageVixin



I am starting a bridal party this week and look forward to posting pictures of the process....lots of pink satin ahead :)

Daphne Darling....

Ivory Lace, Blue Crushed Velvet and Rhinestones....her name is Daphne.

Using the Thaxton for our photoshoot was amazing. Everywhere you turn there is something new that catches your eye and truly takes you back in time. I guess you could say almost like a time machine. I am so thankful to be able to use such a timeless place to complete my vision.

Ann and Andy were my models for the Daphne shoot. They were such troopers. It was FREEZING outside and they made it look effortless. The chemistry was totally what I had pictured for this dress. Funky, Retro and Fun!

Thank you to Salon Dacota and Abbie Takes Pictures for all your hard work in making these pictures Rock!

Introducing Daphne....

Strike a Pose...

Runways, fashion design, fabrics....those are all things that get my attention. Being artistic can be a curse at times...wanting to do everything under the sun that involves creating. You name it, I would love to try it....cake decorating, cupcake shop, flowers, photography, and every sewing project you can find. I do have to say that I am lucky enough to be doing my number one choice....fashion design.

There is nothing more rewarding that watching your designs come down a runway. No matter how big or small the venue it is just an overwhelming feeling. The Off White Bridal Show was held at the Third Degree Glass factory last weekend. The overall experience was amazing. I have to say the highlight of the day....you guessed it....The fashion show!

I was lucky enough to be able to have 3 of my designs on the runway that day. Elenor, Dalia and Jacquline. The models were full of attitude and a perfect fit for the gowns they wore.

Here are some pictures of the runway....come'on girls....Strike a Pose!

I'm an Indie kinda gal!

When I first found out about the Off White Bridal Show I knew I had to be part of it....what can I say I am just an Indie kinda girl! I have never been one to follow the "norm" when it comes to clothing and style. Growing up I really struggled with fitting in and feeling like I belonged. As I grew up I realized it wasn't something to hide. I am happy in my skin. I am true to myself and the artistic side of me wouldn't be who I am without it.

This show was all about celebrating the "non-traditional". The retro, unique styles that allow us to be One of a Kind. From flowers, photography, and cakes to dresses, hair pieces and jewelry this show really gave its viewers and array of originality for their special day.

A close friend of mine and Amazing Photographer Tyler Burrus came to help me out with the show on Sunday. Like always, she had her camera at her side and was wonderful enough to capture the day for me. Thank you sweet Tyler :)

Here are some wonderful pictures of my booth and items!

Hugs, Amber :)