Bohemian Inspiration by Benjamin & Elise Photography

I hope you're having a lovely Friday afternoon (or Thursday evening depending on where you are)! It's been a crazy busy week for me... especially in the Ruby & Willow studio. The next few weeks are crazy busy getting lots of orders our prior to Christmas so I can take some time off in January. 

Benjamin & Elise did this pretty little mini shoot for Issue 4 of {MAG}rouge magazine... don't you just love the colours in this table setting? And those gorgeous dresses are by two fabulous New Zealand talents; Sally Eagle and Kelsey Genna (who's bridal collection debut I featured earlier last week).  

Photography | Benjamin & Elise, Dresses | Sally Eagle Bridal & Kelsey Genna, Florals & Styling | The Piccadily Flower Company, Hair & Make-up | Dominique Whittaker, Menswear | Crane Brothers, Models | Sophie & Regan at Kirsty Bunny Management, Jewellery | Karen Walker & The Bead Gallery, Venue | Horrobin & Hodge

Bridal Fashion by Kelsey Genna

I was thrilled to attend Kelsey Genna's debut trunk show last week, and see in person the gorgeous gowns that this crazy talented lady creates! Between the exquisite lace and the incredibly peony chandelier and styling by the very clever Shaye from On My Hand, there was eye candy a plenty! Thankfully Greta from Vela Images was on hand to capture the prettiness.

Cherry Blossom shoot by Kate Grewal

Good morning!! How was your weekend? We had an amazing time at the Coldplay concert on Saturday night... they put on such an incredible performance! From the fluro confetti that floated over the audience to the glowing wristbands that were in sync with the music, and the surreal giant balls bouncing around, it was brilliant! My poor parents on the other hand - who we roped in to looking after a still distressed puppy Charlie thanks to fireworks - didn't have the best night, as she kept them up throughout the night. Grrrr... I've always loved fireworks... but now that we have a puppy, well this past week has been a very sleepless one, so I'm all for keeping them only available for public display. Here's hoping we get back to a bit of normality this week!

Moving on... this gorgeousness you see below is from the lovely Kate Grewal. With styling by Abbe from When Squirrel met Bear, and many of Natalie Chan's beautiful wares on display, it really is as pretty as a picture. And it also really has me craving sweet summer strawberries!

Photography | Kate Grewal Photography, Photography and Styling Assistant | Tani Marietta Pomana, Dresses | Natalie Chan, Bridal Millinery & Jewellery | Natalie Chan, Hair and Makeup | Alexandra Clark, Shoes | Badgley Mischka, Flowers | Cartier for Flowers, Model | Samantha King, Props and Prop Styling | When Squirrel Met Bear, Props | One Stop Prop Shop

Round up | Statement Necklaces

Statement Necklaces have come and gone in fashion throughout the years, but generally for weddings brides have worn more subtle, delicate jewellery around the neck... a pearl necklace, simple solitaire or likewise. For the past couple of years however, the statement necklace has been making a big comeback and I for one am a huge fan! From more bridal shades of pearl, ivory and metallics right through to more vibrant shades of any colour under the sun. And you needn't spend an awful lot of money on this, there are so many fabulous options available out there these days. What do you think... would you wear one?

Photos; Scott Andrew Studio | Aruna B Photography 

Photos; Ellie Grover, Stephanie Williams (This Modern Romance) for Ruche

Photos; Emilia Jane Photography, Sarah Vaughan Photography

Photos; Gabriel & Carin Photography

Photo by Tec Petaja

Photos; Troy Grover, Caroline Ghetes

Vintage Bridal Shoot by Josie Richardson

I have a shoot with a little bit of a difference for you today. Josie Richardson sent over this amazing inspiration shoot which was centered around an historical exploration of bridal wear over the last century. All with a vintage feel to it. It started originally when Josie found a 1950’s dress in a second hand store in Brisbane and fell in love with it. It had been handmade and although the fabric was of a synthetic nylon style material, it spoke volumes about the era from which it came. Fashioned after Grace Kelly’s wedding dress and made at a time, after WWII, where fabric was so scarce wedding dresses were often borrowed. Josie tells us more about the shoot and the stories behind the dresses.

What had originally started off as a ‘one dress, one model’ shoot grew to encompass styles from nearly every era as far back as the 1920s as more and more dresses found their way to me. A 1960s dress was given to Glenys at ‘Preloved Bridal’, by the husband of it's original owner after she’d passed away. It had been made by a local woman who had individually stitched the pin tucked details around the bodice and sleeves by hand. Ultimately I ended up with 12 wedding dresses, many with their own unique story. Included was a new Karen Willis Holmes design, the ‘Millie’, to cover the modern bride though still with a distinctively vintage look to it. I resourced hats, gloves, flowers and other accessories from a range of suppliers, all wiling to be a part of the project.

The photos were taken over two days including a number of outdoor locations around Brisbane and the indoor photos were taken at the Treasury Hotel in Brisbane, a building completed late in the 19th century. In order to remain true to the historical theme of the shoot I photographed the bulk of it in film. I’ve found the look and colour of film to surpass that of very good digital cameras but mostly the grain in the Black and White images gives them a vintage feel that matches the eras of the dresses.

Dresses | Karen Willis Holmes, Can you keep a secret, Bella Donna Gowns, Pre-loved Bridal, Maudies Millinery, The Forever Dress, Flowers | Emma Blak Flowers, Hats and Headpeices | Maudies Millinery, Karen Willis Holmes, Groomswear | Can you keep a secret, Hair and Make-up | Nicola Gangemi

Bridal Collection by Myra Callan

Have you seen the new bridal line by Myra Callan? Of course it's just absolutely gorgeous, as is everything she puts her hand to. And paired with one of her dreamy veils or headpieces from her Twigs & Honey line, you have a match made in tuile heaven!! Stunning photography as always by Elizabeth Messina.

Round up | Lace back Wedding dresses

If I had my time over again I would definitely be taking this direction with my dress. These lace backs are utterly divine! I've gathered a few of my favourites for you. I would have a hard time picking my absolute favourite but I adore the BHLDN one (top left of the second set of pictures), and the top right one in the bottom set of images. So so pretty!! And of course you can't go past a Claire Pettibone design for the most exquisite of lace backs. I'd love to know what your pick would be?

Clockwise from top left; Claire Pettibone dress by Anne Adams, Dress by Rosa Clara, Dress by Delphine Manivet, Dress by Sassi Holford

Clockwise from top left; Lita gown by BHLDN, Modern Trousseau “Lena” from White Dress by the Shore (photo by Uplift Photography), Dress by Delphine Manivet, Bride's own design, constructed by Christine Bol (by Danelle Bohane)

Clockwise from top left; Dress by Chereen Anderson (photo byAllan McCreadie), Dress by Andrea Gorrie (photo by Louisa Bailey), Dress by Natalie Chan (photo by Vela Images), Dress by Corina Snow (photo by Vela Images)

Jannie Baltzer 2013 Wedding Collection

Hi! Long time no chat! I was pretty much off radar for much of last week... magazine recovery! And catch up on Ruby & Willow jobs! Thank you so very much to everyone for your lovely feedback on Issue 4 of {MAG}rouge. We are completely overwhelmed with all your kind words and support!

I'm starting off the week with a huge dose of pretty with the gorgeous new 2013 collection from Jannie Baltzer. Hailing from Denmark, Jannie creates divine wedding accessories available to brides worldwide. Jannie takes her inspiration from past eras; The French Bohemian influence from the early 1900's, the Art Deco movement, and of course 1920's Hollywood Glamour. Using luxurious fabrics such as French and Edwardian lace, silk and chiffon, she crafts the most exquisite headpieces and accessories. 

My 2013 collection is ALL about love. I have been inspired by different love stories and the celebration of love. As always I find inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s, but updated to the fashion forward bride of 2013. This collection has exquisitely intricate bead-work and beautiful shades of ivory, blush, champagne, antique silver and gold, and it is all about luminous textures and shine. The look is very young and fresh, but still with the luxury and glamour of the old Hollywood. With love- Jannie

Thank you SO much Jannie, for letting me share your stunning new collection here!

Veil or Hair Accessories | Jannie Baltzer, Photographer | Sandra Aberg, Venue | Old Fellow Palaet, Hair & Makeup | Sam Shimoun, Cinematography | Sandra Johnson & Perry Johnson, Dress Designer | Trash Couture & Casa Lezar, Groom’s Attire | Casa Lezar, Jewellery | Jannie Baltzer

Almond Orchard Shoot by Stephanie Williams

Many of you will have seen these stunning images from Stephanie Williams already but it's simply too pretty not to share again, so that's exactly what I'm doing on this lovely Saturday! I must admit to never having heard of an Almond Orchard but that is exactly where this is shot. I'm almost speechless at the utter perfection of these photos... words like 'pretty' hardly do them justice. From the exquisite gowns to the dreamy ethereal like blossoms, to the soft painterly colours, it's all completely dreamy. Go ahead and lose yourself in them! Have a wonderful weekend! K xo

Hair + make-up | KC Witcamp, Hair pieces | Erica Elizabeth Designs, Produced by | Be Inspired PR, Cake | Cupcakes Couture, Flowers | Dolce Designs Studio, Pink Blossoms Dress | Vue Designs, Pink ombre dress and bolero | Claire Pettibone, White dress | Claire Pettibone, Shoes | Ruche Bridal, Jewelry | Ruche Bridal, Umbrella | Bella Umbrella, Rentals | Found Vintage Rentals