New Year, New Ideas!

Dear Reader,
Am I allowed to say a very Happy New Year again? (You can keep saying it until the very last Christmas chocolate has been eaten, can't you?) And I do wish all my vintage brides-to-be a happy start to 2015 as they plan their weddings. It's a big year for anyone setting off on such an exciting journey!

Well, it's a big year for Heavenly Vintage Brides too. I have lots to tell you. Just read on…!

As always, I'm looking forward to meeting new brides-to-be. It's always a pleasure. And I'm always inspired by my brides' requests and ideas for their vintage wedding dress style. Based on what I've learned from my clients in 2014, I have three exciting developments to announce…!

FIRST, MY NEW RANGE OF VINTAGE-INSPIRED VEILS

I'm often asked for veils to suit vintage wedding dresses. Last year, I concentrated on perfecting veil designs and materials, and I'm delighted to say I'll be launching my vintage-inspired wedding accessories range this year. I'll show off my new vintage-inspired veils very soon, here on my blog.

NEW STOCKISTS FOR THE HEAVENLY COLLECTION

It's not always possible for girls to get an appointment at my studio - my schedule is always crammed and I do see as many as I can. 

So to make sure we never have to turn anyone away, I'm developing a small number of stockists who can take appointments to view my Heavenly Collection of reproduction vintage wedding dresses. 

Personal service is hugely important - to me and to my clients. So it will only ever be a very small number of boutiques, carefully selected for their understanding of vintage and their ability to guarantee my brides a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Keep watching, as I announce the first ones in the next few weeks.

AND A NEW-LOOK WEBSITE AND BLOG

And to make sure everything is spick and span, I'm busy working on designs for a new website and blog format. I'll be launching in a few weeks - and you'll be the first to know. Watch this (cyber)space!

Meanwhile, many many thanks for checking in regularly. Drop in again soon for fun and informative posts coming up, including my annual New Trends Forecast, a look at vintage-style Winter Wedding Fashion, and my Top 6 Real Vintage Brides of 2014. I've spent many years immersed in vintage wedding fashion and styling, thanks for giving me the chance to share my passion with you!

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

…And a Heavenly New Year to You!

Dear Reader,
Wherever you are when the clock strikes twelve tonight, I wish you a Heavenly New Year…!

Looking forward to lots more vintage wedding delights in 2015… 

Lots of love - and thanks for all your support in 2014.

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

A Vintage Christmas!

Dear Reader

What more can I say…?

Thanks so much for all your support this year. I wish you a wonderful Christmas, and here's looking forward to a vintage 2015!

With love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

Real vintage bride of the week: Jane, in 1950s lace and tulle wedding dress.

Dear Reader,
Today our fabulous vintage bride of the week is Jane. For her London wedding to George, Jane wore a gorgeous original 1950s wedding dress in latte-coloured lace.


Jane and George both wore tea-length dresses with a 1950s silhouette to complement each other's - making two equally beautiful brides. And like the dresses, all their day was a genuine delight. In Jane's words…

"George and I had such an amazing wedding day, it was utterly perfect, such a great party and celebration. By the end of the night we were overwhelmed by the fact we were married and all the love we felt from our fab friends and family."

"My highlights included: all our guests reading out the vows in unison, to which me and George replied together I do!; George singing Amy Winehouse's Valerie with the lyrics changed to Janie (epic!); our first dance to Earth Angel and then dancing the night away."

"I have to say, I felt like a princess in my dress and couldn't stop twirling! I love it so much. Helena - the support, guidance and sheer enjoyment I had on my visits to you, truly made the best start to my wedding planning, and I was so happy to find my 'perfect' dress. I have recommended you to several of my friends getting married next year so I do hope they get to meet you."

I love the way Jane's original 1950s wedding dress sets off her flame-red hair, but I'm sure you'll agree both brides look fabulous, and join me in wishing them big congratulations!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, please try my other Real Vintage Brides

Photographs with thanks to Bethan Haywood Jones

1950s Lace Vintage Wedding Dress of the Week

Dear Reader,
For my Vintage Dress of the Week, I've chosen this sweet 1950s lace wedding dress…

1950s lace wedding dress, price £995

1950s lace wedding dress, price £995

1950s wedding dresses are always popular and I try to seek out the very best examples. This one is beautifully well-cut, with a three-quarter sleeve, and in tea length (such an elegant and flattering length).

1950s lace wedding dress, price £995

I always hunt for these pretty, well-proportioned dresses - ones without too much volume in the skirt, but just enough swish! And isn't this veil gorgeous too...? More veils coming up very soon! 

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by, my dears.

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, try

A GUIDE TO 1950s WEDDING DRESSES

It's your perfect vintage wedding dress. Why cover it up... right?

Dear Reader,
From lace bolero to marabou stole, the right cover-up is a fabulous addition to your vintage wedding dress - adding an extra layer of glamour or sophistication. Let's look at a few delicious examples…

Ostrich and Marabou Stole, priced £150

First, this super-glamourous ostrich and marabou stole, turning a demure and simple satin dress into a fabulous 1940s showstopper…!

Ostrich and Marabou Stole, priced £150

Ostrich and Marabou Stole, priced £150

Now the same lovely simple dress - this time with an original 1940s lace jacket. Elegant and sophisticated with its long lace sleeves and full-length lace train, you may remember this combination featuring recently as my Vintage Wedding Dress of the Week...

Original 1940s satin dress with lace coat, and satin slip, £1350

Original 1940s satin dress with lace coat, and satin slip, £1350

Original 1940s satin dress with lace coat, and satin slip, £1350

Next, these beautiful capelets adding such pretty and individual style to a full-length lace 1930s wedding dress. The first and second images show an original Victorian lace capelet - these are now very rare, so I'm delighted to have found it!

Original Victorian lace capelet

Original Victorian lace capelet

And the image below is real vintage bride Leah, who chose this stunning 1930s capelet with her 1930s lace dress. You can see a full feature on Leah's wedding here.

Finally, I've worked hard to create the ultimate solution: a cover-up to complement almost any vintage wedding dress. From my own Heavenly Collection, here is the Colette bolero in delicate lace, created to prettily cover any exposed skin...

Colette is shown here in French lace with a guipure lace trim. It can be ordered in a range of different laces, to ensure it's the perfect complement to any vintage dress.

So whether you're adding a layer to create very different looks for day and night, or simply looking for a little more coverage, do consider what a cover-up has to offer. Just contact me if you'd like to know more or to see any of these gorgeous pieces.

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, try…
Original vintage 1940s dress and jacket