Summer Bliss! Island Haven

Thinking about a gorgeous summer wedding as it warms up?

We had such an amazing time shooting the fashion story for Bride’s Sumer issue (just out this week) in that luxurious and breathtakingly beautiful location - Hayman Island.

It’s one of those destinations in Australia that is so well known – you almost feel like you know it even if you’ve never been there (like me!) but it really is quite incredible!

It totally exceeded my expectations! The colour of the water and the sky, the beautiful   light, sunsets – all magic. Our little crew was so well taken care of too. All the food was delicious and quite special. The backdrop to every meal was so romantic!  Beach views, oriental landscaped gardens, and balmy air. Pity we were all work colleagues! (above Carolyn our model, Kim Tavares hair & make up, me and photographer Tony Owczarek.)

Hey brides what I learnt about taking wedding dresses to an exotic location is you have to make sure the dress isn’t heavy or awkward to carry and easily crushed. My other top tip - if it’s chiffon or satin you can steam it by hanging it up in the shower room! (see below!).  

I hung all the gorgeous frocks up in my bathroom and they came up beautifully for the shoot! My room looked very pretty with all those divine creations brightening it up.  Being totally paranoid about these gowns all arriving safely I carried them all on the plane myself (I never lost sight of them!) so there was no dramas about a missing dress. I have to say my arms were killing me. It would probably be advisable if you were a bride flying off for a “destination wedding” to do the same. I can’t think of anything worse than a damaged or lost gown! 

I thought I’d share some cute pics of me and the crew living it up. No seriously we are working really. (see me with our very clever hair and make up gal Kim Tavares below - we're having a lunch break and keep scrolling to see our view!) 

Check out the actual shoot in the magazine  (we’ve called it Island Girl), as it is really is a hot one and if I do say myself quite perfect for inspiration if your dream is a beach wedding. Now that summer’s here it’s very apt reading.

Merry Xmas too.

Kirstie

Keep it Simple

I keep hearing that the ‘80s are back in fashion but lets just pray that bridal gowns featuring the huge puff sleeves (think Princess Di), mad headbands & massive tulle bows in the hair don’t come back too!! The ‘80 was bad because there was just too much going on – and everything got way too super-sized! Sleeves, shoulder pads, giant earrings – excess was in.

So warning - whatever is totally hot right now will look dated some day. I am of the opinion that it’s so important to choose something a bit timeless. Maybe include just a touch of current fashion if you don’t want to cringe later.

Eg: right now ruffles are in- they look amazing at the neck – off the shoulder. I think go ahead with this look so long as you don’t go OTT. The skirt should be slimline and sleek – resist the urge to go ruffle mad! If you want the skirt ruffled then keep the bodice quite plain and fitted. (check out pics and our Dec issue!)

When you look at gowns that stand the test of time, it is about simple structure, clean flattering line and gorgeous fabric.

Your gown should suit you - that is it shouldn’t drown you with lots of fussy bits. YOU wear it – it doesn’t wear you!! A gown can still be fashionable – that is “of it’s time” – but possibly best not to embrace any wild fads! Unless of course you just have to be the “cutting edge” gal and that’s exactly what you want. If so fair enough but you may regret it later when you children laugh at your photos instead of saying “you look beautiful Mummy!”.

Kirstie