Love ♡ Honour ♡ Upcycle

Upon rounding a corner at last October’s bridal markets in NY, we happened across the most charming booth of exquisite, re-worked vintage jewellery. It was right then and there we knew we had to have designer Tanna Paradis’ beguiling pieces as part of our collection here at The Loved One.

The reaction to Tanna’s designs has been incredible, and it’s been our pleasure working with her to create custom pieces for several of our clients. We’re as enamoured with Tanna as all of you, and we wanted to find out more about her inspiration, craftsmanship and love of vintage.

The designer at work in her Philadelphia studio. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - How long have you been making jewellery?

TP - I’ve always dabbled in making things, however I got serious about “making” as a business just over four years ago when I began selling bridal hair accessories repurposed from vintage baubles. When my brides began to ask for necklaces, bracelets and earrings to complement the hair adornments, I procured coordinating vintage pieces for them. Making my own jewellery evolved organically and I began to design more and more one-of-a-kind vintage adorned pieces. Though I never set out to make jewellery I’m so glad I did. It is one of my favourite aspects of designing the line.

A small assortment of Tanna’s repurposed vintage gems. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - How did you get started? What was your initial inspiration?

TP - I have been drawn to vintage jewellery since I was a child. My grandmother had a jewellery box full of opera length pearls and sparkling rhinestone baubles. My friends and I played dress-up with them and I would spend hours designing the looks for runway shows we held in her living room. I kept some of my favourite pieces throughout the years and would wear them from time to time. I always re-fashioned them in some way. I wrapped the necklaces around my wrists as bracelets. I’d pin the earrings in my hair. When I got married in 2007 I took it a step further and hand-wired my favourite pair of her rhinestone earrings onto hair combs. I wore them just beneath my veil. The combs made me sparkle inside and out and became one of my favourite keepsakes from the day. It was my “Aha” moment. I thought perhaps other brides might get the same nostalgic feeling from wearing something truly vintage. It appears they have:) Two years later I traded in my corporate hat for a creative one and haven’t looked back since.

Vintage elements combine to create an opulent headpiece. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - What do you use for inspiration when you create your pieces?

TP - A big part of my inspiration comes from the thrill of the hunt and the amazing vintage pieces I stumble upon. I go to flea markets, estate sales and thrifts every week. I never get tired of digging through mounds of old jewellery to find that perfect piece. I love finding that diamond, in my case “rhinestone”, in the rough. When I get home I lay the treasure of the day out on my work table and I start mixing and matching things together. It’s kind of musical in a way and when I lay the right pieces side by side  “voila” - I know they were meant to be together.

A lovely piece, still in progress. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - Your attention to detail is impeccable. Is this something that comes naturally for you or have you developed this over time?

TP - This is the highest compliment for me, thank you! One thing I appreciate most about the vintage jewellery I work with is the level of detail in each piece and the fine craftsmanship of past eras. I strive in my work to reflect this same level of detail and craftsmanship so that the pieces will continue on as heirlooms for future generations. Just like a wedding, it is the little details that really make an accessory special and unique. I think my obsession with detail is innate. At the finishing stage of each design I set the piece aside for a day or two and go back to it. This allows me to look at it with a fresh eye. It is easier for me to see any areas that might need that final touch. I probably spend too much time on this but it is critical to the finished piece that the little details are given the same amount of importance.

Detail of the beautifully crafted Vintage Genèvieve hair comb.

TLO - Do you have a favourite era of jewellery?

TP - Oh yes, I love the opulence of Art Deco and the jewellery that evolved during the Roaring 20‘s. It was such a carefree yet elegant time and the jewellery really reflects that. I always gravitate to pieces from this time period and you will definitely find Art Deco references in many of my creations. Right now I have a fascination with the Victorian era. The symbolism and romance seen in the jewellery from this period is timeless. We see it everyday from the use of monograms and initials to symbolic motifs like the heart. I’m toying with some designs right now inspired by the true lovers knot.

The Vintage Anaîs Bib.

TLO - You also work with brides to create custom pieces. Do you have a favourite custom piece?

TP - Each custom piece is like a child to me. I love each one and really have no favourites. I get very attached to each piece during the creative process so it generally becomes my favourite of the moment. I then get a little separation anxiety as it leaves the studio though I am overjoyed to hand over an accessory that the bride has likely envisioned for a very long time. I am always touched by how personal the pieces become for the bride and I feel so honoured to have played a small part in such a special day.

Custom shoe clips, created for a bride. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - If you weren’t a jeweller, what alternate profession would you choose?

TP - I was in advertising prior to accessories design so in a way jewellery is my alternate profession and it is definitely my passion. In a fantasy world I would be a fashion editor at a large magazine. Ahh just imagine the trips to Paris and all the runway shows.

Tanna Paradis, in her Philadelphia studio. Image courtesy of Tanna Paradis.

TLO - Can you offer any advice to brides looking to accessorize on their wedding day?

TP - Follow your heart. Select pieces that you love and that you are comfortable wearing. Imagine your wedding photos and how your accessories will look in 10 years and again in 20. If the imagery makes your heart sing then it is the right look for you. Trends have their place but use them wisely.

We’re looking forward to bringing you more of Tanna’s lovely creations, and as always, we’re happy to work with you (and Tanna), to create something truly one-of-a-kind at your request. ♡

Unless otherwise mentioned, all images courtesy of The Loved One.

Dress Redux

On a recent freezing cold Saturday in January, we had the great pleasure of participating in a photo shoot with two extremely talented wedding industry professionals: Katia Trudeau, principal photographer at Found In Love, and Angie Di Battista, of Angie Di Battista Makeup.

The gorgeous and talented Katia Trudeau. Image courtesy of Jena Asgari.

And the equally stunning and highly artistic Angie Di Battista. Image courtesy of Union Eleven Photographers.

Katia is offering a fabulous new service (yet to be officially named), offering brides who have already been married the opportunity to do a photo shoot in their wedding dress, complete with hair, makeup and accessories. Who wouldn’t want an excuse to wear their wedding dress again, and possibly even re-accessorize and reinterpret their look from their wedding day? What fun!

Our subject for the day was the lovely Nina, who married her fiancé Kirill on August 5, 2011. She brought her stunning, one-shoulder silk Alice and Olivia dress, and we here at The Loved One provided the accessories.

Nina, beautiful before makeup. Image courtesy of Katia Trudeau.

Angie starting with hair…

Then on to makeup….

Nina’s elegant Alice and Olivia Dress.

Nina, dressed and ready for her shoot. We’re just loving the Vintage Je T’aime necklace, by Tanna Paradis on her, and the stunning makeup by Angie Di Battista. Image courtesy of Katia Trudeau at Found In Love.

We love how at ease Katia makes her subjects feel. Here she is offering Nina advice on how to pose.

Katia getting the perfect shot.

Angie and Katia prepping Nina for a ‘fabric’ shot.

The stunning result. Image courtesy of Katia Trudeau at Found In Love.

Nina and Katia with a showstopping custom headpiece by David Dunkley.

So much fabulousness! Image courtesy of Katia Trudeau at Found In Love.

We enjoyed working with Katia and Angie (and of course our model/bride Nina) so much, we wanted to find out more about them and how they create such beautiful work. Below is our interview with Katia. Look for an upcoming interview with Angie.

TLO - What made you choose to pursue primarily wedding photography?

KT - A good friend once said “You are the last person I would have imagined photographing weddings.” I started with a BSc genetics degree and the love for art and adventure. I ended up living in Japan for three years, where I fell head over heels for photography and honed my skills. Weddings came naturally. They make me happy - it’s as simple as that. I love the couples I work with. They all have amazing families and friends that come together to celebrate them and that feeling of love and happiness is contagious.

A stunning shot from our shoot. Image courtesy of Katia Trudeau at Found In Love.

TLO - Each couple you photograph is so very different. How do you determine the best way to capture the nature of each couple?

KT - In short, I listen and observe. Before a single photograph is taken, I’ve met with the couple at least twice and we’ve exchanged numerous emails about their vision for the engagement session and the wedding day itself. For the engagement session I always mention that it is an amazing opportunity to do something that describes their relationship and personalities. From the discussions I sense if they are laid back, or a bit more serious, urban or nature lovers, if they like movies, or riding their bicycles, and if they are a bit more conservative or have nothing against public displays of affection. I use this knowledge as a building block for the photo shoot, selecting a location, suggesting possible attire, activities, and I store a few images in my head that I’d love to capture. The whole process is very organic and nothing is forced. So the end product usually captures the essence of each couple pretty accurately. As for the wedding day, I just observe and catch the moments that truly describe the couple.  

TLO - Do you have a favourite shot that you particularly like to take, or does that vary with each shoot/couple?

KT - I never have a ‘go to’ list of shots or think of reproducing a particular picture, and I try to go with the flow. Every couple is different and so are the situations, even if it’s a location I’ve used before the images never look the same. I gravitate towards whatever catches my eye in terms of the backgrounds and settings, and I just let the couple be themselves. I do love finer details, and it’s been recently pointed out that my ‘signature shot’ is the half-crop torso shot, and feet shots. I never thought about that before, but I do love those.

TLO - Where do you get your inspiration?

KT - My first reaction is: music videos, well executed music videos, that is. Something about the moving imagery and story telling in a short snippet of time that I find always inspiring. Good music videos are captivating, they hold the viewers’ attention for the entire 3-4 minutes and we end up wanting to see more. I try to use that story telling approach in my photography and wedding album design. Photography-wise I draw my inspiration from the surroundings, and always try to challenge myself with how I can possibly make this ‘standard setting’ into something interesting and meaningful.

TLO - One of the newer services you’re offering is photographing women who are already married in their wedding dresses. We just love this idea, because who wouldn’t like an excuse to wear their dress again. What inspired you to do this?

KT - Every bride has a very special relationship with her dress. The butterflies that she gets when she finds the perfect one. That first time she sees herself all dressed up on the wedding day always leaves an impression on her. She radiates when she walks down the aisle and marries the man of her dreams. Then comes the bitter-sweet moment when the dress is cleaned and stored away. I love photographing women and thought that it would be an amazing treat to play dress-up and relive some of those happy memories. To make the whole experience complete, hair and make up are included, and we get to have a girly day filled with champagne, macarons, good music, and lots of great editorial images.

TLO - What are a few key things a couple should expect from their photographer?

KT - That’s a tough one. Since the photography field ranges vastly – from professionals to hobbyists and beginners all claiming to do the same thing – it’s a bit difficult to set a standard. Here is what I would expect from my wedding photographer:

• Great work that is delivered in a timely manner.
• Amazing personality. I need to feel comfortable, and get along well with that person. 
• Punctuality and clear communication.
• They have to love what they do.
• I’d like someone who goes above and beyond in all aspects of their job, but that’s just me, and my ‘choosing a photographer’ standards are set pretty high. 

TLO - Do you have any advice for couples when choosing a photographer?

KT - Just two things, pay attention to photography and editing style, and the photographer’s personality, because these two are a bit hard to adjust. Everything else is common sense, Hire someone who you really like and can imagine becoming good friends with. 

Katia having a break with David Dunkley’s fabulous headpiece.

TLO - What is your favourite part of your job?

KT - Meeting great couples that are truly and madly in love, spending a day with their family and friends, and smiling at the screen while flipping through their photos for the first time. These moments make me ridiculously happy.

For anyone interested in donning their dress again and having a wonderfully glamorous afternoon, you can contact Katia by email, at katia@foundinlove.com.

Unless otherwise mentioned, all images courtesy of The Loved One.

LETTER PERFECT

Being a part of the wedding and event industry brings us into contact with many industry professionals. One such professional is the delightful and extremely talented graphic designer/illustrator Reesa Del Duca of Ballyhoo Society. Having rather a penchant for design and particularly custom lettering ourselves, we instantly fell in love with Reesa’s bespoke work. We recently met for lattés one warm, sunny day, and here’s what Reesa had to say in response to our questions about her art and designs.

The lovely Reesa Del Duca - Photo courtesy of Mina Cicconi

TLO - Ballyhoo Society offers graphic design, illustration and custom lettering services. Do you have a favourite of these three disciplines, or do you enjoy all three equally?

RDD - Oh, that’s not fair! Seriously, I do love having balance in my work. There’s a practical, problem-solving side of me and the side that wants to pore over a swatch book or experiment with delicate filigree all day. Luckily, having my own business means I don’t have to choose. I can make those careful, goal-oriented decisions in a creative and often playful way. That being said, I’m really fond of doing special event invitations because each one brings so much inspiration to draw from and I can really run with that. And the type-nerd in me loves to lay out the information in a beautiful way.

TLO - How did your education and professional background lead you to founding your own business?

RDD - I have a Fine Arts background that lead me to the world of graphic arts and a lot of really glamorous Admin experience so the idea to start my own design business came pretty naturally.

I’ve been lucky. I know a lot of folks break out on their own after becoming fed up with unfulfilling work and terrible bosses, and that’s not the way it went for me. I come from a family of Entrepreneurs and I guess I always knew I’d have my own business eventually. I love how every day brings something new.
 
TLO - Much of your work has a very retro feel, and you yourself embody that aesthetic. How did you develop your love for all things vintage?

RDD - Even when I was a kid, I was drawn to things that came before my time. As I grew up, I moved through different decades — the 60’s, then the 40’s, the 30’s, the 50’s —  I was interested in the fashion, the music, the films. I was always at the thrift and antique shops, dressing up, watching Fred and Ginger movies.

I’m also a swing dancer. The Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, Collegiate Shag… I’m talking dances popular between the 1920’s and the mid-1940’s. I spend a lot of time listening to vintage jazz music, dancing and teaching these dances that were popular a long time ago. Did I mention dressing up? It has a tendency to settle into your soul.

More than looking to reproduce vintage styles exactingly though, I like to be inspired by an element, some lettering, or a colour palette and take the piece somewhere that works today.

TLO - When it comes to creating custom wedding invitations, where do you go for inspiration?

RDD - Inspiration can come from anywhere! I look to vintage ephemera, films… my favourite colour palette right now is something I’d call “nougat” — it was inspired by a trip to this wonderful little bakery in my neighbourhood. But when I’m working on a wedding invitation specifically, I think it’s especially important to get a feel for each individual couple and the type of event they’re planning. Each couple has a different story and unique ways to celebrate. Why should any event have a cookie-cutter invitation, whether the budget is modest, or there’s room to splash out with a large invitation suite and luxe printing? Some of my favourite designs have come from learning about special and personal details (family traditions, something unique about the location, the precise colour of the bride’s dress…) and working within certain constraints.

 
TLO - Any advice or suggestions for couples looking to create custom wedding invitations?

RDD - Be yourselves! There’s a lot of inspiration out there (Pinterest, anyone?) but nobody can explain who you are and what your wedding means better than you can. Even if you think your budget is too small for something custom, you think there isn’t enough time, or you’re still narrowing from different inspirational directions, don’t hesitate to get your designer’s brain involved in the process. We’re used to pulling rabbits out of hats.

TLO - What’s next?

RDD - I’ve found that I really enjoy working with couples and designing for special events so I’d love to do more of that. There’s a new online home for those projects currently in the works. I’m busily working on the details so that’s very exciting and I can’t wait to share!

A sampling of Reesa’s work can be found on her website http://ballyhoosociety.com/. We’ll be sure to share her new special events site with you, lovely readers, when it’s up and running.

Unless otherwise mentioned, all photos are courtesy of Reesa Del Duca.

9021-Oh Fabulous!

We love it when our designers are featured in the media, so we couldn’t resist sharing this press release we received today with you, gentle readers.

As it turns out, our very own Margaret Rowe, jeweller to the stars, and designer of some of our favourite featured pieces is going to be on ‘Brides of Beverly Hills’ this upcoming fall season.

Margaret Rowe at Renée Strauss’ Beverly Hills boutique

Here’s what the press release had to say…

“Santa Monica, CA — Margaret Rowe Couture Jewelry will be featured on TLC’s ‘Brides of Beverly Hills’ Season 2 to air Fall 2012. The reality series features internationally renowned bridal stylist Renée Strauss as she styles Beverly Hills’ most extravagant brides in high-end bridal couture.

Santa Monica-based designer Rowe is known for her unique earrings, cuffs and necklaces that feature leafy Art Nouveau montages, decadent Gatsby era designs and geometrics that capture the essence of Art Deco.  “Renée understands that my couture jewelry has its roots steeped in history; thus, each artpiece has its own story to tell. Through my designing eye, I can bring these stories to life and deliver heirlooms for brides that are very much au courant and in the present,” said Rowe.

The Nouveau Bouquet Cuff

Strauss is one of the wedding industry’s top bridal fashion experts and is known for her discerning eye for high style. ”Margaret has hand-crafted collections of great beauty that are accessible for my brides.  Her pieces are equal parts high-fashion, heirloom and bombastic, yet transition wonderfully to ready-to-wear.  Both Margaret and I are excited to include the sparkle and personality of her work in the show,” commented Strauss.  

The Gatsby Mesh Link Necklace

Rowe prides herself on her designer’s ethic that includes personal fittings to customize pieces for clients.  “I will be available for private appointments and fittings at Platinum Bride as I live by the fact that it’s my personal touch that makes all the difference for our brides and clientele,” Rowe closed.

The Gatsby Braided Bracelet

‘Brides of Beverly Hills’ is filmed at Renée Strauss for the Platinum Bride in Beverly Hills, California.  

Margaret Rowe Couture Jewelry has been seen on A-list celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Heidi Klum, Molly Simms, Christina Applegate, Christina Hendricks, Jane Lynch, Tia Carrere, Kimora, Gabrielle Union, Maria Menounos, Stephanie Pratt and Lauren Bosworth. Rowe’s Collections have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Inside Weddings, Bridal Guide, Modern Bride, Brides, InStyle Weddings, National Jeweler, Women’s Wear Daily, Flare, New York Times, Vanity Fair, NBC News and E! Entertainment.”

We know we’ll be watching the new season. Congratulations Margaret!

La La Love Her

A few weeks ago, we here at The Loved One had the great pleasure to sit down for drinks with two outstanding wedding industry professionals. Photographer Maria Lalla of Lalla Studios Photography, and event planner Carolyne Allen of Avec Panache Events.

It was an exciting opportunity to compare ideas and to get their insight into this industry that we love so much.

For this post, we’ll be focusing on Maria Lalla’s views on wedding photography, and a little about the photographer herself (who we think looks quite fabulous on this side of the lens too)!

TLO - What is your earliest memory of taking a photograph?

ML - When I was young I remember using my parents’ Polaroid camera to snap a few photos in our backyard on the Danforth. A more pivotal moment was visiting The Grand Canyon about 10 years ago - this is the place that actually really inspired me to do photography. It was an amazing experience.

TLO - Did you know at a young age that this is what you wanted to do?

ML - I always knew I wanted to do something creative and own my own business - photography was always in the back of my mind. What I enjoy about it is the interaction with people and the ability to share creative ideas with the subjects I am shooting to suit their unique tastes and personalities.

TLO - Who or what influences you?

ML - I am influenced by my environment, the outdoors, discovering life, people who are creative, inspiring, and expressing true emotions.

TLO - What is your favourite type of wedding to photograph?

ML - Naturally beautiful outdoor backdrops, where everyone is actively engaged and happy to be in attendance.

TLO - What are the key things you try to capture when you’re photographing a wedding or event?

ML - I am in love with capturing love, movements, moments, laughter and life! I really enjoy capturing candid moments, because of the honesty in those shots.

TLO - Are there any trends in wedding/event photography you’d like to see disappear?

ML - I love natural looking photos with lots of light, as weddings are supposed to be a happy time highlighting the special day. I am not a big fan of wedding photos being highly photoshopped and made to look really dark - I feel this dates the photos. I’d rather photos look timeless and naturally beautiful, bringing out the true beauty of the event.

TLO - Is there a common mistake you see couples make with their photographic requests?

ML - Requesting long photo sessions. Eight hours is usually sufficient to capture a special event, and all the important moments.

TLO - When photographing a wedding or event, besides the obvious factors like budget and location, what other things do you take into consideration?

ML - Back-up plans in case of bad weather, and I also like to find out information on the locations I will be shooting so that I have an idea of where I will be doing photos ahead of time. It is good to be somewhat familiar with a location before the day of the event, so that photo opportunities are maximized on that day.

TLO - What are the benefits to hiring a professional wedding photographer versus say, enlisting your cousin who happens to have a good camera?

ML - Hiring a professional photographer ensures that they have the experience, knowledge and skills in knowing when to anticipate the important moments to capture, being able to organize and direct large group photos, along with knowing how to direct the couple for their couple photos. Having the whole day outlined and organized so that the couple can rest assured that the day will be captured to their specifications makes for a less stressful day. After all, photos will be all a couple has in the end to remember their day by. Leave the photography to a professional so that family and friends can enjoy the day along with the couple.

TLO - Is there anything you’d like to see more of in wedding/event photography?

ML - I would like to see less unnatural poses and photographers not having couples or wedding parties doing all the same poses either. No more lifting up the pants to show socks! More elegant, beautiful, nostalgic looks that are truly one of a kind. I’m a big believer in ensuring the photographs suit the couple.

TLO - Do you have any tips for couples or clients when they’re being photographed?

ML - Remember this is your special day, so revel in it - it will be over before you know it! Laugh and smile, relax and enjoy!

TLO - If you could choose any photographer, who would you like to photograph your own wedding?

ML - Jose Villa!

To view Maria’s work, please visit her websites at http://www.lallastudios.com/ and  http://www.marialalla.com

All photographs featured in this post are courtesy of Maria Lalla.

Dream a little Dream

The Loved One is thrilled to be adding Little ‘m’ Inventions by Marjorie Campbell to our collection of artists and designers.

Marjorie is a Toronto-based artist who creates a menagerie of some of the most exquisite hand-felted animals we’ve ever seen. Working with wool and reclaimed items like old china doll legs, antique beads and buttons, Marjorie’s anthropomorphic creations border on the delightfully surreal.

We asked Marjorie for some insight into her creative process, and here’s what she had to say…

“To spend time making something for someone seems to be a very sacred or honoured task.

Wool is a very tactile and alluring medium. The softness of wool is very inviting. Somehow wool reminds me of clay. I like the adventure of finding the animal within the wool. It is very elusive work. I like to use sheep’s wool and tiny needles to shape the wool until the physical presence of the animal emerges and then I can start to solidify the movement that I see. It’s a conversation about that object in the world. I never know what will come. I feel as if I am helping to guide a wish into existence.

I usually draft or sketch up the animal in a white wool. Sometimes there is a gesture that I notice in the animal… a curve in the neck or a questioning in the way that the head sits.
When I find that moment it is as if the animal comes to life. A balance must be kept with the emotion or personality that is emerging from the animal.

I work slowly.

I like to have the piece around me so that I may walk into a room and happen upon it at different angles. I keep glancing at it and then gradually something will come to me.
Finding movement within an inanimate object is very pleasing. How does something become alive?  What are the qualities that we attribute to living?

I like making things that are small.
I also like making things that are large and give one the sense that we are small.
I like using the discarded.
I like the challenge of discovering how to incorporate a found object.
Whenever I make something you can be certain that the version in my head is a whole room filled with that object.”

Being around artists with such creative vision is really rather humbling. So much love, vision and craft goes into the creation of every piece Marjorie creates.

Sometimes used as cake toppers, sometimes as talismans or mascots for the betrothed couple, Marjorie’s designs also make extraordinary gifts. Our favourite part of this is, that we’ll be able to partner with Marjorie to create custom creatures at your request.

We’d love to hear what you think. Feel free to drop us a line at antonia@thelovedone.ca, and let us know what animals you’d like to see.

Dream a little dream ♥

Spring Fling at the Drake

It was a sunny but decidedly chilly Saturday morning when stylist Paul Semkuley and I set out for our day at The Drake Spring Wedding Show. The annual show, hosted by the lovely ladies at The Wedding Co. was a huge success.

What a pleasure to meet so many charming brides-to-be and their accompanying friends, fiancés and family. We’re so glad you’re all as passionate about our selection of accessories as we are. ♥

Paul Semkuley and me at our table.

A selection of jeweller-to-the-stars Margaret Rowe’s vintage-glam designs.

Toronto designer and jeweller Lissa Brunet’s luxurious lariats and chandelier earrings.

Milliner David Dunkley’s delightful silk and feather hair combs.

Flowers and our ballot box. Thank you to all who filled out a ballot.

We’re looking forward to our next opportunity to meet our glamorous brides-to-be.

Thanks for all the love this past Saturday.

xox

Regally Yours

…and exclusively ours!

Available online through The Loved One, The Monarchy Bridal Collection by famed milliner David Dunkley of KC’s Hats is now available.

The Monarchy Bridal Collection consists of eight millinery confections ranging form $85 - $165 and is the first time royally trained couture milliner David Dunkley has offered an exclusive bridal collection at this price point.

The collection is handmade using the same couture skills and attention to luxury the award winning Dunkley has built his bespoke millinery reputation on.

Dunkley states “I was disappointed with the inferior quality millinery that was being offered in the marketplace for today’s brides. I have created The Monarchy Bridal Collection to offer the price conscious bride and her bridesmaids a luxurious option at a perfect price for their very special day.”

Come and visit The Loved One on Saturday April 28 at the Drake Hotel Wedding Show in Toronto, where we are proud to be launching this exclusive collection.

http://www.theweddingco.com/2011/12/the-wedding-co-show-jan-13-15-2012/

Or pop by David’s lovely boutique at 998 Bathurst Street in Toronto to see the collection in the front window.

Up with love

Welcome to the inaugural post of Loved Letters.  A celebration of all the things we love.

For this, the first post, it seems only appropriate to pay homage to some of the women (and men) who inspired the concept for The Loved One (not discounting the wonderfully dark 1948 Evelyn Waugh novel of the same name, of course).

So here’s to family and friends who eschewed tradition, and chose to be their own fabulous selves for their weddings.

This is my adorable Mum and Dad at their London, England wedding in 1963. Not only was it (sadly) risqué for a mixed-race couple to be getting married at that time, but my Mum, being wholly practical, chose a dark green wool bouclé suit with a little mink collar that she could wear again, rather than opting for a traditional white gown. I have the suit now, and it’s gorgeous. I also have the shoes, bag and velvet pillbox hat. Unfortunately the horseshoe went missing when we emigrated to Canada.

So for following your heart and not the dictates of society, here’s to you Mum! xxx

Here is my glamorous mother-in-law Carmela and her second husband Zoran at their Milton, Ontario wedding in 2006. As a second-time-around bride, Carm opted for this chic white pantsuit. Perfect!

And here’s my best friend, the always chic Joanne and our mutually dear friend Ian at her summer 2004 wedding in Brighton, Ontario. Joanne found this stunning 1920’s inspired BCBG dress on a trip to Hong Kong. What you can’t see in the photo (besides the trampoline - how many brides have trampolines at their weddings) are the gorgeous black and pink Prada shoes she wore with it. Or her handsome husband Mark, in his beautifully coordinating black Prada suit with a pink shirt. But Ian looks quite dapper himself, channeling Ricardo Montalban in his white linen suit.

This is the ever-lovely Aynsley, owner of the wonderful vintage site www.theautomat.ca, and her dashing husband Darrell at their wedding in the south of France. Not only did they hold the ceremony in a beautiful old graveyard, they got married on 06.06.06. Aynsley’s dress is a slightly altered vintage Victorian style dress from the 1970’s. 

Perhaps wearing the most traditional of all the attire featured here, this is the delightful Andrew and his partner Tomås at their Ottawa, Ontario wedding in 2007.  Their chic suits and open-necked shirts look wonderfully fresh and breezy, just like their marriage. Andrew’s breezy style also translates into his writing, which you can check out in his extremely popular blog http://marthamoments.blogspot.com/.