Jennifer says “I hate wasting things and I was tired of spending money, so I tried to use nature’s scraps as much as I could.  I used helicopters and leaves to decorate the handmade paper, grass and tea to dye the paper.”

DIY Tip from the bride: “Wheatgrass is inexpensive and it grows really quickly if you need extra greenage.  I think it took about 5-7 days to grow around 4 inch tall wheatgrass.  We used sugar gum tree “balls” as centerpiece embellishments. Hedge apples were used as accents for the ceremony.  Peeled birch bark from relative’s tree to wrap votives in.(above photo by Lynda Lester)

Jennifer’s custom wedding dress by Janay A Handmade has a detachable skirt overlay with hidden pockets. By removing the skirt for the reception, she took her “American” wedding dress from ceremony to party frock. She also wore two traditional Asian dresses- one representing her culture, and one from her husband’s.

The transition from ceremony to party!

The party girl in action.

Photos by The Smiley Face Collective (unless where noted)

Krista’s Dress features a french Alencon overlay on the bodice and a drop-waist box pleat skirt.  Her dress was eco friendly in tea-dyed silk-hemp, and had fun hidden details like a green dyed petticoat and pockets. We highlighted her small natural waist with a champagne sash and side flower- so cute!

Krista even wore her gown in my fashion show after the wedding- much thanks to her for donning it again!

Venue, Foundation Room.

Scarlett Garnet Earrings.

*M & E Photography* www.mephotostudio.com

In addition to altering her Nolte’s gown, I added a custom dyed tulle underskirt,  lending a fun surprise pop of color and yet another quirky detail to her stylish wedding.   I can’t resist sharing sampling of my favorite images below… Not pictured is the flowergirl in her matching gown with purple tulle also!

Photos by Zach & Sarah Trover, Flowers by Lori Patton.

-Have it made into a Hairflower or Hairpiece

-Have it incorporated into your Garter

-Wrap up your bouquet in vintage trims, lace and fabric- even frayed edges are a great texture addition to your blooms.

-Make a special Fabric Corsage or Wristlet for your Mother or the original wearer of the gown.

-Pocket Squares are so dapper!

-Make a Hanky for those inevitable teary moments- good for modern brides with pockets in their gowns!

-Use it to accent your Ring Pillow

-Turn something lacy into a boudoir photosession Lingerie piece, for a very spicy wedding gift to your soon-to-be.

-Make a Belt or Sash

-Wrap your Centerpiece or Guestbook

-Save a square of fabric to Frame with a photo of you, or you and the original wearer of the heirloom garment in wedding finery.

Have fun makin’!

SO many brides say generic things like they want their gown to look “vintage.”

There are so many  inspirations in specific decades, you very well could come out looking all 1870′s with a high collar, “mutton sleeves” and a giant caboose bustle (tis vintage, yes?).  Cheers to clarifying your bridal fashion inspirations,  below is our top picks for 1920′s flapper inspired weddings.

Black and white gown, Top hat and veil, Reception centerpieces, headband, headpiece and robe, Rolls royce, handbag

Middle Left image of our Bride, Laure Frank, in her Man’s Grandmother’s 1940′s dress that we recreated for her wedding, styled by Human Nature Salon and necklace by Genevieve Flynn. More on Modernizing your heirloom Gown.

Her gown was handmade from an heirloom vintage gown, which has been completely redone to add the sash, bubble hem, straps, and new neck and back lines.  She’s also wearing a handmade lace hair flower, the perfect whimsical accent.

Photos by Ailecia Ruscin, Christopher Good, Marian Nguyen.

Here is a color scheme we really love-wasabi, peach, and cream. Check out some of this beautiful images we found using this color palette

Green wedding dress , Reception table , Peach bridesmaid dress , Bottom bridal flowers , Top bridal flowers , Peridot diamond ring , Peach ring , Peach, wedding cake

Despite our initial desire to “winter” like a retiree to warmer climates, we are finally embracing this frigid, yet lovely, mid-western winter. In celebration, (and knowing that lots of you just got engages during the holidays), we are offering a super winter gown promotion of FREE accessories with your gown order!

With your gown order places between Now and the end of March, we will include:

• Free Ring Pillow
• Garter Set &Hair Piece
• Headpiece- Birdcage Veil, Flower/Feather Fascinator, or Veil (excluding the “Stardust” Svarvoski crystal pave veil)


..of course all these goodies will be custom designed just for you to match your wedding!

Appointments available weekdays and Sundays at our Midtown Kansas City studio.. email janay@janay-a.com to set up your consultation today!

Thanks to Aimee Decker at Radiant Photo and model Chelsea Gale Ringler, photo taken at the historic KC Public Works buildings int he 18th and Vine district.

This custom hat was created to mimic the sleek hats of the 1920′s for a bride. It was created with swarovoski crystals, french birdcage veiling, and a buckram frame covered with white bridal satin.  Fun!