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)

The launch of a new, Ready to Wear Organic Bridal collection will first be displayed for ohhh’ing and ahhh’ing during the Big Reveal at the Gown Gallery on Sunday, May 1, 12-5.

We’re keeping the designs pretty hush-hush until then, but here is a teaser from our recent feature on KC TV 5 Action News on April 21st…

As you know, we love everything eco, and believe a wedding dress should stay true to the wearer’s environmentalist heart, but not sacrifice her unique style.

Each dress features Janay A’s distinctive fun and modern sensibility and incorporates a fun surprise or detail…from cut-out backs, hidden pockets, to removable underskirts to make the gown into a short party frock. Beyond extra- special design details, every dress is cut for comfort and body flattering.

Our decadent Organic Silk-Hemp has a luxurious hand and texture, and can show the silky or matte side of the material for further personalization. Our lining is super lightweight Organic Cotton voile, because the details are important and we believe that this natural fiber against the skin is *amazing*.

True to how we make custom gowns, all dresses are handmade in our Kansas City, Missouri studio and sewn with love.

Ready-to-Wear gowns will be sold exclusively through the Gown Gallery. For non Kansas Citians, gowns can be purchased through www.Janay-A.com and at traveling trunk shows. Look for more gowns added to the collection each season with custom gowns for brides seeking a truly personalized experience.

See you at the Launch and beyond!

Doors at 5:00, Gown Gallery fashion show at 6:00, Janay A Handmade fashion show at 7:00.

We have oh-so- pretty and dark things planned!

$5 suggested donation

Model styling by Skyline Salon for the Janay A show- not to be missed!

Wedding Hive Fashion show is February 25th and momma needs Models!

MUST attend Run through Wednesday evening, Feb 24th & be available for hair & makeup early day of show.

Seeking women with a fun, sweet disposition. Must look old enough to be getting married (not pushing the 15yr old bride look, here).. so 20-30ish.

Please be 5’6″ or taller, sizes 0-12.

Also seeking a model with a child aka flowergirl that could walk the runway with you.

Please submit measurements, head and full length shot to janay@janay-a.com.

Modeling for this event is unpaid in dollars, but I will be making each model a goodie!

Hair and Makeup provided by Skyline Salon. Fashion show photography by Jeff Evrard.