“i felt immediately comfortable with janay. i showed her the dress and we sat together coming up with ideas. she was on the same page as me and all the anxiety was gone. Together we decided to add a tulle skirt under the dress, for some volume….She also suggested putting a tulle overlay on the skirt to tone down the flowers and to finish all up she would add a sash and bow. but not a typical bow. she showed me some photos and i was sold. we decided to do the tulle, sash and bow in champagne…”

Terra’s bridesmaids each wore unique dresses, but all carried the same multicolored bouquet to tie it all together.

Bryce and his groomsmen, all dressed in different shirts, ties, and pants.  I love these unique head-down shots, and beer instead of bouquets as the man accessory just seems fitting.

The crafty couple took vintage bedsheets are tore them into strips, then tied them together to decorate the tent.  Such a fun, festive look- and I love that it hides the “plumbing” that can be so unattractive.

“day of i put it on and knew it was perfect. and it never failed me. i felt beautiful and original and comfortable in it all night. i really do wish i could wear it again. i have gotten tons of compliments, so thanks janay!!!”i think a lot of people overlook custom-made dresses, thinking it is too expensive, but i would urge anyone to check out janay a. handmade. she will make you feel like you, just you on your wedding day.”

Terra’s Blog post about the dress process, here.

Tim F. with Cornerstone Photography KC”

Photographers Blog, here.

We are just delighted to be featured on the just launched Fall/Winter 2011 cover of KC Weddings!!!

The Eco Silk/Hemp”Aster” gown is perfectly matched with the 1940′s vintage straw hat from ReRuns ($45), Hair and makeup by Becky Weir, Micale Molathaus, an Zholie Stiff (OMG I LOVE HER NAME!!!) of A Shear Thing.

(Photo by Andrea Silenzi, taken for KCUR’s Central Standard)

RIP (unknown-2011) Pfaff Industrial straight stitch/zigzag.  Your time upon this …uh, studio… was short, and you will be dearly missed by all.

(Photo by Jordan Edwards for the raw glamour project)

xxx

Troost Avenue, near the Janay A Studio, has a rich and varied history from Osage Indian trail to prosperous avenue to racial divide line.  Reconciliation Services is actively providing much needed services and simultaneously bringing neighbors and community members together.  They even facilitate the Troost Community Garden in which I am a member.

“The vision of Reconciliation Services is to see Troost Avenue transformed into the city’s gathering place, where healing, love, joy, friendship and community grow from the scarred soil of discrimination.”

Janay A Handmade will be donating 10% of profits to Reconciliation Services in addition to spending one day per month volunteering locally. JOIN ME.

Are you a couple having a Wedding for Charity instead of traditional gifts, or going on a honey moon centered on helping others instead of just kicking it at the beach? We want to hear how!

Check out this amazing resource, The Charity Wedding. Totally inspiring.

-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.

http://www.jorgemanuelweddings.com/bridal.php

I am loving her double-veil and vintage pinup hair!

If snow could talk, it would say “I love weddings, and feel jipped by warmer seasons, so get married when I’m afoot for a sparkly, textured event like no other!”

Hot coco station at your wedding? We are so there.

candles , cookies, reception, bridal bouquet, cake, ring pillows, winter shawl, coffee drinks

We are super inspired by vintage frames and their diverse options!

Tip: Enlist your wedding party by having them hunt the frames.  Reflect your unique style by spray painting the frames in glossy bright colors, matte washed out gray and white shades, or just embrace their existing character.

• Create a photo guest book by hanging empty vintage frames from trees and having your photographer snap it photo-booth style.

• Use chalk board  paint to create Bride/Groom Signs.  Hang frames with ribbon over chairs at the reception and dinner rehearsal. (*After, hang the frames on your front door  to welcome your guest into a New Nest*)

• Affix mini frames to a sandwich board in the entry to your reception with a seating chart for a quirky, easy to follow twist.

• Set up a Memorial Table in homage to your loved ones not in attendance.  Use historic photos, framed and hanging the back of chairs at a decorated, empty honorary table.

• After the wedding, re-purpose these vintage frames by clustering them together in your home to feature your wedding photos  in an eclectic, unique way.

• For a whimsical inspired wedding featuring found objects,  hang frames from trees or bushes leading the way to your event.

• We love the idea of pressing wildflowers from your wedding location, honeymoon, or other special places into the frames for a sweet memento.

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