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)

Below, model Annie Premis (who was just married herself, wearing a Janay A re-make of a Nicole Miller dress) in our new eco wedding gown, featuring hi-low hem, sweet blouse top, and art deco print hem.

Brenda in our new cotton voile wedding gown, with rouched drop-waist, a fit-to-flair silhouette, and petal detailing. Shown with our romantic “Swarovski Stardust Cathedral Veil” and Birdcage/Flower by Susan at Blue Opal.

Darci in a rouched sheath with a dramatic open back and organic lace waistband. The back godet over a hidden slit in the lining gives it movement and comfort. Shown with our “Silk-Hemp and Shell Eco Fleur.

More photos and the gowns for sale online coming soon!

Special thanks to:

Photography- Tiffany Buckley at Freeland Photography

Hair and Makeup- Skyline Downtown Salon

Jewelry and Adornment- Blue Opal

Space- One 8 Oak

All the models! (Alia, Annie, Brenda, Danielle, Darci, Emory, Krista, Lacey, Melissa, and Tiffany)

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

Photos by Scott Cowan

“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.

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.

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.

When using lace, I love it when the lace element is tied into a few places on the design for cohesiveness. So, we decide to use the lace on the neckline and for the waist accent, as well as on the hem.   And it finishes with a sweet satin ribbon and bow in back.  Doesn’t she look lovely!?!