Stephanie in  one of her creations with husband Jim on their wedding day

If you haven’t seen Stephanie’s work you’re in for a big treat today. Polka Dot Bride readers know I love vintage flair, I love the ladylike style, the big skirts, the defined waists, the gorgeous fabrics…and the details!

Stephanie Kennedy of Stephanie James Couture combines vintage flair with gorgeous fabric and under her label creates the most beautiful wedding gowns inspired by bygone eras.

Stephanie James Couture Josephine with Green Apple, Stephanie James Couture Olivia

Using Italian silks and laces, brocades, taffeta, ribbons and even polka dot fabric, the gowns feature the highest attention to detail and gorgeous features- tiny pleats, antique brooches, silk satin leaves and flowers. She creates gowns in suit style, full length or my favourite- tea length!

Stephanie began her label with her husband James when she couldn’t find the right gown for her own wedding- her long search led her to create her own gown- a beautiful tea length gown with a chocolate sash. Complete with petticoat too I might add! She received such great feedback on the gown from fellow photographers and friends she decided, with her new husband, to go into business and Stephanie James Couture was born.

They have the cutest little vintage inspired dress studio complete with black and white checkered floor and french antique furniture, the store holds the gowns, accessories and indulges Stephanie’s love of all things vintage.

Stephanie is based in the US and her gowns are stocked at various outlets. However if you’re an Aussie wanting to get your hands on them, check out her ordering page here.

(Oh yeah, she’s also a photographer!)

Photos courtesy of Stephanie James Couture

The gray days of winter have left me frozen so here’s a board to lighten up the days. A summer soiree, spread out underneath the trees on a balmy summer’s night. Guests dining from picnic baskets and dancing under paper lanterns.

Image by Rebecca Thuss, Centrepiece by Brides.com, Manolo Blahnik Metallic d’Orsay shoes from Neimen Marcus, Gown by Jo Durkin Couture, hairstyle from theknot.com, lemonade from Instyle, placecard from brides.com, photo from Martha Stewart, deckchair from brides.com, Earrings from Etsy seller LAlineJewelry, picnic basket from Martha Stewart, Brino Geometric print tie from Neimen Marcus

So many couples today are flirting with tradition and opting to see each other before the ceremony to have their photos done. A phrase coined as ‘the first look’ is packed with emotion, the couple doesn’t have to be silent and restrained as they would during the ceremony, so emotion overflows.

Photographers love a first look as it allows for the couple to have a good photo session together in good light, without stressing about running into the reception and

Couples love a first look as it can relieve them of those pre wedding jitters, they can spend more time with their guests without missing cocktail hour and they get great photos!

Here’s just some of my favourite first look photos.

Lauren and Michael

Photo by Millie Holloman Photography

Carrie and Wade

Photo by James Day Photography

Ayelet and Ari

Photo by Danny Weiss Photography

Jessica and Brian

Photo by Kim Le Photography

Angeline and Dean

Photo by Rob and Lauren

Jenny and Jerrod

Photo by Kate McElvee

Roseann and Jerry

Photo by Jasmine *

Karen and Steve

Photo by Sedona Bride

Brooke and Jason

Photo by Anne Ruthmann

Sarah and James

Photo by Brooke Schwab

I, of course, have many more favourites- which are yours? Would you have a first look? Did you?

I had some really creative entries into the competition to win a DYMO LetraTag® Personal Labelmaker competition. Polka Dot Bride readers are a well organised bunch of people!

Polka Dot Bride is happy to announce the winner of the DYMO LetraTag® Personal Labelmaker competition is

Laurel

"What I have is a 5 tier rubbermaid shelf in my computer room.. the bottom shelf is for reception table itme ie.. centerpieces, overlays, votives, mirros.. the second tier is for reception decor sich is lighting, chinese paper lanterns, signs for gift tables and other decor in the recption, the third tier is for ceremony decor such as toule swag, tiki torches, glassine pouches with ecofetti, baskets for programs.. the fourth tier is for magazines, extra papers, invite mock ups, tools for making paper items… planning items such as an organization binder broken up as well into sections.. This has writing tools, business cards, contrracts.. and the last and final shelf is for the Bridal party.. this is bridesmaid bags, gifts, my veil, our jewelry, the ties.. the flower girl and ring bearer gifts.. and so on.. This has been a real life saver in order to keep everything together in one place and not have everything all over the house! Good Luck everyone!:"

Congratulations Laurel! I will be in touch and a package will be landing on your doorstep soon!

Thankyou to all entrants- this was a really tough choice and there was much discussion! I love all of the handy tips you provided and I’m sure there will be an upcoming post on how to stay organised for your wedding featuring them!

As always, stay tuned for more competitions on Polka Dot Bride!