We’re going pretty far back this Friday straight in to the 1880s with some beautiful bridal fashion illustrations taken from Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most popular and widely circulated magazines pre-Civil War. This well-known magazine was marketed mostly to women, and contained fashion illustrations such as the ones featured here in almost every issue. Godey’s also catalogued dress trends at the beginning of every issue, making them a great historical source for finding out more about the fashion of the late 1800s.  

Godey’s covered trends from every day wear to bridal fashion. You can see from these illustrations that this was a rather conservative time for clothing, where women were covered from neck to feet and wore gloves to most functions. Despite these restraints, silhouettes were rather grand, and the skirts of many dresses were adorned with frills, bows, and intricate designs. Hats were also popular, many grandly … [read more]

Queen Victoria by Franz Xaver Winterhalter

Although not the first royal bride to marry in white, Queen Victoria was responsible for beginning the white wedding dress trend, now tradition, when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Because photography didn’t exist in 1840, or possibly existed but not fully-developed, Queen Victoria commissioned artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter to paint her wedding portrait in 1847, as a gift to her husband. Note the details the artist captured of the Honiton lace in her gown.

Above you see a tintype photo of a bride from the 1860s, my guess would be 1862/65 due to the skirt. Orange flower blossoms, a symbol of fertility, also trimmed the ruffle flounced dress and became part of her veil. This photograph is quite the collector’s item. Although we cannot see as much detail in the photo as we can in the painting of Queen Victoria, this … [read more]

Today’s featured piece is one of my all-time favorite finds. I’d like to meet the individual who came up with this unique twist on the classic locket by turning several of them into charms.

This 14k gold charm bracelet is adorned with 15 unique and detailed lockets of French, Swiss, Austrian, or American origin, each one crafted between 1880s-1920s.

My favorite feature is the tinkling sound it makes when you move. Sometimes jewelry doesn’t make the most appealing sound (i.e. that obnoxious rattle that echoes in a quiet room, making everyone give you a death glare), but this charm bracelet has a subtle, melodic sound to it caused by the weight of the charms. No death glares for you today!

It’s not hard to appreciate the dedication it must have taken to collect all of these lockets and put them together in a cohesive, stunning piece of jewelry. This is … [read more]

When Prince Albert Edward of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark married on March 10, 1863, he was 21 and she was 18. The photo taken of them on their wedding day captures the regal stance and undeniable youth of the royal couple. Alexandra’s dress was designed to follow the style and taste of her new mother-in-law, Queen Victoria. Made of English silk and lace, fresh garlands were interwoven between its many layers, matching the flower crown that adorned her hair. If you squint, you can make out the intricate designs of roses, shamrocks, and thistles in the lace that represent three countries that were part of the United Kingdom at the time (England, Ireland, and Scotland). It is an English dress through and through. This dramatic dress is complemented with an equally dramatic train, also made of lace, which stretches well down Alexandra’s back.

It’s hard to imagine that … [read more]

There’s nothing quite like receiving a locket from someone, whether it be from a family member or a loving partner.  Lockets are very personal tokens. They hold pictures of those we hold most dear and rest close to our hearts, making them a truly wonderful gift to give to someone you care about.

This particular locket was created around the 1900s. Engraved with a beautiful flower and spirals, this gold locket is set with Montana sapphires and diamonds, creating a classic yet stylish look. Lockets can be great for everyday wear, whether it’s to the office or out to lunch. A locket with this kind of design and sparkle would also look great if paired with a black dress for a night out.

Have a locket you hold close to your heart? Please share it with us! We want to do a feature on all of the lovely lockets out … [read more]

Courtesy PARIS by Debra Moreland

Cake toppers are one of those small wedding details that can easily get lost in the thick of things, which is a shame because they are incredibly important, seeing as how they take center stage on the wedding cake (one of those not so small details). A wedding topper is also the perfect opportunity to show guests (and by extension, the world) who the bride and groom are together. Personally, I find it as a fun opportunity to showcase both of their personalities and overall style. 

Courtesy PARIS by Debra Moreland

It takes a bit of looking to find someone who specializes in making top-notch cake toppers. Never fear, Wedding Story Writer is here! We made a great connection at NYC Bridal Market just a couple of weeks ago. Our creative director, Michelle, loved the vintage flair and the fact that Debra Moreland, founder of … [read more]

In the early 1940s, many brides had very little time or money to plan a wedding. Many couples were concerned only with the legality of marriage, and the bond it produces, not with the traditions involved with planning a wedding. There were uncertainties of time–many soldiers had only 2 days to tie the knot and head back out to sea, or hop the next plane. In my vintage wedding photo collection, I have many of these old photos of brides wearing their best dresses for their special day. They are very meaningful to me, although they lack the white ruffles, lace, veils, and flower bouquets. I see a couple in love, with very little time, making the best use of it–marrying the one they love.

… [read more]

Napoleon Bonaparte – Napoleon in Exile

History, whether it be a nation’s or our own family’s, can teach us a great deal of things. Yet, we can only learn from it if we manage to capture it through storytellers, if we’re lucky enough that someone was able to write it down, in books.

Today’s find is due to such luck. Above are a pair of rare books written by Barry O’Meara, titled Napoleon in Exile, or also known by the much longer title: A Voice from St. Helena; The Opinions and Reflections of Napoleon on the Most Important Events of His Life and Government, in His Own Words.

O’Meara was the overthrown Emperor’s personal surgeon, and wrote down in a diary-like fashion the last years of Napoleon’s life during his exile on the island of St. Helena. Manufactured in London in 1822, this pair is a copy of … [read more]

From Michelle’s collection

My interpretation:

The bride sat by the window on her wedding day, face turned toward the camera, eyes focused, jaw determined. She seems ready, doesn’t she?

Her bare arms clutch her lily bouquet closely, veil loosely hugging her slender body, falling to the floor in waves of fine tulle. New satin slippers sit upon eager feet, shining in the reflection of the light, shoulders bare of the satin dress that otherwise falls modestly to her ankles.

Perhaps she enjoyed a bit of peace a few moments longer, as she heard her guests noisily arriving on the other side of the door. I imagine that her mother shed a few happy tears as they embraced. I envision her father extending his arm, offering her stability as the bridal march sounded and the next chapter of her life begun.

What do you see when you look at this beautiful … [read more]

Courtesy Patina Vintage

As promised last week, we continued to look through our virtual closet, and are excited to feature another excellent vintage find in great condition. Today we bring you this ivory lace wedding dress and jacket ensemble from the 1930s. The dress features a v-neck and empire bodice, with a deep cutout in the back. The jacket has a pleated collar and pointed sleeves, a common trend for the decade. What’s great about jacket/dress combinations is that  they make it easy to transition into the reception. Just take the jacket off and get ready to party the night away!

Many Depression Era dresses were made out of cheaper materials, so this lacy ensemble is quite a decadent and rare find. Complete the look with a hat (more common than veils at this time) or fascinator, and you have yourself a classy, elegant 1930s bride.

… [read more]