Rock n Roll Bride - The ultimate guide for alternative brides

Kat

Anything Goes

Kat

August 9, 2009

Kim & Christian's wedding certainly didn't fit any kind of traditional mould. The bride wore two stunning dresses, the red one for the ceremony and the gorgeous green 'princess dress' for the reception, where they danced and hula hooped on the beach into the wee hours of the morning. Kim's bridesmaids wore dresses that she'd made especially for them and stunning custom hairpieces from Etsy. The handmade invitations and wooden flower bouquet also really added to the uniqueness of this wedding. You're going to love these. Thank you so much to Kristen of LanierStar Photography for sending them my way! Credit: LanierStar Photography
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Vibrant.

Kat

August 9, 2009

Dave & Pam sure let their imagination run wild with their gorgeous wedding at Canada's Kopje Regional Park. The Bride is particular loves bright colours and so decided to reflect that in their day by organising and designing the whole thing herself. Her dress was by Maggie Sottero and the awesome stripey cake was made by Wedding Cake Creations. For the flowers they relied on the expertise of Art Knapp Plantland & Florists, which meant they got the perfect pink, orange and red (who says they don't go together!?) flower combo to compliment the rest of the decor. I love their completely non-boring group shots too! The photographers wanted to find something different and were worried that they might not in such a small town. However when driving one day, the spotted the a mechanic's garage on the side of the highway and after asking a pretty confused owner permission to use the site they had found their perfect spot. The antiquey sofa and the fun masks add a great finish to the shots and transform them into something that is anything but dull. Thanks to photographers Emmy & Aaron for sharing this hot damn gorgeous wedding with us! Credit: E/A Photography
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Fashionable

Kat

August 8, 2009

Jenny & Ian got married in San Francisco this March. Jenny has a particular interest in high fashion and editorial photography and so the couple really wanted to bring this feel into their wedding. Everything from her Ulla-Maija dress to her amazing and unique birdcage veil/hat combo from Designs By Kristen, from her short reception dress by Priscilla of Boston Platinum Collection designed by Kenneth Pool to her Yves Saint Laurent shoes - every detail rocked that fashion look. I also completely love their reception details. The had a Chinese Banquet at Tai Pan Restaurant in Palo Alto, the theme of which is reflected by details such as their stationary, the flowers and their adorable anime inspired cake topper. Thanks to Rachel for sending these in...I heart them. Credit: Studio Castillero
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Magical Meghan

Kat

August 7, 2009

Yep, Meghan's trash the dress/bridal shoot pretty much rocks. She actually had the session over a year after she married JP because she really wanted to do something a bit more 'outthere' in her dress (which is gorgeous by the way and made by Demetrios.) Her natural skills and comfort in front of the camera combined with her glorious wedding dress and awesome personality made for one of the most enjoyable shoots I’ve ever done. We started out in downtown SD on the prowl for some graffiti, we lucked out when we found an old parking lot with a sweet car and bright graffiti. She was willing to try whatever we suggested with a smile on her face the entire time (like hold a sign on the side of the freeway…..Meghan, did I mention I love you? It’s true). After downtown, we went to Ruby’s Diner where her and JP had their first date…..I remember walking through the mall where everyone was staring at us, and I ask Meghan, “do you feel uncomfortable with all these people staring and pointing?” her answer? “I LOVE IT!” Which made me love her. After Ruby’s we headed to our house for some night shots, where Meghan displayed her magical powers (check out the last picture and you’ll totally understand). Meghan and JP, we had such a great time with you and I can’t wait until we hang out again very soon. In the meantime, I’ll be watching for you on America’s Next Top Model!!!!! Credit: Studio Castillero
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Water Babies

Kat

August 7, 2009

As always, I have a plethora of joy to share today so I think I need to get right on it. Yesterday I was described by two separate people as 'the hardest working blogger I know' so I reckon I need to keep that perception running with these little gems. I adore Jacqueline & Daniel's cute 'water babies' engagement session sent in by the delightful Jessica Purvis. Can't believe I've never seen water rings used in a shoot before - too adorable for words! Credit: Jessica Purvis
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A Western Vintage Vacation

Kat

August 6, 2009

After posting Jenn & Skip's engagements back in May, I was convinced I would totally love their vintage vacation themed wedding - and I guess I was right. As these exclusive (oh yes) photographs show, their wedding was one seriously themed affair. They went for a western/vintage vacation theme which was helped along by all their friends and family, not only dressing up for the day, but by helping the couple to DIY the lot! Jenn made her own veil and fascinator, the invitations, her bouquet, the boutonnieres, the cake, the decorations and the signs. Skip made his own Groom's cake - a bowling ball and pins - and helped Jenn wherever she needed it! Jenn's sister and maid of honour made all the cute cupcakes and each Bridesmaid maid their own fascinators. The couple decided not to include anybody in their wedding that they didn't know - so they had a friend perform the ceremony and other friends chip in with food, hair and make up. I am obsessed with themed things, so naturally the wedding had to have a theme. Our overall theme was “vintage vacation”. From there we had mini-themes inside the big one. The brides cake and cupcakes were woodland (to go with the mountains). The suggested attire was western. The groomsmen and Dads wore western shirts. The bridesmaids wore headpieces and carried fans, saloon girl style. Both the bride and groom wore cowboy boots (which we already owned)… the groom also had spurs, the hat, the whole shebang! Our favors were vacation & western themed, as well as our decorations, popcorn & candy bar. Insead of dancing, the wedding was rounded off with fun and games including eating doughnuts on a string, two photobooths, a candy and a popcorn bar. Wow! Jenn & Skip I am blown away by your wedding. Thanks so much for sharing it! Credit: Patrick of PWP Studio
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The Pretty Pretty Princess Look

Kat

August 6, 2009

Brady & Carrie got hitched at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. A retro/vintage affair, Carrie even designed her dress herself and had it made by Atelier Des Modistes, a quint little boutique on Russian Hill. Carrie described the experience of designing her own dress as nerve-wracking but totally worth it. She didn't even get to see what the dress would actually look like until the final week as all the fittings are done with muslin. She painted a wonderful picture when she described the fittings, Families walk by at night after dinner and I remember little girls with their nose pressed to the glass door watching me in my "gown". They had that "pretty pretty princess" look in their eyes. So sweet. Thanks to Jeremy for sharing this gorgeous wedding with us - we hope to see a lit more of his photographic gorgeousness on Rock n Roll Bride soon! Credit: Jeremy Harris Weddings
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A Topsy Turvy, Day Of The Dead, Mexican, Skull Spectacular

Kat

August 5, 2009

I swear sometimes I am overwhelmed by the greatness of the submissions I receive for my little blog. I have many people say to me that I must not sleep due to the amount of blogging I do, but I really only wish I could do more! When I saw Melissa & Phil's wedding I knew I'd be getting these bad boys up asap! The couple went for a 'Day of the Dead', skull and Mexican theme - complete with an awesome brightly coloured skull encrusted cake made by The Bleeding Heart Bakery (plus custom skeleton cake topper from Claylindo.) The couple have matching skull tattoos that they got after only 8 months of dating so there knew it was pretty much the perfect theme for them. When they started to plan their wedding they only had two things they knew they wanted - skulls and tacos! Melissa explains: I heard about a Mexican custom for the newlyweds’ cake to have a skeleton bride and groom perched atop it. This symbolized the couple will not only be together until death, but even after death for all eternity. We liked this concept so much, we extrapolated upon it and made it the theme and focus of our entire wedding. The Dia De Los Muertos theme was a perfect fit! It is a custom that is spiritual, quirky, morbid, and unique – just like us! The couple also incorporated a quirky, retro feel to the day. As Melissa went on to tell me: I wanted a "vintage" feel for the attire, but also knew that I NEEDED to wear a cute top hat. Or I would possibly die. All the maids had pinup-style dresses and hairdos with skull feather fascinators in their hair. I wore a long A-line dress by Maggie Sottero with a custom made top hat from Topsy Turvey Designs, and had a slight steampunk look happening. I tried to make the guys look a teensy bit vintage with their vest and sans-jacket look. And Phil wore a lovely long suit jacket that looked almost pall-bearer-esque and complimented his long hair nicely. A huge Rock n Roll Bride thank you to Melissa & Phil for sharing their day...and a even bigger thank you to every single one of you that takes the time to send your wedding gorgeousness my way! I ♥ you all...
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‘Nobody Can Be Uncheered By A Balloon’

Kat

August 5, 2009

I received the cutest and most excitable submission I have ever had the other day. Josephine Sicad is an girl from Singapore who is just tipping her toes into the world of photography and where better to start that by shoot her and her (then) fiance's engagement shoot (or pre nup as they call it over there.) I'm sure she won't mind but I have to share some of her excitement right here, just so you get the emotion behind the lens: While browsing through your site, I get so giggly to share my own set,too. I happen to be my own photographer (the tripod-remote-timer-way) for my own engagement sessions. Teehee! Which is why I am just giggling to share it,too. My idea was a touch of vintagey and rustic feel to it which I always love love love. We did our photoshoots randomly to places we find great backdrops (the park and some rustic places) here in Singapore and yes, including my own bike. Weeehhh! I wanted it to be simple and yet so FULL of LOVE. We had these shots taken around June, while we just got happily married last July 28 and I am still working on my edits Hahaha. Sadly, I couldn't be my own photographer for my wedding, you know I wish I could. Hahaha But I had amazing friends who helped me capture all the wonderful moments,too as it was just a 9 people wedding in fact. =) I love these for a their cute, playful joy - the experimentation of a new photographer finding her feet is totally alluring. I know there are great things ahead for the delightful Josephine and I can't wait to see more of it! Credit: Josephine Sicad Photography
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Infused.

Kat

August 5, 2009

Gina & Aris' wedding was infused with gorgeous details reflecting their stunning venue - Portland Classical Chinese Garden. I think it does without saying that Gina's Stephanie James Couture dress is ridiculously gorgeous (it's one of those dresses I never tire of seeing!) but I am also loving their adorable flower girl in her oriental inspired outfit + parasol, the origami paper flowers and the cute teeny tiny cupcakes and pink & blue bird cake topper. Thanks to Sean for sending these my way! Credit: Sean Morrison Photo
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Days Gone By

Kat

August 5, 2009

Emma & Chris had their engagement shoot at home with the french bulldog Colby for company. Chris' sister photographed them using film and digital to get these great shots. I have had such a resurgence of love for film photography recently, I am loving reliving days gone by with the gorgeousness of real film photography so these are right up my street. Thanks to Emma & Chris for sending me these gorgoeus shots and I can't wait to see their wedding photographs (which will be captured by the wonderful Katherine O'Brien) Credit: Kelly Lynn James for Williams-Matson
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The Story Of The 75 Cent Dress

Kat

August 4, 2009

I was in love with this wedding as soon as I laid eyes on it, I fell even more head over heels when I found the Bride's adorable vintage fashion blog, but I was completely besotted when I discovered she paid 75...yes 75 Cents for her dress! Tell me more!I hear you cry. Well the gorgeous Solanah explains her little treasure hunt: Tagging along to garage sales with Josh, Amy, and Oliver usually results in Legos and Star Wars picture books. But over a year ago, one stop at a church rummage sale proved an unbelievable find. I got armfuls of vintage goodies like hankies and a Stetson hat for Sam, but while I was waiting for everyone else to finish looking, I thought I'd take a shot at the glum looking clothing rack, full of dresses too new to be vintage, and too old to be interesting. I had passed it about a dozen times, but it looked so pathetic that the effort to stop and browse seemed like a waste of time. In the middle of the rack I came across an awful looking gray garment bag with a torn piece of masking tape stuck to the side that had “Old wedding dress” scribbled in sharpie. So I unzip it a few inches expecting an 80s monstrosity and instead get a preview of beautiful vintage cream lace. Although I had only seen a few inches of it, I grabbed the garment bag, threw it over my shoulder and waddled over to the payment table with everything in my arms, and Stetson on head. It seemed like it would be an old dress, all torn up from age and poor storage, but at least I could salvage the pretty lace for a project, right? The two old men at the payment booth were obviously put up to being at the sale by their wives, and looked as clueless as could be. I dumped everything on the table which they added up, but then came to “Old wedding dress.” “Oh there was no price on that” I said. They looked at it, then squinted at a piece of paper tapped to the table that had price categories listed. “Well…here it says: Dresses, 75 cents.” “75 cents?” “Yeah is that ok? “Um, yeah…” We paid and loaded up the car, with Legos and old stuff, and kept on treasure hunting at other garage sales. A few hours later when I got home I was eager to see more than five inches of this dress. Taking it out of the bag did not reveal the tattered mess I expected but something stunning and flawless. Layers of tulle and lace, rows of covered buttons, and even a matching veil and armlets. But would it fit? I slipped it on, and realized that it must have been somehow made for me 60 years ago, because it fit like a glove. Upon inspection I could not find a single snag in the tulle, or hole in lace. It was perfect. And that is how I got my wedding dress for 75 cents. I am so in love with this couple and I am so excited to be able to share there beeeeautiful wedding with you all! Thank you sooo much to photographers Ben & Alicia for allowing me to share the ♥ (love) Credit: Vorpal Images - Hair & Make Up: Alicia Elfving
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The English Way

Kat

August 4, 2009

In many ways the UK is a very forward thinking, literal place to live. Gay marriage is legal, you can drink at 18 and not attending church every Sunday is generally not frowned upon. However when it comes to wedding legalities, Britain can be a little strict on the rules. You can't, for example, legally marry outdoors. You are only able to wed at an officially consecrated place with an officially appointed person officiating the ceremony. However Lucy and J's dream was to have an outdoor humanist ceremony at Oxon Hoath in Kent, so despite the English weather and the English laws, they did just that (they did of course have to do the legal thing as well.) I am loving the following details about this wedding - Lucy's dress and shrug combo was from Joanne Fleming Design in Brighton, UK and their completely unique rings were designed and made by the couple themselves. Lucy's gorgeous bouquet was from Darling and Wild with the rest of the flowers all being done themselves who visited Covent Garden wholesale flower market to buy the blooms. Their uber cool twist on the traditional boutonnerie were again made by the couple themselves using white peacock feathers, leaves from the grounds of the venue and old buttons are pretty damn gorgeous though right? Ahh England, I still love you.
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Pin Up Vixen

Kat

August 4, 2009

It's nice to break away from all the weddingness sometimes and just spend some time enjoying some non wedding inspiration and Taylor's senior portraits fall smack bang into this category. I'm sure it's pretty obvious why I love these - the colours, the contrast and her gorgeous retro rockabilly style - she has got that pin up thing down to a tee with her fluttering eyelashes and her matt, crimson lips. Can you believe this gal is only 18!? ps I ♥ that egg chair a little too much! Credit: Tinywater Photography
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