If you’re looking for a wedding theme and want charm and character, shabby chic might be the way to go. I always think of shabby chic as recapturing the elegance of a time gone by- chandeliers, glamourous antique French furniture and peeling paint. I love the pretty faded pastel shades associated with this style like dusky pink, cream, mint green, powder blue and soft lemon. There are just so many options with this theme: floral designs, pretty china, birdcages- it is whimsical romance encapsulated… In fact, I think a shabby chic wedding might be my favourite theme, hence it has made my Wednesday Wishlist!
All posts tagged vintage
Johanna Johnson 2013 Bridal Collection
We are pretty excited here at FAB that Johanna Johnson has released her 2013 collection. Just wait till you see these gorgeous dresses- really they are the epitome of decadent elegance. The collection, called “Still is the night” (love the name too) is built around sophisticated satin that just drapes so beautifully, and I can’t decide which one I want the most!
Friday’s FAB 5 ✈ French Bridal Hairstyles
It’s Friday- line up for the weekend to begin! We look at more France-inspired loveliness with French bridal hairstyles below but first, our roundup of the week begins with some lovely French wedding traditions on Monday. Then on Tuesday we had a beautiful and intimate wedding in Paris (with a glamourous bride!). We looked at sophisticated French style with Audrey Tatou in our Wednesday Wishlist, and yesterday we saw three gorgeous venues in France to get married in.

So this Friday the weddings we love from around the web are:
✈ A Georgia wedding with a vintage feel- The dress! The dress! Claire Pettibone of course.
✈ Yorkshire wedding in a teepee – The groom and groomsmen in military dress and pretty fur bride and bridesmaid wraps. And Scrabble place settings- what an inspired idea!
✈ A sunny Florida wedding – Lots of yellow, croquet, sunshine and a happy feeling all round.
✈ A small wedding in an Italian convent – Ooooh, the bride’s shoes! Keep scrolling down, there’s one where she’s holding up her dress so you can see them on!
✈ An outdoor wedding in California - Check out the groom’s suit.. And the vintage furniture they had around the dance floor. So elegant.
Friday Fashion ✈ French Bridal Hairstyles
French plaits, French twists and versions of these hairstyles are always in fashion and in keeping with our theme this week we have prepared a few images for your inspiration. Below are two classic French twists, a simple yet sophisticated stye that will stay put all day, and also a version of the french plait called the ‘conch shell plait’ which is intricate and lovely.

You can also incorporate French plaits or twists into a down-style. A bit more relaxed, this method will help to keep hair in place and a bit more tidy than simply having it down. Gives a lovely crown or halo effect too!

For those who want an up-style but want something a little less restrictive than the French twist, the loose French plait (or an upside down one like below) or French-style multiple buns would work well. I just love this antique Art Nouveau hairpin- would be a lovely addition to any hairdo.

Finally, why not try something more complicated- Marie Antoinette style!

Images sourced from: Sophie Delaveau | Grey Likes Weddings | elygyverlatrend | Bernardibeauty | Modern Salon | WanderlustRainbow via Tumblr | Picture Insights | BlogsBabble | Hair Romance | Boston.com|The Gloss | Rock and Roll Bride |
A 1940s Style Vegas Elopement by Jessica Marie
We have a really fun Vegas elopement for you to feast your eyes on today. I am completely in love with these images, captured by jessica marie , I think they look like stills from an old Hollywood silent movie. Danny and Jessi chose to spontaneously elope to Vegas for their 1940′s inspired cheeky, elegant, fun and well simply FAB wedding…







Sail Away With Me Wedding Makeup Inspiration ✈ Ellie Balfe Guest Blog
I loved doing the wedding makeup for the Sail Away With Me shoot!
It’s always such a pleasure to do something so glamorous. Seeing as we were going for an authentic 1930′s style, I used colours that would resonate with the period for Aisling’s makeup. I wanted to keep her skin slightly matte but with a little luminosity to keep it flattering – too matte is always bad and never looks good for photos so bear that in mind if planning your own wedding look.
The typical eye design of the era was a dusky eye, not smoky, as that would be too dark, so I prefer the term dusky! I used a satin-matte grey shadow all over the eyelid and up to the socket in a shade called Rain by Stila. I defined Aisling’s brows quite strongly as this was very much part of the style of the time. The cheeks are softly shaded in Blushbaby by MAC which is a gorgeous deep rose tone and for the dark lips I used a Sisley colour called Plum. Even though this is based around a period makeup look it is, in fact,still very contemporary and perfect for Wintery weddings.
For the night time look I added a deeper charcoal to the eyes and patted a vintage gold shimmer shadow on top to pick up the beading in the costume. The shade is called Golightly by Stila. I decided on a deep ruby red for the lips to ramp up the glamour. Dubonnet by MAC is one of my very favourite red colours that actually suits almost everyone as it’s not too bright.
The one thing I always recommend to my brides is to play around with makeup, particularly if you are going for a vintage look with the rest of the styling. Sometimes people feel the need to play down their makeup but in fact finding the right red lipstick or a slick of liquid liner might be the very detail that brings the entire look together. Keep a scrapbook or build a moodboard on Pinterest of looks you like and bring them to your makeup and hair artists to try out at your trial. If you’re not comfortable with the look once it’s on, that’s fine, but at least you tried it out…and that’s half the fun!
Ellie Balfe
Makeup Artist and Beauty Writer
Make sure to check out Ellie’s blog Ellie Loves…
Connect with Ellie on Twitter @EllieBalfe
Sail Away With Me ✈ 1920′s Travel Inspired Wedding Shoot Part 3 The Film
We’re so excited today to bring you the third and final part of Sail Away With Me, a 1920′s travel inspired wedding shoot and this time on film! Rodolphe from Best Day Productions joined us on the shoot and created both a short behind the scenes film which we featured yesterday and a Sail Away Film capturing the beautiful details of the shoot in all their glory. Sit back relax and enjoy…
Sail Away from best day productions on Vimeo.
Best Day Productions are a family run company based in Kildare, what can we say their work speaks for itself, their cinematography is second to none. Make sure to check out their blog for their stunning Super8mm clips.
Thank you so much to all the FAB suppliers that made the shoot possible. We were thrilled to work with such talented people and had great fun on the shoot with you all.
We’re already brainstorming for our next shoot, something to look forward to…
Dirty Fabulous ✈ Sponsor Spotlight & Special Offer
I am thrilled to introduce you to our wonderful new sponsor on Fly Away Bride, Dirty Fabulous. I had the pleasure of visiting the Dirty Fabulous Boutique in Dublin and was seriously impressed by their stunning collection of vintage dresses and accessories. I was like a child in a sweet shop, ooohing and aaahing at the beautiful designs, the fabrics, the style, swoon…
Can you tell us a little about yourself, what you offer and where you’re based?
We are a vintage boutique specialising in occasion wear from the 1930’s to the 60’s.
Dirty Fabulous stocks devine bias cut gowns from the 1930’s and 40’s, gorgeous prom dresses and va va voom wiggle dresses from the 1950’s. Silk suits and mod mini’s from the 60’s and flirty and fun party dresses from the1970’s and beyond. We carry only the best in American vintage pieces. Our dresses and accessories are prefect for the bride to be, mother of the bride, bridesmaid and wedding guests. Dirty Fabulous is based on the first floor of 21 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Photograph: Maria McGrail Photograph
When should brides start looking and shopping for their bridal dress if they are planning on a vintage wedding dress?
There is no set time needed for buying a vintage wedding dress. Unlike bridal boutiques you will not have to order your dress within a specific time. The time-line will be dictated by whatever the bride is comfortable with. She could pop into us a month before the wedding and find her perfect dress or make an appointment a year before and we could source something specific for her if we don’t currently have in what she has in mind.
Friday’s FAB 5 + This Weeks Favourite Destination Weddings
This week on Fly Away Bride… I’ve channeled my inner white swan with Prima Ballerina bridal gowns from Rosa Carla’s 2011 Bridal Collection. I’ve been captivated by Christine Meintjes’ stunning wedding photography. I’ve been mesmerised by bejewelled bouquets. I’ve been enchanted by this charming lake side wedding in Italy. And I was delighted to introduce you to Ellie Balfe, award winning professional makeup artist and our newest sponsor and guest blogger on Fly Away Bride.
Photograph: We Are The Mastersons
Here are my favourite destination weddings from around the web… it’s my Friday’s FAB 5
Photograph: Kevin Meynell Photography
✈ Wedding at The Burning Man Festival – Denim & Diamonds
✈ Bali Wedding with Ocean Views, Monkeys and Yoga – Wow!
✈ Vintage Inspired Beach Engagement Session – sun loving!
✈ Romantic Malibu Ranch Wedding – this beautiful wedding will take your breath away!
✈ Rockabilly Zoo Wedding – going to San Francisco, Zoo…
Enjoy and have a great weekend!












































