Our month in pictures - April

We are heading towards brighter, longer days and feeling the energy rising in the studio. New fresh designs along with exciting plans developing this month.

Shot! The amazing talented team from Waterlily Weddings caught this blue beauty at Markree Castle. Can't wait to see all the final pictures from this amazing shoot.

April saw a short much needed break in Royal Lemington Spa. Hanging out with my best girl and checking out the new Hotel De Vin opening today in Shakespeare home, Strafford.

Lots of hand finishing and embellishment this month. Truly my favourite part of creating our dresses. Along with new designs for photoshoots with the most talented wedding suppliers of Ireland in great locations such as Slane Castle and Markree Castle. Watch this space for the pictures to come.

Finally a great photo by Moat Hill Photography who kindly took part in our Creatives at Work series on the blog this month.

Bridal Muse Julie

When I began last year to plan 2017's blog I really wanted to do something a little different.  I reached out to my 2016 brides to ask them what they took away from their wedding day? What could they advice our readers? And from this evolved Bridal Muse , where a collection of brides tell us how they created their wedding day.

Fast forward to January and I am introducing you to our first Bridal Muse Julie. You need only glance at her stunning wedding pictures to see what a beautiful, amazing day she had, beaming from head to toe. Julie has very kindly shared her memories and knowledge here today. So grab a cuppa and let her day inspire you. 

What is your best memory of your wedding day? 

It is hard to pick a favourite part but the ceremony was incredibly special. The vows, music & poetry coming to life was amazing and each one was very personal to us.

Is there a moment that stands out for you? 

A moment that stands out is walking up the aisle and seeing Tim a little emotional when he saw me in my dress for the first time. You imagine how those moments might feel but when they are happening, in front of all of your nearest and dearest, it is something you can't really put into words. It is probably all of those cliches people talk about - and I'm trying not to be too cliched!

What is your advice to a bride to be? 

My advice is to go with your gut. Everyone's experience is so different - just go with what feels is the right decision for the two of you. Your family & friends might have very different ideas/expectations of what they think is the right venue/dress/band/flowers/guests budget. Whether you go for a full traditional affair or something really intimate, just try to remember it is about the two of you making that commitment to each other.

Our wedding was the day before St. Patrick's day so that really helped shape the day in terms of little touches and decisions we made about colours/invites/entertainment etc. We also had the experience of attending dozens of previous weddings so we had a very clear idea of what what we had in mind for ours. The support we had from our families and friends was unbelievable - I will be forever grateful to some of them for the help they gave in whatever big/small way they were able to.

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

Again, through previous experience (my sister had her dress made with Sarah) I had a good idea about the process involved. That being said though, it is slightly daunting not knowing what it will look like as a finished product! Sarah made me feel at ease from our first meeting and goes through all the questions you might have about getting it made and what you have in mind. It was very much a collaboration of what I had in my head and what she was able to do with her magic needle and thread!

What part of the process of having your dress made was most fun for you?

I did do my research and had tried on a few dresses and looked up a good few designers by the time I contacted Sarah. I just couldn't find what I was looking for; that didn't cost a ridiculous amount of money and that I felt really comfortable in. They were my my main priorities for the dress - I put all of the ideas of the dream dress I had in my head and sent Sarah pictures and worked with her on what colours, fabrics etc. that suited the look I had in mind. Looking through samples can be a bit overwhelming but I was very much guided by her for this part and went with her professional opinion on what she thought would work best for some of those decisions. It was a really fun, creative process that I can genuinely say, was a pleasure from start to finish.

Thank you to the beautiful Julie for taking time to be our Bridal Muse and sharing your day with us.

www.markgriffinphoto.com

www.deborahleonardmakeup.com

Lorraine Edwards Hair 0834491687

www.bellinghamestate.ie

www.bellinghamcastle.ie

I would love to hear what you think of our new series and what tips you may want to share. Comment below, I always want to hear more.

My job is to bring dresses to life. Julie, like a lot of my brides have a clear idea of what they want for their wedding dress. We just help to fill in the gaps and create something unique for them. You are welcome to email me if you need a dress brought to life. 

Behind the Scenes - Hand Details

That little beaded shoulder piece, the stunning vintage centre piece on that belt, the delicate lace detail on a sleeve…these elements are what make a dress unique and memorable. But how do they come together..hand work.

People laugh when I say this is my favourite element of making a dress, that I actually find hand work therapeutic..I am usually armed with a cuppa and a comfortable chair 

Embellishing our own special details allows our dresses to be unique. We make silk flowers, use pieces of lace and delicate beading to create each individual piece.

We often create special pieces for our brides for there head piece, incorporating the embellishment detail from the dress to get an overall look for the day.

Behind the Scene - Pattern Making

How do we go from a detailed sketch or idea to a finished dress …we measure and make up each unique design for each bride. Taking time to draft a pattern specific to each individual means that every shape and size is catered for. 

Pattern making is a personal love of mine, there is nothing like transforming a sketch to a 2D pattern, then into cotton fabric for the full 3D effect..like magic. Transforming a piece of pattern paper into a bodice that fits like a glove is very satisfying work.

This allows us to see how the dress is looking, a bride can be fitted in her cotton mock up and get a feel for how the dress will fit and develop. I can see what needs changing for each shape and design. It also gives us the freedom to change and personalise each design to add or subtracted elements that are working or not.

Its from this mock up fitting that we then alter and perfect our individual pattern. The next exciting stage is cutting in the beautiful silk and lace.

The finished dress in Xpose Magazine

Behind the Scenes - Designing a Dress

To have time to sit and design is a luxury for most creatives. But so much fun when you get the chance. So how does an idea go from a small light bulb in my head to a dress?

Often it's a small thing that will spark off an idea, a simple silk flower, a piece of exquisite lace or just a piece of soft sublime silk.  I am constantly sourcing materials that inspires and delights. I am also addicted to Pinterest and Instagram where you cannot help but be inspired by beautiful images.

When we meet with our brides to be it is often her ideas of the type of wedding and her personality that can inspire her dress. Each design we create is for each individual bride so injecting her personal style and taste is a big part of my design process.

With these two elements in place I take some time to sit and sketch, playing with silhouettes and details that will make a beautiful one off piece. It is one of the more exciting parts of my job .. sending off sketches to a new client. 

Flower Girl Dresses

These extra special little ladies need an outfit for the big day and are, in my opinion, the only ladies allowed to upstage the bride

While having a dress designed for them is fantastic its not always in everyones budget.

There are lots of great ways to create something unique, that works well with the rest of the bridal party.

One of the best ways to create something different is to embellish. A beautiful trim can be easily sourced to add to any simple white or ivory dress. Check out Etsy.com for a wide selection of unique trimmings. Get out the sewing needle and thread or round up a crafty friend to give you a hand

A beautiful satin ribbon that brings in the bridesmaid colours can work really well and a simple cost effective way to have your flower girls stand out. Silk flower details or left over lace detail from your own dress can be added to that lovely shop bought summer tea dress. You will easily find ribbons, trimmings on-line or in stores like Rubanesque

If you have a particularly talented friend maybe painting silk flowers to the hem of a dress would certainly create a one off showstopper. 

Underwear Changes Everything

No matter your shape or style the right underwear can transform your figure and transform your wedding dress. I can't emphasis enough the important of getting the correct undergarments. This is not a last minute rush to M&S job, you must take some time to try on and find the perfect fit.

Bras

For me smooth no lace, nude bras with an excellent shape are the way to go. There is only one way to pick a bra and that is to try on, try on, try on. Then ask yourself does it feel comfortable, does it give a flattering shape or create lumps I don't need?

You also have to look at you dress. Do you need strapless? Will the back need to be lower? Does the front need to plunge? Ask your designer to help you out, she can give you measurements on how far down the strap needs to go to compliment the dress and what other elements you may need to consider before you purchase.

Knickers

Fancy lace thongs don't always do the job to flatter your shape. It's the smooth nude rule again for knicker purchases. Whither your dress is slinky or ball-gown style you need to be sure the knickers are creating a smooth shape and don't cast a shadow through the dress. Doesn't mean you can't buy a fancy French knicker for later when all the pictures have been taken.

Shape wear

Nearly all my brides the last two years have worn some sort of shape wear. These are all fabulous ladies of all shapes and sizes. My one recommendation for shape wear is please make sure you are comfortable and that you won't get to hot in them. Not to be crude but think about how you can manoeuvre out of said shape-wear for the call of nature!!

Ask the experts

Over the years we have sent hundreds of brides out to find the complimentary underwear for their dresses. Peaches and Cream in the Westbury Mall in Dublin have been a big winner with our brides. Also Brown Thomas and Arnotts for getting measured for a great shaping bra. 

So once you have your dress purchased get underwear shopping, don't leave it till the last minute.

As always have fun

With passion

Sarah  

Brendan Lyon photography 

My Inspiration

 It is around this time of year when our summer brides are just having final touches done to their dresses that I start to think of a new collection. So this week I am taking a little break from the norm and giving an insight to where I find my inspiration and how I start the process of designing new dresses.

Time out from my studio is usually a great opportunity for me to relax and let my mind escape. This week I took a trip to Killarney for some family time and I came back buzzing with excitement. What a beautiful country we have at our finger tips. The colours all around us, lush greens, pink sky's and vibrant floral shades. 

Taking my new found inspiration and my chilled out mind I couldn't help but create 2015's mood board when I landed back in the studio on Thursday (thank you to my hard working assistant Molly for indulging me). This is always just a starting point for me to get a feeling, a mood of how the next year will be. It is from here that I will in the coming weeks start to design the next collection.

I will now gather together fabrics, laces and embellishments that I wish to use in the coming year. I will do samples of beading and fabric manipulation that I would like to incorporate into the collection. With hopefully the final sketches coming together in the coming weeks. Follow my progress on Instagram @sfoydesign.

So if you are just starting out and struggling to get ideas for your wedding. Take a deep breath, a glass of wine and hit Pinterest to create your own mood board. It doesn't have to be wedding related images that you pin, just what you are drawn too. This will help you to get an idea of what you love, hate and adore.

With passion 

Sarah

Ps I have two new boards up on Pinterest to show you for 2015's inspiration so check us out Pinterest @Sarah Foy design

2015 mood board 

Fabrics 101

Knowledge is a powerful thing and today I am sending you all back to school for a lesson in fabrics...no exams at the end, I promise. Knowing just a little about the fabric options out there can make picking your dress that bit easier. Different fabrics create different looks and silhouettes so it is vital to get your raw material right from the start. If you have narrowed down your silhouette it's then good to have an idea of the fabric that will best create that style.

The basics

Silk is a fibre, you may hear lots of words like duchess, dupion and crepes throw at you when you first start looking for your dress. All of these are made from silk fibres. So even if you are not a fan of silk duchess satin that doesn't mean you rule out silk altogether. I personally only use silk for my dresses but there are great silk mixes available now that will help to keep your budget in tack.

All fabrics come in different weights. So depending on the style of dress, you may need a very heavy silk mikado to create a big tradition style skirt. But a very light silk crepe for a wedding abroad that will keep you cool. The fabric weights help to create the right silhouette for you.

The days of a nice shiny satin for your wedding dress as your only option are gone. Today the fabrics run from a lovely shimmer to matte in texture. So depending on your own personal taste you can definitely get the right fabric finish for you.

Stiff fabrics for structured dresses

Raw silks, silk dupion, silk mikado and duchess stains are all fabrics that give structure and sculpture. Ideal for bigger more traditional skirt styles or fitted dresses where you don't want a soft flowing effect. They give a beautiful crisp, clean look. If you don't want your dress to get too heavy stick with the Thai silk or dupion they are lighter in weight but still create a voluminous look.

Soft fabrics for soft flowing gowns

Silk crepes, crepe de chine and marocain silks are very soft luxurious fabrics that look stunning in bias cut, slinky dresses. They work really effectively in dresses where you want some volume but with more movement and fluidity. Details such as cowl necklines and waterfall hems really show these fabrics off best.

Sheer fabrics

Silk chiffons and silk organzas are sheer fabrics. Creating a layered effect as you see the fabric underneath. They do both however create different silhouettes. Chiffon gives a softer flowing effect and the organza a more voluminous style with out the heaviness. The benefit of using a sheer fabric is that you can have it partly backed in silk for coverage but in areas such as the back neckline and arms you can leave it bare.

Laces and embroideries

A touch of lace or a bodice of embroidery tulle can set a dress apart from any other. There are varies options available to create your look.Laces come in Chantilly (soft very detailed design) corded lace (heavier with a cord detail outlying the design) leavers (detailed design but a little stiffer then Chantilly). There are endless designs and styles to choose from.More detailed laces, particularly beaded pieces are generally an embroidered tulle. These are really delicate, detailed designs.

So have fun with your newly found knowledge. Get a rough idea of the effects you like and go hunting for your perfect dress.

With passion

Sarah   

Creating Your Dream Dress

This is not the right road for everyone. Having your wedding dress designed and made for you is a completely different experience then taking the retail route. We have all heard or experienced one dressmaking disaster or another. Some brides I have talked to are terrified of having their dress made because they can't visualise the finished dress or have had a bad experience with a dress maker before......flash back to ill fitting debs dresses.

So who does get their dress made? All brides general have a vision of how they want to look on their wedding day. As they start the dress research they will fall in love with a neckline, a fabric maybe even stubble across the perfect dress that ticks all the boxes. However, not all brides find all the elements they want in one perfect dress and that is where a designer can step in and come to the rescue.

Research Your Designer

You will be working closely with your designer so you must trust and get on with your wedding dress creator. You need to feel that you can ask questions and make changes. You are putting a lot of trust in this person so they need to be the right fit. So do some research check out websites, blogs and forums for what reviews you can find. Ask friends and family, even other wedding suppliers of designers they recommend, they will point you in the right direction. 

Consultation

That first meeting with a bride-to-be is really for me to get to know that person, to get a feel for their wedding and to answer any concerns she may have about having a dress made. I welcome pictures and images as it helps me to see what styles you are drawn too, helping me to get inside your head so I can design the perfect dress for you. So write down a list of questions to ask and get your scrape book out with images. Also have a budget set out, that way a designer will only show you fabric and embellishment that is within that price range. 

Communication 

Keep the lines of communication open with your designer throughout the whole process. You must feel that you can ask questions and query decisions you are making. Although I believe I am good at reading people I am not a mind reader, so talk to your designer, they need to know if you are concerned about some aspect of the dress or if you want to try out something else. Ask and they will help you any way they can. Don't forget they are the experts and they may have just the solution to your problem. Speaking from my own experience I want all my brides to love their wedding dress and so am happy to make changes and experiment with different aspects of their dress.

It is one of the most exciting times of your life and if you are lucky enough to be going down this route it is an amazing experience to have a hand crafted dress made especially for you. Do keep an open mind and let the designer guide you a little along the way. You will be amazed as you see your dress developed in front of your eyes. The right dress reflexes your personality, fit like a glove and make you shine on the day.

Pop over to our Facebook page and see past brides reviews and pictures. 

With passion

Sarah

Make Up And Your Wedding Look

I am certainly not a make up expert and I am definitely not going to try to advice you on the pros and cons of powder versus liquid foundation. That, I will leave to the amazing talented make up artists that are at your disposal  - check out some of whom I think are the best in the business below.

I always say to my brides, you need to think about the overall look for the day. Yes, the dress is a large element but shoes, jewellery, hair all help to enhance that vision. The make-up plays a big part, it helps to polish of your look and when done right will enhance your complexion and make your inner self sparkle.

The make-up trial

-Take or pin a couple of pictures of your dress particularly the neckline front and back to show your make up artist. If you have had your hair trial or decided on the style also include theses pictures to give the artist an overall feel for your wedding look. Now hit Pinterest and collect images, randomly at first to see if your are drawn to the same style. Then you can start to narrow down the make up look you are after. All of this is great preparation for your make up trial.

-Contact make up artists checking their availability and costs....we all know the importance of budget! As with any supplier for your wedding, have a list of questions and try to give them as much detail about your ideas for the day. That way they can visualise what you have planned.

-Book a dress fitting the same day as your make up trial. That way you can see if the style of make up suits the overall look.

-If you can fit in an early appointment, it is great to get an idea of how the makeup looks through out the day and transforms into night.

Preparation

-Talk to your make up artists, get advice from your beautician about your skin type and what beauty routine would be suitable on the run up to the wedding.

-Eat, Sleep, Drink. Easier said then done when you are stressing about the final table plan and trying to finish up work for 3 weeks. But try to eat your fruit and veg, sleep your 8 hours and drink lots of water while running around for the final bits and pieces. If your bare skin looks healthy the make up will just enhance your healthy glow

The big day

-Give plenty of time in the morning for your make up artist to work her magic.

-Your make up artist will need plenty of natural light while they work so clear space near a window.

-Designate a brides maid to look after your touch ups. Her job is to powder you up and re-apply lippy when needed through out the day.

Ask the experts

These 3 ladies are amazing I have had great luck to have worked on many photo shoots with them over the years and believe they are the best in the business. With all your suppliers for your wedding you need to find the right fit for you and your vision.  So if you haven't booked your make up check them out.

Emma Farrell
http://www.emmafarrellmakeup.com/

Lisa McLoughlin
http://lisamcloughlin.com/

Naomh Kirwan
http://www.theweddingcrew.net/?page_id=73

With passion

Sarah

Taming Your Train

I love trains, for me they sum up all that a wedding dress should be.

It is the train that truly makes a dress, it create's the wow factor on your wedding day. Transforming a simple evening dress to a stunning memorable wedding dress. You can have your dramatic cathedral length or a small but sweet pool train, it just add's another beautiful element to your gown on the day.

The Setting

Let's face it a 2 foot train is just not going to work at a beach wedding. The setting is vital in your train making decisions, we all need to be a little practical. A soft following train with a little volume works perfect for this setting. Whereas a long, full train will be breathtaking in a church. So really think about your venue, what is going to tie in with the overall feel of the wedding.

Factor in the logistics, do you need to walk down a narrow aisle? Is my transport on the day easy to manoeuvre in and out off?

Your Height

Yes, the right length train can make you look taller! Take it from me as a 4ft 11 girlie I will take any gains in height where I can. The train length and volume is essential to get right. It can elongate the body and create a sliming silhouette, done wrong and it can over power you. Remember you are wearing the dress not the dress wearing you! If you want to be dramatic but don't have the height use sheer fabrics for your train like organza or tulle this gives a lighter softer look.

The Aftermath

Yes, we want to look elegant and regal walking down the aisle but let's face it we all want to boogie the night way and enjoy every last minute of the day. People standing on your train and you stumbling around the reception does not make for that elegant image. So think about having catches to tie up your train. A simple ribbon to hang from your wrist will help you practically during the day. Later as the evening progresses have something more permanent in place to create a small bustle or folds at the back. If you are going all out for the royal length trains go detachable, that way you are free to remove it for the reception.

Thinking Outside The Box

If the train is not for you, or you would like to be a little different. Start thinking creatively, there are so many other options to achieve that wow factor walking down the aisle. So, if going all out is not for you - How about a super long full veil to create that majestic look? A watteau train which attaches at the shoulders, falling straight down the back - check out Princess of Monaco's wedding dress. Or how about a  beautiful chiffon bolero with a dramatic train that you can simply remove to create a day to night effect with your wedding dress. 

So starting thinking trains! Remember most people will be looking at your back silhouette throughout the ceremony so a little bit of detail will wow them.

With passion

Sarah

Ivory To Blush and 101 Colours In Between

If I was to pick one element of designing a wedding dress that is  most important and most vital it would be colour. 

Brides can spend hours picking the exact neckline for their dress, but when I ask them what colour are they thinking for their dream gown, I get a rabbit caught in headlights look. 

Colour can change everything on a dress, one shade difference can transform a brides complexion from dull and washed out, to a natural healthy glow, this is before fake tan and professional make up does its job. 

So where does a bride begin, how on earth do you decide between optical white, platinum white, off white, winter white... even my head spins with the amount of names for white. So here is a little lesson on colour before you hit the wedding dress trail

Take a look at your makeup bag

Yes I know a little mad, but a little education on your colouring before you start can make a big decision on choosing a dress colour a little less stressful. 

Foundation generally comes in two tones - a pink tone and a yellow tone. It helps to have an idea of what tone foundation you use especially if you are going to go with an ivory dress. For the lovely pink tone ladies a cream or light ivory are going to work better for you. Yellow tones are going to rock our the strong ivory's like champagne.

While you are at it, check out your wardrobe

Pick out 5 outfits from your wardrobe that you know are amazing on you and always get compliments. With the outfits laid out is there a theme, are they all lovely warm colours or soft pastel colours. The idea is to get a feeling for your colouring. 

For example, I am a cold colour person  (with a warm heart of course ). I need to wear strong primary colours that are cool. So my wardrobe is full of silver, greys, bright blues and strong vibrant pinks. For my wedding dress, I needed to wear a bright white, cool silver or an ice pink. For the warmer ladies, you will have mochas, creams and dusky colours in the wardrobe. Gold, cream, blush and pearl ivory are going to be winners for you.

Honesty

We all have that one person in our lives that is brutally honest with us, for me it's my mother. When she doesn't like something on me you know straight away! Classic quote this week "Did you try to curl your hair last night Sarah or are you going for the messy look".

It maybe a friend, sibling or even your spouse to be. Ask them for an hour of their time, pop into a shop and try on white tops, cream tops and any bridal colours you can find. You will be surprised how this little trick will help to narrow down what colour suits you best.

Over the years I have made some of the most beautiful colour wedding dresses. From burgundy red to teal, sage green to printed multi coloured chiffon they where just the right fit for the brides personality. Although you may not want to go as extreme as these ladies don't be afraid of colour, embrace it. A hint of colour in the embellishment or in the lining maybe just what you need!

So let the hunt begin, you are armed with a little education on colour. Remember to have fun it is an exciting time and no stressing allowed 

With passion

Sarah