Wrapping it up…the eco-friendly way

I first met Harper Della Pina, designer of the Wrapture Collection by Seams, last year in New York. What really got us deep in conversation was how versatile her dress designs were for destination weddings; and especially for the climate here in Trinidad & Tobago.

And another plus? Her designs are all eco-friendly!

In fact, Harper’s collection was featured as part of the Green Bride Guide's eco-style predictions for the upcoming Jolie-Pitt Wedding!

Her dresses are designed for both brides and bridesmaids. They’re made from natural fabrics such as hemp/silk, pineapple pina fibre (yes…from the pineapple plant!) and 100% silk. The silk that Harper uses, is entirely hand-made by a family mill in India.

Her dresses are all wrap dresses – so they’re versatile for fittings, varying body shapes and can definitely be worn again after the wedding. Harper says, “The Wrapture Collection is a ready-to-wear “design your own collection” and the only wrap and tie gown collection of its kind.” Her gowns are available in various retail stores in the USA.  

Recently, Harper’s “Dalia” Gown was centre stage at a photo shoot done by planner and photographer, Binita Patel. Here’s what Binita had to say about her inspiration behind the shoot:

“This shoot was inspired completely by the bright yellow tones of Spring sunshine.  I really wanted to make sure that everything about this shoot felt very organic, fresh, clean and simple.  Our linen supplier had a wonderful textured tablecloth, with a petal-like pattern that just felt so natural.  This was the starting point of the design.  From there, I enhanced the concept by choosing chargers and napkins to really emphasize the bright sunshine tones of the overall inspiration.  

The Willowdale Estate is very rustic and humble, so I went with more classic-shaped stemware and wooden chivari chairs, to add to the organic feeling of the theme. I wanted the florals to feel simple and wild... straight out of nature almost.  Even our hair and makeup artists stayed true to the theme by selecting clean and fresh tones for the bride's look.  Everything came together beautifully, and the Willowdale Estate served as a beautiful and open backdrop for the shoot.”

Check the slideshow here for beautiful images from the shoot:
http://slideroll.com/?s=37k5crh8 
 
Credits:
Planner - Binita Patel
Location - Willowdale Estate (willowdaleestate.com)
Photography - BINITA PATEL Photography (www.binitapatelphotography.com)
Hair - Maricruz (www.maricruzhairstyles.com)
Makeup - Liz Washer (www.bridalbyliz.com)
Models - Kendra & Matt
Dress - The Wrapture Collection by SEAMS (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.159734224059887.32283.142700012429975&type=3)
Florals - Orchids N ' Blooms (orchidsnblooms.com)
Stationary - Allure (www.allureinvites.com)

More Dress info:

The Wrapture Collection 'Dalia' Gown retails for $680. Made in the USA of 100% silk. This style is has a full length pleated skirt
https://www.facebook.com/WraptureCollectionbySEAMS
Headband and matching Groom's Bowtie in our Etsy Shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SEAMS  

 

 

Centrepiece Trends 2012

This year, modern brides are going for more of an understated elegance regarding their centrepiece decor. They are also embracing the vintage trend and making themes and mementoes of bygone eras (such as the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s) feature prominently on their wedding day.

Here are some of the trends for this year:

1.    The use of succulents/cacti and herbs (think rosemary, mint and basil!) in centerpieces. Other trendy “green” accents are moss and wheat grass.

2.    Tablescapes – the use of multiple arrangements, sometimes in varying heights, in combination with candles and accessories such as: pearls, antique books, frames, birdcages, lanterns, crystals, twigs, birds’ nests, terrariums, bark, feathers, fruit, seashells and photos.

3.    Do-it-yourself (DIY) Flowers – There has been an increase in the “non-flower,” i.e. flowers that are hand-made from fabric, buttons, brooches, paper (tissue, origami or collage) and even pompoms.

4.    Sparkle – brides are embracing glitz in their centrepieces by introducing crystal drops and strands and more metallic accents.

5.    Lampshade Centre pieces – Lampshades are now making an appearance centre-side! Whether it’s made from fabric, or a lampshade created out of fresh flowers, the effect is nothing short of dramatic! (* See last photo in slide show above for a lampshade made out of flowers)
 

6.    Mix and match – Brides are going for more visual interest and choosing to mix different styles, heights or colours of centrepieces, instead of the identical centrepiece on each table.

7.    Floating flowers! – Centrepieces are now hanging from the ceiling! Blooms are now being suspended from lanterns, glass vases or cones. Another alternative are hanging garlands, flower chandeliers and pomanders

The slide show to the top right above, shows some of the centrepieces that I saw at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week in April and October 2011.