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  

 

 

A Bride’s guide to beach weddings in Trinidad & Tobago

Photo provided through the kind courtesy of
 Liz Chung LukPat Photography
http://www.lizphotoimages.com/

 

Weddings on the seashore are something most of us can easily envision – the bride’s gauzy gown floating in the wind, the groom looking into her eyes and the ocean’s waves in the background.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the planning elements involved:



Logistics
It may be considerate of you as a host, to arrange transportation for your guests and wedding suppliers. Will it be by boat, maxi taxi, bus or car pool? Remember too, that if you’re having a wedding on a secluded beach or if it will be held in the late evening,  guests may be concerned about security for both themselves and their vehicles. It may also be a good idea to include a map of your venue, within your wedding invitation.

Amenities
Once your guests arrive, they will require restrooms, seating, garbage disposals and shady areas out of the sun. A practical solution may be to choose a hotel or venue, which features a beach front. This way, guests can retreat inside to use amenities, once you pay the requisite fees to the venue. Once dining and dancing are going to be on the agenda, be sure to erect some sort of sturdy flooring in those areas, to prevent guests’ feet from sinking into the sand. Also remember that you will have no electricity, which may pose problems for lighting and sound, unless this is planned for in advance.
 

Choosing a tented reception venue
If it is not possible to have your wedding near to a waterfront hotel or venue, you may have to opt for a tented reception venue. These have the advantage of flexibility –a tent can be erected almost anywhere (once permission/a permit has been obtained). Tents also come in varying sizes and styles and can accommodate any number of guests.

They will also work well during the dry season. However, you will have to create a comfortable environment under a tent. Therefore, you will have to think about renting portable restroom facilities, air conditioning/fans, tables, chairs, a stage, dance floor, tent walls, installing lighting and providing cooking and electrical facilities for the caterer and DJ.

Your budget may also increase, since decorators may also have to get sturdier design elements rather than lightweight decorations that would fly away or fall down with the breeze. Alternatively, you can go the affordable “au natural” way and use beach sand, sea shells, raffia, baskets and starfish as your décor!

Time of day
It may be more practical to have an early morning or a late afternoon wedding, since during the day, beaches tend to be crowded. During the day, there is an increased chance of having curious onlookers in the background of your wedding photos and unwanted sounds on your wedding video. If you are having a wedding on the beach, at night, remind your guests to bring warm clothing since it may get chilly.

How to book a beach wedding locally?

Depending on which beach you choose, you may have to write the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and ask for permission. Beaches which require permission are: Maracas, Las Cuevas, Vessigny and Manzanilla. Your letter must reach the TDC no later than one month before your wedding. There is a rental fee and a caution fee to be paid; and you will have to organize a police presence, as well as notify the Lifeguard Services Department.

Once perfectly planned, beach weddings can go without a hitch. If these issues seem too much for you to handle, a good option is to hire a wedding co-ordinator. 

For more articles, visit our website: http://www.trinidadweddings.com

Join our Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings

 

 

The Green Bride!

How many Trini brides seriously consider having a stylish yet eco-friendly wedding? Perhaps not many and that’s unfortunate, moreso because there are so many simple and sustainable ideas out there. It’s also unfortunate because weddings by and large, generate substantial amounts of waste with food, paper goods, packaging, ribbons, favours, wrapping paper, decorations and stationery that are tossed in the trash after the reception or…soon after.

Here are some tips to help you have an environmentally-friendly wedding:

Food

·         Donate leftover food to a shelter or soup kitchen or have boxes available for guests to take some of the eats home with them.

Fashion & Beauty
·         For your dress, use one or a combination of: remnant lace and fabrics, organic cotton, hemp and silk blends or vegetable-dyed fabric.

·         Select organic or mineral products that are not tested on animals, for your makeup

·         Go to the “Bridal Classifieds” page on www.trinidadweddings.com to see if anyone is selling a used or new wedding gown or selling centerpieces they no longer need. See link to it here: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/Shop/BridalClassifieds/tabid/239/Default.aspx

·         Upcycle bridesmaid dresses that won’t be worn again, into decorative throw pillows or window treatments. You can also donate the dresses to someone who will use them.

Invitations & Stationery
·         Use post-consumer recycled paper

·         If you have open seating for the reception, this can reduce your paper needs, with doing away of place cards. Also, you can do one tented programme (printed on both sides) per table, to reduce the need for every guest having a paper programme.

·         Create custom invitations or “thank you” cards by hand or try utilizing hand-painting or stamping on your invitations, to save on printing costs

·         If you want to go entirely paperless, invite guests via e-cards or telephone

Décor & Favours

·         Use organic décor materials like: bamboo, coconut shells, hemp, pressed flowers/leaves, burlap, jute or raffia.

·         Make use of organic or fair trade items, for your food and favours

·         Create a local favour instead of one that’s already pre-packaged and full of unnecessary plastic packaging. Wrap your favour in biodegradable bags or in hand-made paper.

·         For centrepieces, choose containers you can use again in your new home and perhaps fill with fruit that you or your guests can eat!

·         Choose a florist who uses locally-grown flowers.

Reception

·         Have an outdoor wedding to save on day-time electricity costs. The options are endless: a park, at the beach, a private garden, courtyard, ranch or nature reserve.

·         Use cloth napkins as much as possible, versus paper napkins

·         Plan your ceremony and wedding reception in the same place, to save energy costs and emissions from transportation.

Registry

·    If you already own household items, perhaps you can ask guests to contribute to a wildlife conservatory, animal shelter, a recycling initiative or a charitable cause, in lieu of favours/wedding gifts

·    Ask the store that is hosting your bridal registry, not to gift wrap your wedding gifts.