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  

 

 

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.