Making New "Classic"

I've had a couple of requests for some more shots of my wedding in May of this year. So if you'll indulge me, I just thought I'd share a couple of my favorites that I thought you'd like.

As I've already explained, we did not have a vintage theme to our day, rather, I chose 'understated elegance' as my guide when making my wedding day related selections.

Black and white photography can really help set the scene and these shots assisted me in producing a 'classic' look, as opposed to a modern one.

If you click on the images, they will enlarge for your detailed, viewing pleasure.

These next few are in colour, but again, reflect the look and feel I was trying to achieve, without trying too hard.

Enjoy, Kittens!

Photography: Glen J Nelson Wedding Photography

Shot on location: The Basillica of Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell & Quat Quatta, Ripponlea

And The Bride Wore...

Non-Vintage (Quell Horror!)

Hello Kittens! It's been a whirlwind of a month for me - first getting married and then jetting off on honeymoon.

But now I am back in Melbourne and settling in to married life (and attempting to get back into work mode....).

I've had a few requests for me to do a post about my wedding as there has been quite a bit of speculation as to what a Vintage Clothing blogger would wear as a bride.

Sorry to disappoint, but I decided not to wear vintage. Now before you run for the smelling salts, let me explain why.

First and foremost, a wedding is about two people coming together to celebrate their marriage. You hear a great deal about how a wedding is "all about the bride" but that is just not true, kittens (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise). The groom is equally as important and I detest the multi-billion dollar industry that breeds the attitude that they are merely an appendage on the big day.

Mr VV supports my vintage obsession with good grace, but it is really my, not his thing, if you understand what I mean and I wanted our wedding day to be about us - not just me.

I chose instead to wear very special heirloom pieces. Or, they will become heirloom pieces now.

My very wonderful and talented Mother Verve (MV) made my gown and my new Mother-in-law made my Cathedral length veil. MV also made the dresses for my brides maids, the flower girl and also made our delicious wedding cake.

If you look closely, you may be able to spot my something blue (that after 6 hours had to be changed lest they cripple me during our dancing).


With my adorable niece flower girl


Father Verve walking me down the aisle.


Back view of my train and veil


Mr VV and I during our bridal dance.

Having the women in my family hand make my wedding gown and veil make them even more sentimentally valuable to me. All the fittings, discussions and sewing in the lead up to our wedding day were lovely bonding experiences that we will have to share forever.

And who knows.... perhaps one day one of my own children or a niece or even a great niece or grand daughter may want to wear an heirloom dress or veil, that will just so happen to be a carefully stored and pre-loved vintage item.

A Very Vintage Wedding

Everyone loves a wedding!

C'mon Kittens - admit it. Every time you see a car hood adorned with ribbon you hope to catch a glimpse of a bride on her big day as the car sails by. You crane your neck when you see a happy couple having their "candid" photos done on the beach or in the park with their various attendants traipsing along behind them, bouquets in hand.

The most interesting thing I find about weddings is the fashion. Of the guests and bridal party alike. Pick up any of the massive bible-thick tomes dedicated to selling the marriage day dream and you will see interesting interpretations of what to wear on "the biggest day of your life" (well for most, it is only the biggest day so far Kittens, remember that...).


What's in vogue now may not be what our grandmothers wore, but ever since Queen Victoria chose a white gown that was specifically intended to only be worn on her wedding day, Western brides around the world have followed suit.


White silk gown circa 1910


Silk Damask gown circa 1946


Groom Wears RAF uniform, circa 1947 (don't you just love their happy expressions and all the confetti?)



Hand crocheted gown circa 1972 (check out the fab velvet bow tie and white suit on the groom!)

For me, with my adoration of Dior's "New Look", I just love the modern reproductions and interpretations:

The original:

Audrey Hepburn, 1954

The Modern Reproduction:

Dolly Couture "Milan Dress" 2009

All these photos got me thinking.... Did you or would you wear your mother, grandmother or other female relative's gown on your own wedding day? Why or why not? Should the day be a pure reflection of the couple's own style and taste, or is there room for family tradition or sentimentalilty?

I want to know what you think Kittens.