click here to see the whole shoot, including an adorable outfit not seen here!
From the stunning bride...When Amanda (our photographer) and I started discussing possible looks for our engagement shoot, we thought formal would be fun and beautiful. The one problem, I hadn't owned a formal dress since my senior prom! So, we thought we would settle for a semi-formal look and call it good. I'm not a sewer, but I had a couple good ideas for easy to make dresses that didn't take a lot of effort and still look beautiful. The white dress I made with just two pieces of fabric, sewn to a thick black elastic band. There are no zippers or buttons. It was also constructed by hand. I wrapped the top piece around my neck like a halter top, and pinned it to the black elastic band at the appropriate length. The skirt was easy as well. I sewed it to the bottom half of the elastic band, and wahla! A beautiful Grecian inspired gown for only $30 worth of fabric.
The black tulle was actually easier and cheaper. I first created a straight black skirt that was held up by a black fabric ribbon. I then started on one side and wrapped the material around the straight skirt. All the while pinning it in random spots to give it volume and an organic look. I kept circling the skirt and making puckers upon layers. The cost of the tulle was under $25. I wore a simple black strapless dress I already owned underneath.
It was so fun, and meaningful that I wore my own designs! I also made all of the hair accessories and bouquet the morning of the shoot. It really showed me that DIY can be easy and beautiful. I was scared that it would look "crafty" and not professional. But with the help of our very talented photographer, Amanda K, we were able to create something magical.