VENDORS WE LOVE: ALLIE HASSON

With a gentle curve of a brush, Allie Hasson creates romantic lettering for custom invitations, menu's, and more. She was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and now calls Chicago her home- which is where we were able to connect with her. She created the above invitation suite for a collaborative shoot put together by myself and Erika of Mayden Photography- and I couldn't have been happier to see how she translated the mood of the shoot in to a perfect typography expression.

Invite Suite:  Allie Hasson http://alliehasson.com/

Photography: Erika http://www.maydenphotography.com/blog

Styling: Samantha Sleeper 

DETAILS: EMBROIDERY

In the early morning studio hours, before the hustle of clicking keys to reply to emails or the whir of sewing machines, I usually get to take a moment to take in the calm of the space, illuminated by the breaking day light and appreciate the details of the work we do. Recently, as we are neck deep in wrapping up our Spring 2017 collection, I have been trying to take more time out to appreciate the effect of a few hundred hours of bead work to create the final gown, and the meditate on the practice of hand stitching, and the patience we can sew into each dress.

This season is a play and celebration of hand techniques, as we experiment with unexpected materials, textures and mixed motifs. I can't wait to share the full collection on October 6th!

xoxo,

Samantha

photo: hallie duesenberg http://hallieduesenberg.com/

dress: samantha sleeper

FLORISTS WE LOVE: G! DESIGNS

There is so much to love about your wedding planning process, and one of those things is meeting the vendors who will enhance your day by bringing your vision to fruition. Located on the same floor as the Samantha Sleeper Bridal design studio, we see carts of blooms coming through the hallways on a weekly basis and are witness to the artistic divinity that is Gabrielle of G! Designs. She creates arrangements like a sculpture, using flowers as brushstrokes of texture to create temporary works of art. 

You can view more of Gabrielle's work here: https://gabriellearonas.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON: SWAN BRIDESMAID

The search for the perfect dresses for the most important women in your life no longer has to be the struggle is once was. Enter Swan Bridesmaid ( www.swanbridesmaid.com) a responsibly produced, luxury line of silk dresses in minimal, fashion forward cuts produced in New York City. 

The line offers you the option to custom design a collection that reflects the aesthetic, color palate (DID I MENTION THEY COME IN 29 AMAZING COLORS?) and silhouettes for your ladies while knowing they are investing in a dress they will love and wear again, and again and again. 

We love this line, and know you will too.

LOCATION: CUNEO MANSION

A hidden gem in Lake County, Illinois, Cuneo Mansion and Gardens give the feel of a European manor with out having to make your entire bridal party cross the ocean to make it a reality. The space offers stunning details to make your photographers job that much easier. Pictured here on our real bride, Egle photographed by Linas Dambrauskas.

photographer: http://www.linasdambrauskas.com/

dress: custom www.samantha-sleeper.com 

location: cuneo mansion http://luc.edu/cuneo/rental/