Faces behind the scene.....

Name: Janie Budd

Time with company: Since the year 2000 but have had time away for study and children

Craft description: Bridal consultant, reception for wholesale and retail, admin and marketing

Education: Diploma of Fashion, Bachelor of Business - Marketing

What do you love about working at EdeV? The team I work with, the product I work with and helping clients have the dream experience and sharing in their joy.

Hobbies: I am often busy with my children, but when I get a bit of time I love sewing.

Fondest memory at work? Sharing in the experience of Annabelle Hankins and her amazingly lovely family.  They were collecting Annabelle’s made to measure wedding gown, 4 custom designed silk bridesmaid gowns and her mum’s mother of the bride dress.  It was a celebration to say the least with gifts, champagne and homemade sweet treats for all.  The joy they all had was inspirational and it was an experience I will never forget.

Favourite place: the beach

Favourite gown: The “Chevonne”…my dress

Most treasured possession: My two babies…well they are 3 and 6 now

 

Have you ever wondered what happens in the planning of a collection photo shoot ?

The planning for the shoot begins months ahead.  A tentative date is set which also becomes the deadline for the completion of the collection.  This is marked with a big red pen on the calendar and the count down begins.

We begin planning for the shoot by looking at what would suit our label and the collection.  Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions styling is timeless, elegant, feminine and modern.  The 2012 Couture collection is all about the fabrics and detailing with beautiful laces, heavily sequined silk georgette, printed silks and soft silk chiffons, with gorgeous detailing such as hand made silk flowers, an heirloom belt buckle appliquéd lace work and hand beading of Swarovski crystals, pearls and diamontes.   We felt the collection would suit a shoot that was soft, romantic and feminine.  For the first time we were looking at an outdoor shoot with the use of props.

An inspiration book was created with examples of shoot styling and props; hair and make up looks and model posing that we loved.  Below are some of what we had in the book.

The next step was to book in the photographer, model, location and hair and make up artists.  This sounds easy but is actually quite time consuming and stressful as some of these decisions can make or break a shoot.  Proposals were sent in from a number of talented photographers from which we had to make a very difficult decision.  We chose the gorgeous Calli from Calli B photography.  She is a very talented local photographer who we have worked with many times on photo shoots for the Sunshine Coast Brides magazine.  We had also seen some gorgeous photos from some of our clients who had booked her as their photographer.  www.callibphotography.com.au

It worked out that we would tie the shoot in with a shoot we had already planned with the Sunshine Coast Brides magazine an as such the hair and make up artists were already  booked. www.sunshinecoastbrides.com.au

The only change to our plans with this shoot was the inclusion of a second model.  As the collection was made up of 30 gowns we required a second model to fit with the timeframe for the shoot.  Auditions were held with models from Dallys Models www.dallysmodels.com .  In the end we went with our favourite model Michelle McNamee and the beautiful experienced Fleur Templeton.  Both stunning and talented in what they do. 

Our final big choice was the location…..and this was a hard one.  After looking a several possible local locations including an exclusive private residence, a guest house and a hinterland farm location, we finally decided on the gorgeous Spicers Clovelly Estate at Monteville www.spicersgroup.com.au .  We had used this location in 2010 and it really is a very special place.  The estate has a French provincial style.

With the props arranged including Flowers from Mondo Floral Designs www.mondoforaldesigns.com.au and Blooms of Noosa www.bloomsofnoosa.com.au …..and a crystal chandelier from Splash Events in Noosa www.splashevents.com.au , the only thing left to worry about was the weather!!  We had a back up weather day planned and a few worst case scenario plans – but were really hoping these wouldn’t eventuate.

The day came and the weather was perfect! The first couple of hours we were setting up and the models were in hair and make up.  Then the fun started.  Leonie a senior stylist at Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions was all business and had us all working efficiently with styling and changing of the models.  Calli was awesome getting the pictures she needed in good time.  We were also pleased with the models Michelle and Fleur, they were both super professional.

The collection shoot was a huge success!

Wedding Connection

I am really excited to be able to share the outcome of the efforts of the Wedding Connection group.
Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions provided the gorgeous designer wedding gown "Paris" and all the bridal accessories for the shoot. 
The Wedding Connections group is designed to showcase what the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
Enjoy.....

The Paris gown features a heavily sequined silk georgette bodice, hand appliqued and beaded detailing on one of the silk shoe string strap.  The band and full gathered skirt is made in supersmooth dupion silk and there is a handmade silk flower, lace, beading and shimmer tulle feature at the waist.

 

Mum's Word

Choosing a designer wedding gown, having dress fittings and seeing the the dress finished on the final fitting and collection day is a hugely exciting time for a bride.  And it is something most girls share with their mum.  Recently we have been touched by the heartfelt Thank Yous from Mum's who have shared in the bridal gown journey with their daughters.

"Dear Tammie,
I would like to thank you and your team at Elizabeth de Varga for the wonderful product you create and the enjoyable experience it has been for both Kimberly and I.  Thank you.
Regards Leslee Edey. MOB "

"To Dear Tammie,
My sincere Thanks to you (and your great team) for all the wonderful work with Shae's wedding dress.  You helped us so much through the whole process (uncharted territory for us!!) and we always felt that "nothing was too much trouble" - it certainly relaxed me and took a lot of "stress" away for us all.  I love how Shae has made her dress unique for her - and how you have encouraged and supported her through the many "changes"!  We are obviously not "couture" people but always felt very comfortable around you and your wonderful girls.  Please thank them all (especially the "unseen" ones in the pattern making / cutting and sewing area.)  You are all gems.
And I'll never forget the look on you face when Shae mentioned she'd like a "long train". Priceless!!
Good luck with everything - and thanks again for a happy and relaxed (and fun!) experience.  Shae's dress is gorgeous.
Cheers and thanks, Michele Freemantle."

Something Old, Something New

Weddings are full of traditions, and age old tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue is one that is often included in a wedding.  Recently one of our Brides requested her Grandmothers pearls be beaded onto her designer wedding gown.  What a beautiful idea.  She said it was very special to her to have something of her Grandmothers with her.  We have also had the honour of repairing a gorgeous antique veil that had been passed down through the generations.  I love this idea of incorporating something of real meaning into a Brides gown, veil, headpiece or jewelry on the most special day of her life.  It give a real depth of meaning to the tradition of wearing something old and something borrowed.

At Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions we specialise in creating a gown especially for the bride.  We can incorporate any ideas the client has for her gown.  The idea of including some bead work, lace or even a styling concept from someone one important to them is something we can help with.

Above is the beautiful Kirsty with her Grandmothers pearls added to the detailing of her dress.

The original phrase is     Something old, something new
                                        Something borrowed, something blue
                                        And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

This comes from Britain in the Victorian era but the concepts with in the phrase are drawn on older traditions.  Something old symbolises the family past and continuing of family and the something new symbolises hope and optimism for the future.  The concept of a bride in blue dates back to ancient Rome.  At this time blue was a symbol of love, modesty and fidelity.  And the coin a symbol for prosperity.





We would love to hear your thoughts and own ideas for this tradition.

AND THE WINNER IS..............DANIELLE BYRNES!

Congratulations to the stunning Danielle who won the Queensland Final of the Miss Universe Australia pagent!  Danielle is wearing our beautiful "Mercedes" Gown and "Tempest" Earrings.

What's  more exciting is we are designing her a dress for the national final!  Stay tuned for details!

Article from the GoldCoast Bullentin

Coast model and sports management student Danielle Byrnes will join fellow locals Emma Lane, Jessica Friedman and Madeline Taylor in the quest for the crown.
Townsville's Lucy Tuttiett, Brisbane's Susie Leigh and Mackay's Brooke Nash will also represent the state.
Byrnes is no stranger to the catwalk, having represented Australia in the Miss Global Beauty pageant, but admitted to being slightly nervous yesterday.
"I was confident but as soon as I walked in the room it instantly lowered any hopes because there were so many incredibly beautiful women," she said.
"I relaxed a bit because I didn't think I had any chance and had more fun because I didn't get my hopes up."
The 25-year-old is dating V8 Supercar driver Tim Slade, who was busy texting her throughout the event to see how she was going.
"He didn't want to come because it was a high tea but he is really supportive," she said.

Coast to Country Weddings & Events photoshoot

Earlier this month we sponsored Coast to Country Weddings and Events with a gown and accessories for a promotional photoshoot.  I am sure you will agree, they did a fabulous job! The "Bride" looks gorgeous in our "Trina" gown with matching Lace bolero.  This is their story (written by Jo Wolfe).....

Mango Hill Farm Photo Shoot April 12

We initially booked in the photo shoot for 6^th March but due to the torrential rain we had that day, we postponed to 5^th April

Coast to Country Weddings and Events has been working closely with Mango Hill Farm recently to promote their beautiful venue for future brides. We decided to organise a photo shoot using local businesses and suppliers for the day.

Coast to Country arrived early on the day to set up the function room at the Farm in the setting of a reception. We used the beautiful green sashes with green and bronze menu cards, to link the outdoor surroundings with our theme. Our model Ashley arrived, her hair in curlers, with her boyfriend Ricky, who had never done any modelling before and is a personal trainer in his regular job. He stood in as our groom for the day although he did say he was completely out of his depth! He was slightly spooked by the idea of posing as groom with his girlfriend! They did an amazing job.

We then set up a mock ceremony at the Boat House which is located by the beautiful stream that runs through the property. The setting and weather were perfect.  Ashley looked stunning in her Elizabeth de Varga dress, which fitted to perfection.

Lastly we ended with a ceremony set up outside the Dove Cote Cottage, which is 150 years old. Situated next to the cottage is a cute bandstand that is perfect for the bride and groom to take their vows while their guests look on.

Calli Burnett did an amazing job with the photography on the day, capturing the beautiful surroundings of the farm.

Listed below are the people involved in this photo shoot:

Venue – Mango Hill Farm Peachester

Decorator & Planner – Coast to Country Weddings and Events

Photography – Calli Burnett

Model – Ashley Roberts

Gown – Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions

Beerwah Flowers

Perry’s Hire

Hinterland Candles

Celebrity Styling

Celebrity Styling

Here are some stunning celebs that have inspired us over the years...

Fact...    The length of a Veil size designates the formality of the ceremony. The longest, known as a Cathedral veil, is used in the most formal weddings. Other veil sizes include the fingertip, waltz, and chapel lengths.

    The longest veil ever was worn by media personality Star Jones at her 2004 wedding. Her Cathedral veil measured twenty-seven feet long - a full two feet longer than the veil worn by Princess Diana at her wedding to Prince Charles.

We make custom veils from cathedral to fingertip just pop into one of our showrooms! Elizabeth de Varga stock and make a variety of colours and sizes! go have fun trying them on, you only get to wear one on your wedding day ;)

http://www.devargaonline.com.au/Amelia-belt.68?layout=list

Idea...

Love Charlize hair band!! The belt (above right) is available from our online store and can be used as a sash or a hair accessory we LOVE this idea.

   

Fabric (Tulle) ...

In our experience you either LOVE IT or HATE IT

We LOVE the delicate colour that Portia de Rossi choose for her gown to Ellen De Generous in 2008, It's the perfect colour for her skin tone!

EDV gown "Jasmine" (left) is shown in "Blush"

Classic...

"A classical wedding gown is designed to make the bride look and feel as a princess in a fairy tale."

Fascinating Fascinators...

The fashion world is all a buzz since the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. What is it buzzing about? Fascinators of course! This head piece worn at various English outings such as weddings and horse racing events has piqued the interest of fashionistas in the United States.

"For that vintage feel go for a fascinator"

 Fact ...

A fascinator is a style of headpiece popular as a hat alternative. It can be worn on various points of the head and at various angles. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can be made from just about anything. The most common textures you will find on a fascinator include feathers beads and flowers  Many incorporate a veil section which partly covers a woman’s face.

http://www.devargaonline.com.au/shop/Head-Pieces.9/2

x x x

Real Brides - Thank you!!

We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the brides who have sent in their wedding photos and lovely messages.  It is really rewarding for us.  We love to here how much you loved your dress! As you can see they are all stunning brides...

Brides of Melbourne

Yey!! We are off to Melbourne :) Elizabeth de Varga designer day will be held this weekend at our largest distributor BRIDES OF MELBOURNE, Its an amazing opportunity to chat to two members of the design team, me (Tammie Nitschke)and Amy Klopsch.
If you are after a beautiful bespoke Elizabeth De Varga gown call the Melbourne store (03) 9639 9900
to arrange an appointment.  I am really looking forward to chatting with you and discussing your ideas, bring any images, sketches, fabrics that you love and we will come up with your one of a kind gown!
Off to pack... must  leave a bit of space in thew suitcase, you never know I might get a few mins to do a bit of shopping Wooo Hoooo!

Tammie x

AICD

The AICD ( Australian Insititute Of Creative Design ) Styling Students for 2011 are about to graduate and are showcasing and styling a number of looks from Established Designers for their up and coming new season collections.

Hello Fashion welcomes Young Designers:


Saucy Rose Swimwear
Black Milk Clothing
Fabled and True
Stacey O'Keeffe
Elizabeth de Varga
Begitta
Lamb and Lamb
Isobel Badin
Tighttigers
Dragonberry Stride

Hair and Makeup:

ACID Makeup

Momo Hair & Beauty

Blend Hair Beauty & Nails

Models:

MIRROR MIRROR AGENCIES
www.mmagencies.com


Boss Models
www.bossmodels.com.au

Deejays:
Charlie Hustle
Sweepless
Alex Terrell
Caramel Funk