Atelier Des Modistes Wedding Gowns

If you love lace, frills, ruffles, and sparkly bits then this article was made just for you :)  This styled shoot shows off a gorgeous collection of Atelier Des Modistes wedding dresses, all designed by Suzanne, the San Francisco artist.  Julie Mikos coordinated the idea and execution of this shoot and we LOVE it!  There is a great write-up by Julie and Suzanne at the bottom of all the photos ... Enjoy!

Wedding vendors involved include: Photography: Julie Mikos Photographer   Dresses: Atelier Des Modistes  Flowers: A Simple Ceremony   Beauty: Conscious Beauty   Venue: Fairmont Hotel San Francisco

Written by Julie Mikos:

I had a vision for a fashion shoot in a remote and partially outdoor location and began my search for a great San Francisco-based team to help out with the shoot. I first recruited Suzanne Hanley of Atelier Des Modistes who has been designing couture wedding gowns in her lovely bridal boutique in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco for almost twenty years. We were off to a good start! Suzanne also offers locally made (some by her) headpieces and jewelry and is a master at designer your entire ensemble.

After choosing my hair and makeup team, florist and local models we were ready to shoot only to get horrendous weather the week of our shoot! Serendipity! Suzanne suggested the incredible Swig Suite at the top of the Fairmont Hotel as an alternative location. She and her husband had their own intimate wedding at this Julia Morgan designed intimate venue and I had also had the opportunity to photograph a rehearsal cocktail party and an engagement session in the suite so was familiar with its unique style and beauty. Recently having underwent a massive renovation, we walked in and our breath was taken away. The new design fits well with the architecture and the gorgeous view from the top of the Fairmont.

Another mishap the day before the shoot was that our original hair and makeup person came down with a nasty flu and I had to race to find a replacement team! In swooped Kathleena Gorga of Conscious Beauty to the rescue! With only a glance the night before at pictures of our models and gowns, Kathleena found her inspiration in each of the unique dress designs. Depending on the dress, her team went in a classic yet modern direction with makeup – a smoky eye yet clean look that looks polished yet dramatic. Lip colors ranged from natural pale pastel colors to rich, dramatic “statement” lip looks... Hair- again – inspiration taken from the neckline of the dress and the over all feel of the dress: The hair ranged from loose wavy down styles to sophisticated chignons that never go out of style to intricate updos with Suzanne’s incredibly beautiful hair accessories . In particular of the butterfly comb that was a delicate work of art that was the finishing touch for a soft , elegant up do that was simply swept up.

Although we used florals sparsely because we wanted to focus more on the gowns with the gorgeous architecture, Melissa Comito of A Simple Ceremony put together some lovely arrangements for us.

The Swig Suite at the Fairmont Hotel is historic and gorgeous and is the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding. A classic bride and groom and their guests will enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco skyline and the exclusivity of finding out just where that little penthouse elevator is!

~Julie Mikos Photographer

Written by Suzanne of Atelier Des Modistes:

The location has always been a favorite of mine, and it is the classic "old school San Francisco" venue.  Each room is so unique and the view is amazing.  Chris and I were married on the terrace in 1999, and I always enjoy revisiting that moment each time I visit.

I have a passion for a very feminine and clean silhoette and unique and interesting details, making a gown that enhances but doesn't overwhelm the wearer.  Fashionable,chic, flirty , sophisticated and fun to wear! 

The gowns and accessories are a culmination of many sources of inspiration.

Nature:  I'm inspired by the color of the sky at twilight, the way the clouds move across the sky, the soft focus and shades of color the fog produces, the moss growing in the cracks and corners in the early spring, the trees blooming in canopy of texture and color, leaves and petals transform into images of sleeve details and skirt layers with the veins becoming stitching details and seams, drops of water become gemstones,

People: I look for the things I find beautiful .  Their eyes, hair, smile... shoulderline, waist, hipcurve.  I use the design to pull the focus and enhance.  I want to make the gown flattering, highlighting their best features. Their personality defines the design, I just try to express it with the gown and accessories... it's a bit of fantasy to transform someone in such a way, just showing a different part of themselves...

 

I look for the things I find beautiful... color,texture, pattern, the way the light plays off the fabric.

I often recall historic references of iconic garments or details of a period and incorporate them in a new way.

I love to play with the fabrics, creating a sculpture in fabric.

~Suzanne of Atelier Des Modistes

Comments

[Phebe S.]

Featuring model/Phebe Standley with Passport Model Management in San Francisco, CA