Wednesday, July 9, 2008

My Art Deco Wedding



I have weddings on the brain. Working on marriage contracts (Ketubah) as well as various Art Deco inspired wedding invitations invokes visions of my own 1930s style wedding.

Executing my own Art Deco style invitations by hand influenced by a perfume bottle ca. 1925, I sought to create a unique invitation based on an Art Deco aesthetic.

Held at the Albuquerque Press Club, a rambling log mansion built in the 1880s by the architect of the Santa Fe Railroad, it stands in the middle of the city on a hill, minutes from downtown Albuquerque and my childhood home. An urban architectural gem, hidden from the freeway and old Route 66 by centuries old elm trees, it now serves as the local watering-hole for members of the press.

Both my dress and my shoes were ca. 1930. A simple sheath with a goddess neckline and a long lace panelled train, my gown took little in the way of preparation.



My betrothed wore a tuxedo from a Fifth Avenue tailor dated 1925. With tails, a separate collar for a shirt that buttoned down the back, two sets of cuff-links as well as two-part vest and high waisted silk-stripe pants, his ensemble was terribly complicated and took two people to dress him. He told me he felt like a monkey on show, and I told him to just deal, he would never have to do this again. After all, we were creating a scene, a mood, a time of old romance and sophistication.

With over 300 people, total chaos ensued. With rooms off of rooms off of rooms and stairways that led nowhere, hidden patios and terraces, the Press Club that night had the quality of a debaucherous wild Old West saloon with people dancing, singing and creating a night of revelry not to soon be forgotten.

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31 comments:

Rosebud Collection said...

What a couple you both made..Beautiful..Glamorous/classy/chic is all I can say.. I am so impressed.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I love this entry. You looked truly beautiful.

I've been thinking about having an art deco/1920s type wedding too.. (when it happens) ...

heidi said...

What a perfect wedding! I loved the story & invitation too. Whenever you mention your ketubah creations, I think about the night that I made mine... by hand, collage style, on the night of hubby's bachelor party. There was something so meditative about the whole ritual.

High Desert Diva said...

Gorgeous
Dress, tux, invite and couple

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

wow! Looks like a gorgeous wedding! you are a beautiful bride :)

Bonbon Oiseau said...

So Perfect! You look gorgeous! (I wish I could have a debaucheropus 1930's style flower to tuck behind your ear..maybe for your do-over?--I have do-over weddings on the brain)

Hadley Makes said...

What a wonderful memory. You both look so gorgeous, too! It sounds and looks like a fairy tale. If I ever tie the knot in a formal way with Mr. Crafty you will most certainly be asked to make up one of those beautiful invitations.

Laura in Paris said...

Congratulations! So that's what you were waiting for! You look GREAT!

Lobster and swan said...

You both look beautiful ; )

Sounds wonderful, my husband refused the tails, I wanted him to look like Fred Astaire but he was having none of it!

Anonymous said...

Aww!! So pretty! :) I love the invitatiosn and the dress too!!

please sir said...

Lovely picture! Sounds like such a fun wedding!

mermer said...

thanks for visiting my blog! lovely lovely dress. :)

Mrs.French said...

Oh my...so talented you are and stunning too....some girls have all the luck. Your wedding sounds dreamy.

Hoi Polloi said...

Are you kidding me? How lovely! What the storybook ever little girl dreams of. You are making me remember my wedding... maybe I should do a post about it? My dress was very simple, too! Oh, weddings are fun.

tangobaby said...

omg, omg, omg! I don't even know where to start with this post! I am flummoxed by it all: the excitement of seeing your beauty in a photo on your special day, the description of what you both wore (down to the details), the gorgeous invitation...

I almost feel like I was there! What a lovely, lovely wedding you had. I am smiling as I write this thinking about how it must have been.

Parallax Photo said...

what a wonderful, charming wedding it must have been. Your happiness with it comes through!

LeaKarts said...

I would expect no less from your wedding! You both look amazing, and I love the invitation.

Callooh Callay said...

What an absolutely stunning photo! It must have been marvelous--much happiness to you both.

I wore a 1900s long skirt and duster to my wedding. Love those vintage gowns!

pve design said...

You are the epitome of glamour.
What a stunning invite!
Your dress, would love to know the story?
Gorgeous fabric!
Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!Your dress look amazing!! and a handsome groom...

Love, Betsy.

Chris Stone said...

Sounds like a beautiful and fantastic time!

tori said...

You two are such a goreous couple - I don't suppose hubby has a free brother? ;)

ThePeachTree said...

Congratulations!!!! It sounds like an absolutely stunning occasion :)

Beth said...

How fantastic, glamorous and gorgeous. I love the theme and creativity behind it all. Just elegant.

/// said...

HOW BEAUTIFUL. :)

Beat Black said...

whoa! very beautiful dress and theme

Allison said...

This is probably the most unromantic word to describe your wedding --- but....how very cohesive! I adore it. :]

John said...

Oh, stunning ! Very much a romantic feel.

When I was little I had a nightgown I had taken from my grandmother's house that I played dress up in. I believe it probably belonged to my grandmother's aunt. The bodice very much resembled your beautiful gown. I wish I had that nightgown now !

Cindy said...

you both look gorgeous and wedding sounds like it was the same!

Waterrose said...

OH what a wonderful wedding! Your picture is beautiful and so romantic!

CSD Faux Finishing said...

You are a gorgeous couple! Look at that dress and his tux...quite the elegant pair :)

I love the invitation too. how is the project in Hebrew calligraphy coming along? That has to be challenging!