For as long as I can remember I have had two passions…..

My first is Wedding dresses. I have always dreamt of owning my own wedding dress shop – of being surrounded by beautiful gowns and gloriously happy brides, spending days trying on dresses (of course?!) and quaffing champagne, being invited to every brides big day and revelling in the beauty and happiness I helped to create.….. a dream that is, of course, a far cry from the reality!

(Image Source Elizabeth Messina)

My second passion is for all fashion that would now be termed ‘vintage’. I think this probably stems from the strong belief that I was born in the wrong era – with, as my mother lovingly describes them, child bearing hips (or an ‘hour glass’ figure if you’re being kind) and skin that doesn’t appreciate being exposed to the sun; I have always felt I should have been born in a time before shorts and mini skirts, before the sun tan or waif.

From an early age, began an obsession with films from the Golden Age of Hollywood – anything from the 30s, 40s and 50s starring Joan Crawford, Bette Davies, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly or any of the oh so gorgeous and glamorous stars of the era. I just love the fluidity and femininity of the clothes – the luxurious fabrics and the flattering cuts.

And after that an obsession with the romantic era before film (although probably born from a love of Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind) – I am talking of course of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Edith Wharton through to F Scott Fitzgerald…… I love the romance, the language, the genteel manners and of course the costumes, so opulent and rich.

Whilst finding inspiration for my own wedding in 2010, I found a potential outlet for my passions – for how better to combine them, than with a vintage wedding blog? Through my blog I can immerse myself in all things chic, vintage and well bridal, without frightening my husband, possibly inspiring future brides, entertaining newly weds or wannabe weds and hopefully highlighting like minded wedding industry professionals along the way.

And so, it is with a fluttering heart and big smile, I submit to you my first post for my new blog Chic Vintage Brides….

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