A pretty wedding at Trereife House …
A lovely bride,Mary and her photographer Linda Ellis were kind enough to send me so many beautiful imges from Mary’s wedding,I was spoilt for choice and there was not enough room on my real brides page so I just had to share a few with you here. Mary was married in September and the ceremony took place at Trereife House which is one of my favourie places. Just outside Penzance, it has the most amazing atmosphere, a Manor house and a family home that is loved, lived in and welcoming with beautifully painted interiors that perfectly reflect the delicate West Cornwall light. Mary chose a 50s inspired silk dress with a pleated skirt,belt and pockets. I also made her a lace bolero using her choice of a beautiful corded lace,with a neckline designed to complement a pretty vintage necklace. Some matching earrings and the same lace were incorporated into an exquisite headpiece by Sarah Drew. A very personal ensemble that suited Mary and her lovely style perfectly and which she artfully accessorised with the most gorgeous shoes from irregular choice. Lots of gorgeous images …..   
    
Lily was Mary’s bridesmaid and expert wedding organiser. I made Lily’s bridesmaid outfit based on a wedding dress she has previously modelled for me,customised and made personal for her using a beautiful pale blue shot silk and beacause Lily loves spots there was lots of spotty tulle in her pettticoats. 
   Summer photo shootDuring the Summer the wonderful Jessica Augarde borrowed some of my dresses for a photoshoot and here are the results. Some beautiful images in an outdoor setting so imaginatively used. A very talented young lady ….. To see more of her work click here.   
Thanks to the beautiful models,Poppy Augarde and Chloe Forbes Pop up shop this weekend at Uneeka in Truro
My latest sample is a 50s inspired number, a little bit special - looks new but it’s totally recycled from vintage 80s silk dresses. If you would like a proper look at this dress it will be on display at the beautiful Uneeka shop in City road,Truro this weekend. More about Uneeka here Uneeka have two amazing fairtrade shops; interiors in city road and loads more including a wonderful new cafe in their Boscawen street shop with the best coffee in beautiful surroundings. Pop into the furniture shop and up the stairs you’ll find along with my dress, gorgeous millinery and headpieces from Holly Young Hats as well as homewares and art. It’s a pop up shop for this weekend only as part of My24 Truro don’t miss … My24 launches on Friday 23rd September and the pop up shop opens the same day for that weekend. On Location
Image BeFreeMedia Earlier this year my red bustle dress was out on location with Ella Butler filming for her new showreel –watch here Ella now has a new service at her Old Bakery studio –facebase where she offers an exclusive high definition eyebrows treatment. 50′s inspired photoshoot by Lucy GregoryEarlier this Summer the wonderful Lucy Gregory took my 50′s inspired dress (and a box of lacey garters) to use in a gorgeous photoshoot at The Townhouse in Falmouth. The results are so pretty and here are some of my favourites to share with you….. enjoy x 
  
  Photography Lucy.Jane Photography- http://lucyjanegreg.4ormat.com/ Wedding Suppliers involved in the shoot
Weddings by Neila- http://www.weddingsbyneila.co.uk/ Ali Berry Weddings- http://www.aliberryweddings.co.uk/ Hairstylist:Yeo and Co- 01872 575255 The Falmouth Townhouse- http://www.falmouthtownhouse.co.uk/ Lily Pickles- https://www.facebook.com/lilypicklesmodel Dani-Marie https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dani-Marie-Modelling-Page/201305699902552 Holly Young Hats- http://www.hollyyoungboutique.com/ Sarah Drew- http://www.sarahdrew.com Dress www.annadsouzadesigns.co.uk Etsy finds –Vintage wedding details
click here to browse some lovely vintage wedding ideas Etsy finds –Ethereal wedding  Handmade ivory flowers band from mignonnehandmade Click on the picture for some pretty and ethereal wedding ideas from etsy sellers ….. Vintage wedding dress heaven in Bath
A few images from a visit to Bath at Easter. I grew up in Bristol and I’ve always loved visiting Bath,especially the fashion museum. It made a big impression on me as a child and is a regular must visit for it’s inspiring exhibitions and generous study facilities where I have in the past been allowed to handle an 18th century corset and an exquisite 1900′s wedding dress. This year,not only do they have a wedding dress exhibition,but they allow photography and here are just a couple of sneaky peeks –it’s well worth a visit if you are passing that way. The image above is a detail from a short 20′s dress with a long train. Next pic is a 1950′s influenced dress by Alexander McQueen –how DID they know?!? 
If you like wedding dresses,it’s the best exhibition of it’s sort I’ve seen. Click here to find out more on the museum website The museum is housed in the Bath assembly rooms,18th century venue of balls and concerts which Jane Austen would have attended when she lived in the city and the building has been the setting for more than one romantic turning point in her novels involving fainting incidents and potentially life changing misunderstandings. You get to peek in the ball rooms on the way through,complete with their enormous chandeliers and fireplaces. 
 
A few steps down the road is my favoruite cafe –same same but different where,they serve proper soup and it’s surrounded by interesting window shopping ….. 
We ended the day treating Grannie to tea at the pump room,complete with live piano. 
The fountain is very pretty,but I challenge you to try more than one sip of Bath water ….. tastes rather odd… 
Summer…..  Great to come home after a busy day and find that my lovely family have prepared a hammock and a good curry. After working silly hours recently it all feels worth it after so many lovely things have been going on at the studios over the last week or so….. just time to admire how well my overgrown garden has been looking after itself….. 
Private view party at Old Bakery studiosThe studios are now open to visitors up to 5th June…. To find the old bakery visit my contact page for directions…… 
Rachael’s Foyer displays 
Holly Young Hats 
Remon Jepcott 
Make and cakeJust a few images from the flower corsage workshop last week, next workshop,Wednesday 27th April, silk roses … call 07807 807890 to book    
Studio Spring Clean Just been adding a few new touches to the studio – shabby chic chair cover upcycled from a curtain pelmet 
The matching preloved curtains keeping commissions safely stored between fittings New hanging rails to display a few samples ….. 
Eco chic Bride at the Eden project
Reuse,recycle,rework - last month I was lucky enough to be introduced to the events team at The Eden Project,Cornwall,who set me the task of making an eco wedding dress and they asked for it to be recycled. Reusing/recycling is about as eco as you can get and I was lucky to have two rather 80s wedding dresses donated for the purpose. One had been in a bin bag in a shed for 4 years,beautifully aged and covered in lace. It’s lovely owner wanted to see it made into something new. The other was a plain and sad looking charity shop find with a pointy waistband and muddy stains around the hem,but made from raw silk with plenty of gathers to play with and lots of potential for a new life. First job was to bundle them into a cool silk wash –amazing how a great big 18th century inspired skirt still managed to get throught the door of my domestic machine,petticoat and all! Second job hang them up and wait for the right inspiration…. scroll down for the before and after pics 
Using the skirt from one dress,the bodice from the other and a fair bit of tweaking a completely new wedding dress emerged from make do and mend to vintage inspired loveliness. Recycling does not have to mean rough and ready and a cool contemporary dress can be achieved by restyling preloved gowns. Gorgeous model Siobhan came along to the fair to show off the dress properly and we accessorised the look with one of Holly Young’s vintage inspired headpieces made from a beautiful vintage feather pad. This whole look is on trend right now,a savvy way to recycle and a great opportunity to show off some rather special shoes. Re-styled recycled dresses can be ordered as a bespoke commission –enquiries 07807 807890 anna@annadsouzadesigns.co.uk 
Simon Green Photography and Studio 20eI love my website and nearly all the photography on it is by it’s designer Simon Green so it’s about time I blogged him and his team. I first met husband and wife team Simon and Suzanna Green when I was thinking about launching myself as a Bridal designer and maker. Simon is a talented and perceptive photographer and Suzanna works both alongside him and freelance as a make up artist - just one of her talents –she is also taking formal hairdressing training whilst running studio 20e at their Longrock studios near Mounts bay and Penzance. They also have an beautiful daughter,Siobhan who has designed and modelled for me and has a great future ahead of her in the creative industries. Simon and Suzanna first came to my workroom a while back when I had one dress and a pile of fabric –weeks later we were in Tehidy woods shooting a mini collection amongst the bluebells modelled by the lovely Lily. It was my first photoshoot and I really loved their relaxed style,loved even more coming home and finding within hours some of the most beautiful images waiting in my inbox. Simon had completely understood my work and added someting more. My favourite image reminds me of the romantic pre raphaelite paintings I have loved since my childhood when I was often taken to the extremely Victorian Bristol Museum and art gallery –free entertainment for a family of five kids! 
I’m so lucky to have met these guys. Their work is beautiful,but they are also lovely people who are great to work with and have given me loads of encouragement when I needed it. Go and see their work….. www.simongreenphotography.co.uk www.suzannagreen.com www.studio20e.com Old Bakery studios
A lovely serene Winter view of the studios yesterday –love it best when the tide is in and everything is still and quiet like this. I feel so lucky to work in this amazing old building full of inspiring people. Thanks to Mike of Barlow Stott Architects who popped out to take these pictures. Follow Old Bakery studios on facebook for the latest news and dates of all the events and workshops now going on. There is an art exhibition this coming week and some lovely textile,art and craft workshops going on. 
Dreamy Valentine
Happy Valentines day –click here for some dreamy Valentine inspiration Lily Pickles
Anyone who has seen my work will also recognise the beautiful Lily Pickles. Lily has done some amazing work modelling my designs and making them look gorgeous. She is a true professional who always smiles and has something lovely to say –even when she is freezing cold from lying in romantic poses on a damp woodland floor or keeping her nerve and looking elegant on a horse. Lily has more than one string to her bow and is currently busy meeting demand for her cute button inspired jewellery range pretty things from pickle. Lily was the first person to model my sample collection and has since become a wonderful friend. 
Pretty things from Pickle www.ptfpickle.co.uk Lily Pickles- model Images Simon Green Photography www.simongreenphotography.co.uk Inspiration….. Bright star  I love this time of year,winter walks and a cosy evening with a dvd,you can’t go wrong. So I’ve been catching up on a few films I missed at the cinema. Bright star is my favourite sort,costume drama,although I have to warn you it ends sadly. Beautifully filmed and directed it is the story of Fanny Brawne and the poet John Keats. His poem Bright star is believed to have been inspired by Fanny who is also of interest because of her needlework obsession…. View a trailer here Don’t miss this…..
If you are planning a wedding and looking for something unique the date for your diary is 6th February –Hand made:a wedding fair which will take place at The Old Bakery Studios in Truro. There will be creative,original makers and service providers all in the amazing atmosphere of the studios,accompanied by live jazz with homemade teas available served in vintage crockery. My studio will be open on the day and I’ll be taking part in the craft workshops –make your own corsages! 
Hand made:a wedding fair News from the Old Bakery Studios –Linda Ellis Photography
I was just chatting to the lovely Linda Ellis today,another colleague from the studios. If you are looking for a lady photographer to record your big day Linda specialises in weddings. She has a sensitive and gentle approach to her work. See more on her website. Linda took some lovely shots of my studio back in the Autumn…. 
www.lindaellisphotography.co.uk News from the Old Bakery studios –Holly Young Hats 
Holly Young Hats by Linda Ellis photography Talented up and coming milliner,Holly Young,makes amazing hats and fascinators in her studio at The Old Bakery. You absolutely have to visit Holly if you are looking for something for a special occasion,or just love wearing hats. Her beautiful studio is a feast for the eyes,full of gorgeous headwear and vintage treasures waiting to be turned into unique creations. I often hear delighted exclaimations wafting down the corridor as Holly opens her door to visitors. You will recieve a warm welcome from Holly who trained at The London College of Fashion and has worked for Justin Smith. She makes her headpieces to a very high standard and provides a bespoke service. Artfully incorporating vintage feathers into her current collection,Holly also uses beading,lace, flowers and vintage buttons. I’m a big fan of Holly and love to see my dresses accessorised with exquisite pieces from her collection.
Watch a short video about Holly Young Hats here www.hollyyounghats.com www.hollyyoungblogspot.com Appointments –07968 783320 Craftpoint opens pop up Christmas shop in Falmouth  Click here to see a video from MyCornwalltv I love a bit of Christmas shopping in Falmouth, full of independent shops and this year the Craftpoint Christmas gift shop has opened its doors. It’s stuffed full of designer goodies from amazing local makers and includes one of my skirts and a few flowery things. The shop is open for three weeks only,conveniently in the heart of Falmouth at the Poly. Don’t miss out - it’s a pop up shop - only there until Christmas Eve! Welcome to my blog
Welcome to my newly updated website courtesy of Studio TwentyE and full of the amazing work of Simon Green Drop by to get the latest news from the studio and articles of inspiration for weddings and fashion….. News from the Old Bakery Studios –Sarah Drew
Andrea Michele Photography Sarah Drew makes beautiful jewellery from recycled vintage pieces. Her current bridal range incorporates lace,beads and vintage brooches in a style which embodies the cool trend for unique bridal ensembles. I love that Sarah’s studio is here at The Old Bakery. Not only is she a talented and lovely lady,but I’m sometimes lucky enough to get sneaky peeks at her latest work. Her vintage lace tiaras are a personal favourite to accessorise my own designs and Sarah once used some of my lace to perfectly match a dress. 
Simon Green Photography 
Sarah has written an inspiring book,Junk Box Jewellery, full of jewellery projects,techniques and ideas –find out more here 
Sarah has organised Handmade - A Wedding fair which takes place on Sunday 6th February 11am at The Old Bakery Studios
sarahdrew.com | 
Welcome to Anna D’Souza Designs Unique and romantic bridal wear Hand made in Cornwall I design and make Wedding gowns,corsets,bolero jackets,shrugs and wraps as a one to one service from my studio in Truro. Please visit my services page to find out more…. More……. |
