The mantilla we know today is a delicate wedding veil that allows a little drama by showcasing pretty lace around the bride's face. However, when it originated in 1500's Spain, it was more opaque and worm higher up on woman's head using a comb called the peineta. Below is an example depicted by John Bagnold Burgess in the nineteenth century.
Selecting the mantilla option makes the veil more memorable and special. The beautiful accessory would show in all the wedding photos (while you have it on.) I usually suggest this style for brides that love lace, a vintage theme, and are more daring.
Brooke was going for the romantic, Spanish look, and Noelle really wanted to show off the vintage lace she fell in love with in my studio.
Rebecca and Sarah loved how the subtle sparkle in the beaded lace around thewir faces added a special something to their bridal ensembles.
Ashley and I came up with something different. Her mantilla was delicate and narrow around the edges, with intricate designs a bit wider at the crown.
If you choose to go with a mantilla, grab a great photographer, and you are guaranteed dramatic bridal portraits!
Alisa Brides
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Thursday, January 19, 2017
All About the Mantilla
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Thursday, January 5, 2017
Bridal Portraits
I have created many veils that were photographed at bridal portraits in the south, especially Texas! Lately, however, I'm noticing the trend creeping up north. Some brides are taking advantage of the luxury of a full bridal photoshoot that results in beautiful portraits. Fresh hair and makeup without the stress of your wedding day is also a great opportunity to preview the wedding day look and be able to make any necessary adjustments.
Below are a few photos of gorgeous bride Christine, taken locally to me, in Westchester. The photographer, Jessica Miccio, perfectly captured the serene surroundings as a background to the bride's beauty.
Christine's veil was as unique as she is! A cathedral length in a light ivory color with tiny appliques of vintage French Alencon lace trickling down from the comb just around her face. The veil was accentuated by a trim of the same lace at the hem.
Her stunning dress was by Israeli super-designer, Zahavit Tshuba, and the jewelry was by Swarovski.
You can see more photos on the photographer's site here.
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
Custom Design
I really enjoy designing special creations for individual brides. To be able to work with a wonderful bride, be inspired by her gown and theme, and keeping her preferences in mind, is the best part of my day. It is a true blessing to be able to create and design.
Kelly from St Louis, MO was interested in a unique lace, which I was able to achieve by cutting appliques out of a beautiful French trim. The final creation was a cathedral length ivory veil that bunched at the comb. She wore an elegant lace V-neck gown with a natural waist and an Aline skirt. The images were beautifully captured by J.Design Studios.
If you are interested in having me create a custom veil for you, please get in touch.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Westchester Magazine
We are just ecstatic to have been interviewed for the "Trends" section of Westchester Magazine Weddings 2017 Issue. To be published in this magazine is a great honor, it is very highly regarded all over the Hudson Valley, and is expertly edited. I was asked to describe the hot trends for spring 2017 and really enjoyed discussing all the beautiful lace, rose gold, and boho vibes. The conversation inspired me to put together something special that I will reveal very soon into the New Year!
Below is the snippet about veils and headpieces. I am very flattered to be featured next to Kleinfeld's photo and opinions, as well as our neighbor from Mt Kisco, Be Unique Boutique. We all agree that halos, horsehair, and rose gold are in the moment. You can read in more detail on Westchester Magazine's Website.
We are happy that the magazine chose this image and are obsessed with the Giselle veil.
The editor also included a photo of our Marissa Garter Set. It fits well into the spring's elegant scene.
Before elaborating into my own collection, Westchester MAgazine introduced my excitement for lace, quoting the surprising elements I was noticing featuring lace:
This was actually not my first time featured in Westchester Magazine. The magazine wrote about a wedding that I designed two veils for. The Pastorini Wedding at the Rhinebeck in Duchess county was gorgeous. Bonus, the bride is a close friend and I was in the bridal party (second to the right.)
Jessie Mignone provided all of Alisa Brides photos that were featured in the magazine. You can see all the beautiful photography here:
Giselle Mantilla
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
My Obsession with Lace
Sometimes, as I receive beautiful photos from brides, such as Brittany's above, all I can think is "I'm in love with that lace!" It's a good thing that I get to work with lace every day because I am so fascinated by the intricacies of the motif, the soft feel, the different shapes of trims, even how the same lace looks in different colors.
I would like to share a mini-lace lesson with you guys, explaining the major "big guys" types that you will see more often as you're shopping for your weddings.
1. Alencon Lace - This is currently the King of laces. Genuine Alencon Lace is produced in Alencon, France. It's cotton based for a soft, organic feel and is reimbroidered around the delicate shapes within the lace. This embroidery makes the lace sturdy enough to be able to withstand generations as an heirloom piece if it's constructed properly with handsewing. French Alencon features delicate fringe, often called "eyelash" fringe. The lace on Brittany's veil is vintage French Alencon, and is probably my most favorite of all time! I just love how the soft scallop shape is delicate and flatering, and the rose motif is really romantic. This particular lace is subtly beaded with pearls and sequins that gently glimmers in the light, but blends in daylight.
There are beautiful Alencons that are created outside of France as well. They hold shape better, and traditionally don't feature long, separate eyelsh fringe. This delicate, beautiful lace was produced in the Phillipines in the 1970s.
Photogrphy by Betsy Tomasillo
2. Chantilly Lace - A close French relative of the Alencon, Chantilly is a sheerer version, traditionally made of lace. It's less textured than the Alencon, with flatter outlines. I love it on dresses and lingerie! Monique Lhuillier creates beautiful Chantilly lace gowns such as this one. Below is an example of 1980s Chantilly lace appliques on a veil.
3. Guipure Lace - I am so happy that Guipure is back in style! The soft embroidery and open spaces are appealing in and outside of the bridal realm. The below photo is a custom veil that I created at the beginning of my career, so it holds a special place in my heart. Nadja is wearing a cathedral length drop veil with wide, rose themed guipure lace in white.
Now see a similar guipure lace on a casual shift dress from Barneys.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Giving Thanks Year-Round
Some of you may have read my social media posts about donating wedding veils to brides that were conned by a Brooklyn bridal shop. We were lucky enough to get the word out through this article. I have since received photos from another beautiful bride for whom I custom designed a veil as part of this program. It was a cathedral length wedding veil with vintage lace in Fleur-De-Lis pattern and applique designs at the train.
It brings me so much joy to see Victoria's happy wedding, as well as Wai's below:
Wai is wearing our Katya veil. Shown in fingertip length and silk white, with scattered Swarovski crystals, this veil is very delicate due to the intricate narrow French Alencon lace and silk edging.
I would love to continue helping brides in this terrible situation. If you know of any brides or grooms hurt by any vendor, or one that cannot afford a veil, please post any information in the comments below or email me directly at alisa@alisabrides.com. -
Friday, November 18, 2016
Regal Wedding on Long Island
Just in time to celebrate this special couple's one year anniversary and the birth of their son, we will go back to November 7, 2015.
Renata Gomelsky and David Koysman (my wonderful brother in law), were married at the Carlyle of Lawrence in Five Towns, Long Island. David and Renata met at work, David was already an engineer, and Renata was interning while studying at Cooper Union in New York City. They waited for each other while Renata was away in Boston for graduate school, and got engaged New Year's Eve 2014.
The bride wore a beaded Stephen Yearick mermaid gown with caplet sleeves and a long train, and Christian Louboutin pumps. Her veil was a custom Alisa Brides creation that unfortunately cannot be replicated. A limited quantity of vintage French Chantilly lace was used to create a cathedral length drop veil with a floating applique design at the train. The lace featured embroidery, tiny pearls, and shadow leaves. A floral crystal headpiece from Bridal Styles Boutique in Brooklyn was the finishing touch to Renata's bridal look.
The bridal party took photos at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. It was a beautifully warm November day in New York.
The traditional Jewish ceremony was performed in the sanctuary of the temple, with high ceilings and stained glass. Unique flowers and lighting added the perfect touch to the Chuppah structure.
The dramatic florals continued into the reception. Vibrant warm hues of violets, pinks, and reds transformed the large room and created a magnificently glamorous ambiance. The touching toasts and evident love between the bride and groom, however, made all the beautiful aesthetics of the wedding pale in comparison.
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Venue: Carlyle of Lawrence
Videography: ArtLine Studio
Photography: Greyline Studio
Gown: Stephen Yearick
Veil: Alisa Brides
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rent the Runway
Headpiece: Bridal Styles Boutique
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair: Moustafa at Salon M Brooklyn, NY
Makeup: Beauty Couture by Albina Brooklyn, NY
Florist: Events by VF
Groom's Tux: Custom made by MySuit -
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Autumn Farm Wedding
We had the pleasure of joining a very talented group of artists in a styled inspirational shoot at Shady Acres Farm in Middletown, NY. This is a beautifully scenic area that is most inspiring in October.
The romantic Chantilly lace bridal gown and bolero by Veluz Reyes was complimented by Alisa Brides' Abby Veil. It is a very sheer and light cathedral length veil, which is precision handcut and is an elegant edition to any style gown. We used a beautiful ivory color which exudes romance when paired with the sienna foliage.
Photography - Rose Schaller
Stylist - Sasha Finkle with Shady Acres Farm
Hair - Brittany Gingras
Makeup - Karen Schrowang
Florist - Amy Corwin
Dress - Veluz Reyes
Veil - Alisa Brides
Cake - Cake Beautiful
Rentals InsPEARationRentalsThis shoot was also published on Borrowed & Blue. You can read the blog here.
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Thursday, November 3, 2016
Spring 2017 is Almost Here!
Giselle MantillaOur next collection will be available on the site soon!
Inspired by nature and photographed at a luscious garden, the laces are very floral and the shapes are light and airy.
Marie Drop Veil
Headpieces and sashes feature genuine silk, crystal, and hand embroidery.
Angela Sash and Comb
Our amazing photographer, Jessie Mignone truly captured the life and movement of every piece, inspiring the bride once it's time to add her own touch to the heirloom.
Joan Fingertip Veil
Hair and Makeup Artist, Jose L Lopez, perfected our vision of bohemian soft hair and vivid alive eyes that truly inspires beauty.
Marina Butterfly Veil
The flowy ivory dress is from BHLDN and provided a great fit with lovely touches of Chantilly lace.
You can request any of these items by email at alisa@alisabrides.com before the full collection is posted on the site. -
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Old World Glamour in Brooklyn
Irina wearing Alisa Brides
Irina Shapiro and Marcus Schillings were married at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, NY.
It was a beautiful Saturday in October, and the bridal party enjoyed downtown Brooklyn before the event.
Irina wore a glamorous mermaid shaped Enzoani Dakota gown, featuring allover ivory lace and a full train. It was accentuated by her custom made Alisa Brides cathedral drop veil made from French Alencon lace and Swarovski crystals into a unique three row design at the hem.
Irina's bridal shoes were gold Jimmy Choo high heeled peep toe pumps, nodding to the retro theme of the wedding.
The ceremony was warm and touching.
The reception was glamorous and upbeat.
Irina changed into a shorter Mantilla Veil made of Wide Vintage Lace and pearls.
