Elizabeth Dye

The divine Miss B.

2012-01-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Love this photo of my Miss Bianca dress in the latest issue of Portland Bride & Groom. Photographed by Elizabeth Messina, styled by Eden Dawn.

Joann in Oysters & Pearls.

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

all photos: Jesse Holland Photography

Alana in Beatrix.

2012-01-12T09:11:00.001-08:00

Join us!

2012-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce The English Dept. 2012 Bridal Fashion Show! We can't wait to show you all our lovely new dresses from Ivy & Aster, Nicole Miller, Jenny Yoo, yours truly and others. We'll debut all our favorites for the coming season at this annual runway event. The show is generously hosted by The Cleaners at Ace Hotel. If you'd like to attend, tickets are available here. Hope to see you there!

A dress, a dream, a designer:

2011-12-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

When I first met her (8...9 years ago?) Phaedra was my server at a candlelit restaurant in Portland's Pearl District. But really she was (and is!) a budding bridal dress designer, with a penchant for gamine necklines and billows of tulle. She has long since flown to New York to try her fortunes there, but we keep in touch, as sisters in bridal design should (the dear girl has even rummaged through the Garment District for a very particular olive-gold velvet ribbon I needed). Now, after years of honing her skills with custom and one-of-a-kind design, she's preparing to produce her very own bridal gown collection! I couldn't be more excited, and I urge you to join me in supporting her venture on Kickstarter. If her backers' support amounts to $5000 by the time the pledge period ends, she'll receive matching funds to produce her line and lookbook. Special benefits are conferred at each pledge level (I can't wait to find out what dress is named after me).

Whidbey Island wedding

2011-12-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Photographer Julie Harmsen forwarded me these pretty, pretty photos of Sarah and Hunter's wedding on windswept Whidbey Island. The rustic maritime location is such a sweet setting for her Oysters & Pearls gown.

{love this last one -- hurrah for the bride who's unafraid to rock the red wine}

...that looks on Tempests and is never shaken...

2011-12-08T10:04:00.001-08:00

Photos: Jessica Hill Photography

San Francisco's moody skies and blustery breezes matched Suzy's Tempest gown perfectly. The reception was at the spectacular Shell Dance Orchid Garden in Pacifica. Best wishes, Suzy and Evan.

Pamela in Honeychurch.

2011-12-06T08:46:00.001-08:00

Photos: Aaron Almendral

Isn't she stunning? Pamela's finger waves, red lipstick, and dainty gloves are right out of the 1930s--perfect for a brickwork-and-bridges New York wedding (the couple now lives in Zurich).

Neet!

2011-12-05T20:12:00.001-08:00

I've been hearing such great things about Neet Magazine, so I was thrilled to be included in Jen McCabe's roundup of independent designers.

L'amour en gris.

2011-12-05T12:27:00.001-08:00

Photos: Les Amis Photography

Sweet and stylish Erika wore a customized (oyster grey!) version of my Honeychurch gown. The dashing couple married at Benachi House & Gardens in New Orleans. Quelle belle dame.

A very special project.

2011-11-24T09:46:00.001-08:00

Photos: Greg Pacek

Kristina is a lovely lady from Toronto who brought to me a family heirloom wedding dress from the early years of the 20th century. Though the dress itself wasn't quite wearable, it was decorated with some exquisite chantilly lace--the kind you just can't get anymore--in a perfect shade of mellow antique ivory. The dress also featured a sweet pearly beaded trim, stitched by careful hands almost a hundred years ago (you can see it making an appearance at the waistband of Kristina's dress). Making the most of two in-person meetings (one in San Francisco, one in Portland), Kristina and I collaborated on the dress you see. I used almost every inch of the original lace to embellish the bodice and an underlayer of the skirt--the smallest scraps were fashioned into flowers with lace and silk organza petals, which were appliquéd on the bodice. The skirt is organza and tulle over silk shantung--the gauzy layers helping to harmonize old and new materials. I truly loved working on this dress, and she wears it beautifully. Thanks, Kristina, and best wishes.

Sometimes, you just know.

2011-11-11T09:08:00.001-08:00

It's French (of course), ornamented all over with a twining foil embroidery, and it's the most elusively perfect shade of platinum-y ivory, like it leapt out of the 1920s and into my arms. My little head is a-swim with wild ideas. This will make the gauziest, prettiest gown for a very, very special schoolbook-fairy bride. I know you're out there…I just haven't met you yet.

2011-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

As a secret gardener myself, I love–love–this romantic inspiration board on Style Me Pretty…featuring my Honeychurch gown.

All smiles.

2011-10-24T15:49:00.000-07:00


Photo: Sean Flanigan

Love this photo of Erin in her Elizabeth Dye alençon lace shrug. Best wishes, you happy people.

2011-10-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

Pleased as punch to be part of this beautifully curated group on the Etsy home page today!

Announcing...San Francisco showroom!

2011-10-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

The rumors are all true—I’m opening a studio and showroom in the city where I, like so many others, left my heart. It will be a working design studio, as well as a showroom for my complete dress collection, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dresses, accessories, and other special finds. I’m collaborating with Duchess Clothier, dear friends and makers of amazing men’s suits, to create a unique his ‘n’ hers shopping experience. I expect to be open for appointments by early December--if you’re planning a Bay Area wedding and would like to pay a visit, just email me!

Tx, NYC...

2011-10-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a heavenly week in New York, bookended by my fall trunk show at Lovely (thanks, ladies!) and 2012 Bridal Market (lots of gorgeous new dresses coming for Spring). I walked and walked--sourcing, shopping, researching and just taking it all in. Although I'm a West Coast girl at heart, I'm always gobsmacked by the sights, spirits, tastes and textures of this amazing city.

Tulle of all colors in the Garment District

More silk flowers than you can shake a stick at

Steve Jobs memorial at the Soho Apple Store

Palimpsests on the High Line

Now, a bit footsore but dizzy with inspiration, it's time to get back to work. I have big (exciting!) plans in the works, which I'll announce later this week!

Keli in Storyville.

2011-10-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous Keli in my Storyville gown. How great is her go-big-or-go-home bouquet (not to mention her million-watt smile)?

Even the sun played along. Best wishes, Keli. xo

2012 COLLECTION

2011-10-07T08:19:00.002-07:00

Alabaster.

Circa, full length.

Cristobal.

Dusk, tea length.

For Emily, full length.

Giselle, full length.

Miss Bianca.

Snowbell.

Tempest.

Tea/Blush.

New York trunk show!

2011-10-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Next week I'll be traveling to the happiest place in New York, Lovely bridal boutique, for a trunk show to reveal my 2012 dress collection. If you're in the area, I'd love to meet you and show off the new styles! Contact Lovely to make an appointment.

A Keepsake wedding by the sea.

2011-09-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Although I'm not quite ready to bid adieu to summer, Jenn's wedding at the Sea Cider Farm and Cider House has me yearning for hot autumn drinks and bracing sea breezes. The lovely bride wore Keepsake.

Photos: Jesse Holland

Done!

2011-09-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

2012 photo shoot yesterday. Here I am (looking characteristically disheveled) with my amazing photographer Lisa and our stunning model, Meredith (styled by the incredible Amy). Thanks to everyone involved...can't wait to show off the new dresses!

Fortress of Love.

2011-09-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Photos: Kyle Thomas

Never underestimate the power of a dramatic location! Danika and Drex were married at Fort Gibraltar on what looks like the most perfect day of the year. Best wishes, you two (the bride wore Oysters & Pearls).

Emily in Oysters & Pearls.

2011-09-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Photos: Kim + Phil Photography

Love these gauzy, dreamy photos of Emily and John's wedding at Garden Vineyards.

A glimpse of what's to come.

2011-08-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ali Walker

Tea Blush...a new design for 2012. Incredible on the lovely Lauryn.

Kim in Ghost.

2011-08-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

I met Kim and her mom at my first-ever Lovely trunk show in the spring of last year. From the moment she stepped out in the Ghost dress, I knew it suited perfectly.

All photos: Anerino Originals

Her mom (on the right in the photo above) also found an Elizabeth Dye dress to wear - a little one of a kind cocktail dress embellished with lace from a vintage wedding gown. Doesn't she look chic? Thanks so much, ladies!

I love.

2011-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00


Circa (short), for Mei.

Ghost (blue), for Mariel.

Elina in Ghost (in Finland!)

2011-08-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Photos: V-P Kangas

Elina found me through Etsy and wore my Ghost dress for her wedding in Finland a few weeks back. Isn't it perfect on her? I want to sing a little love song to Etsy for connecting me with this lovely lady halfway across the world. I'm honored that a creation of mine traveled thousands of miles to be part of such a beautiful celebration. Thank you and best wishes, Elina!

Sofia in "Beatrix."

2011-08-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Rebecca spotted this wedding on one of my very favorite wedding blogs, Snippet & Ink - I love how Sofia wore my Beatrix dress!

Photos: Oh, Darling!

Jenny in "For Emily."

2011-08-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love everything about these photos from Dorothy Huynh. What a lovely "For Emily" bride. Thanks for sharing these, Jenny!

Here comes summer.

2011-08-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Stacy in Giselle, full length.

Wine country inspiration shoot

2011-07-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

The amazing Anne Sage styled my dresses for a blissful wedding shoot in Northern California wine country. See the whole story on Brides.com.

Keepsake gown

Oyster chiffon one-of-a-kind dress

New things.

2011-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

The machines are humming, scissors are snipping and things are busy, busy here in the studio. Dress orders for summer weddings, and finishing up a really exciting custom gown. Also: designing my new collection! Can't wait to show you more...stay tuned.

Interview on Feather Factor.

2011-07-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

The lovely Katherine does a great interview series on her blog, Feather Factor. She recently asked me a few questions about my work--you can read the whole interview here.

If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right.

2011-07-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

Valentino.

Postcard pretty.

2011-07-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

There's something unbelievably timeless about this photo...

...but one look at this lineup of lovely ladies says this wedding is utterly, totally right now. The bride wore Oysters & Pearls. Thanks, Lesley!

Sue in Honeychurch.

2011-07-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

It must be color week! I love the fresh, bright hues (and sunkissed smiles) of Sue's wedding. The bride wore "Honeychurch."

Floating.

2011-07-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Fairly fantastic wedding photos of Allison and Alex by Red Fly Studio. Many more great ones on their blog. The bride wore Tempest (beautifully!).

Gosh, thanks.

2011-07-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Oregon Bride Magazine readers honored me with "Best Dress Designer" at the 2011 awards this week. Ladies, I'm so blessed. You brides continually inspire me and make my dresses come to life. Thank you for your support! xo Elizabeth

Giselle in Ireland.

2011-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Rionnach sent me these lovely photos of her April wedding in Ireland. The bride wore "Giselle" (with a dear little pink cardigan). Isn't she gorgeous?

Timeless.

2011-06-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: Melissa Miller

Alene in "Beatrix" (and her handsome fellow, Kyle). Congratulations, you lovely people.

2011-06-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Love Ellie's photos of her wearing the Alençon lace shrug. Plus, as readers of this blog know, I do like a horse.

For the birds.

2011-06-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Elyse is laughing in almost every single one of her wedding photos, and she certainly didn't let a little birdseed in her hair ruin her day. Lovely and happy in Oysters & Pearls. Thanks, Elyse!

Photos: Leslie Walker

A bit of ruffle.

2011-06-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Photos: Yasmin Khajavi

One of my ruffle boleros dressed up Heather's wedding. I love a girl who knows how to pop her collar.

Working on something pretty.

2011-06-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

A custom dress. For Brooke. With the prettiest lace ever.

Studio tour.

2011-05-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Kate Maxwel l paid a visit to The English Dept. and my design studio, and took some very nice photos. Thanks, Kate! More here.

Thanks...

2011-05-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

...for all your supportive comments re: BHLDN and their well-known "design" practices. As a former law student, I do know that there's very little legal protection for clothing designers. I've studied the arguments on both sides regarding whether fashion design deserves such protection, and there's merit to both arguments (although I'm sure you can guess where I stand). I don't usually get in a lather over copying incidents--designers (like all creative people) draw inspiration from many sources, and that inspiration flows in all directions. What bothers me is a very studied practice of ripping off smaller designers' work as a business model. Consumers need to know that Anthro's cute "designs" come straight from uncredited, uncompensated sources. That's how they roll.

Besides being unethical and exploitive, it's just so boring! Way to take the creativity out of fashion. So I did that post. For that reason, and to show solidarity with my good friend Myra, who is wearing herself out trying to protect her work.

Luckily, we small designers have what big companies can never fake, no matter how they try--the urge to create for its own sake, the honest joy of new ideas.

Just saying.

2011-05-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Left: Elizabeth Dye 2010.

Right: BHLDN 2011.

Photos from Finishing School 2011

2011-05-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday for Finishing School, our annual do-it-yourself event for making bridal hair accessories and dress embellishments.

Look at the concentration on these ladies' faces!

My project: a metallic lace shrug with hundreds of lace "petals" hand-stitched around the neckline. I finally finished it--that's why we call it Finishing School.

Truly impressed by the artistry on display. Nice work, class of 2011!

Photos: Lauren Sornberger, Rebecca Westby

Ivy & Aster trunk show this weekend!

2011-05-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend only, we have some beautiful visitors . . . dresses from Ivy & Aster's new collection! Come see (they're only here until Tuesday) . . . more photos to come!

A paper bride.

2011-05-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've just learned about the work of Jum Nakao.

The Brazilian artist makes these intricate gowns entirely out of paper.

At the end of one of his runway shows, his models were instructed to tear up the dresses on their bodies, to remind the audience that fashion is a medium and not an end in itself.

I've always thought of the wedding dress as a performance, a moment, as much as it can also be a garment for all time. So what about it, ladies? Anyone up for a paper wedding dress?

Check us out!

2011-05-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Love the new shop. Love the extra space, love the whitewashed pine Swedish cabin fantasy floor, love having places for ladies to sit, love the light. Love, love, love!

Are you going to Finishing School?

2011-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Join us at The English Dept. for Finishing School 2011
Sunday, May 15th
12-4 pm

Create one-of-a-kind accents to complete your wedding ensemble: headbands, flower combs, fascinators, sashes, silk flower corsages and gown embellishments. We will supply materials, assistance and inspiration for this hands-on workshop. The event is $25 to attend. Your admission fee is good for credit toward materials for whatever you create! Call The English Dept. with questions or to rsvp.
For a glimpse of last year's event, click here.

Pomp & Plumage (& Pearls).

2011-04-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

Photo: Irene Suchocki

A little bird sent me this listing on Pomp & Plumage's Etsy shop--is that an Oysters & Pearls dress? I do believe it is.

We have moved (about 10 feet).

2011-04-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you've been on our block lately, you may have noticed the mysterious workings in the space to our west--it's our new home! The English Dept. has officially relocated one door down to 1128 Alder. Our old space will be home to Lille Trousseau, a branch of our most favorite-favorite lingerie shop. In addition to their always-lovely selection of underpinnings, you'll find wedding-appropriate accessories (shoes!) curated especially to coordinate with our gowns. We couldn't be more excited. Lille Trousseau is set to open early May--watch this space! Now, on with the show...

Clara and Lauren will not let window vinyl get the best of them!

Giselle in Brides Magazine.

2011-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

At the shop we call Brides "the mothership" because it is the biggest, bride-iest, most venerable wedding publication on newsstands. So I was awed and proud to see Giselle in the March issue. Paired with a big splashy peony, which tells me that Brides gets Giselle. All hail Brides!

An antidote for wedding anxiety...

2011-04-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Carrie's story--such a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that you really can get married your way:

Hello Elizabeth and ladies of The English Department!

I have been meaning to write since I got married in February, but haven't had the chance. I was originally going to get married this summer, but wedding stress made us get creative. My fiancé (Martin) and I ran off to New York City, and on February 18th we had a fabulous guerilla wedding inside MoMA (in front of our favorite painting, Vincent vanGogh's Starry Night). We're both artists, and not really the most conventional couple. So to scrap the big wedding and do something crazy suited us well. We did have a few family members show up to be a part of the fun. It was really the best day of our lives.

You made me a Giselle dress with a matching bolero, and I actually also ended up wearing a Twigs & Honey custom headband. I've never felt more lovely in my life. So again thank you, and I am attaching a few photos of our special day for you all to see.

I didn't even know you could have a guerrilla wedding inside a museum! This changes everything. Thanks, Carrie! You look so happy.

Thank you, Lovely.

2011-04-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

I truly had a magical time at Lovely last weekend. Thanks to all you ladies who came and played dress up at my trunk show!

Thanks also to Cassandra, Lanie, and the smashing Lovely crew for making me feel so welcome.

It's great fun for me to see dresses from my collection modeled by honest-to-goodness brides (left: "Tempest," right: "Honeychurch")...

...and I always like to bring a few new things (left: "Tea/Blush" gown, right: "Lizzie Swift" gown). So nice to see my work come to life! Now back to the studio...

See you at Lovely!

2011-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow begins my spring trunk show at Lovely in NYC--hope you can make it! Check the Lovely blog for more details.

New York trunk show April 15th - 17th

2011-04-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you planning a wedding in New York area, I'm having a trunk show at Lovely! My entire 2011 dress collection will be available to try on and order. I’ll also be bringing some special one-of-a-kind dresses and accessories that you can walk away with that day. Contact the dear ladies at Lovely for more info. Hope to see you there!

Sarah in Eventide.

2011-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Photos: Inbal Sivan

Rose/Dust has sold.

2011-04-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Rose/Dust might be the best-loved dress I've ever made--thank you for all your inquiries and love letters! I took her to my trunk show in San Francisco, where she found a new home. I must say, I had a bit of a hard time parting with her. Hopefully Melissa, her new owner, will send us all some wedding photos to remember her by. Meanwhile, back to daydreaming...

Leah in Storyville.

2011-04-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

So pretty.

The English Dept. gets its picture taken.

2011-03-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Photographer Leah Verwey takes bewitching photos of creative work spaces around Portland for her beautiful site, Spacepdx. I have had a crush on Spacepdx for quite a while, and the universe must have heard my secret plea, because Leah and her camera came to visit us recently. For a glimpse into our daily workings, go here.

Wine country wedding, East coast style.

2011-03-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Jamie wore my one of a kind gown, "Sakura," and one of my ruffle shrugs to her wedding at a winery in New Jersey. Great photos by Alyssa Andrew.

Thank you, San Francisco.

2011-03-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out for our SF trunk show last weekend! It was such a pleasure to meet all you cool ladies, and see you jump into some dresses. To stay up to date on events and find out where I'll be next, join The English Dept. mailing list.

Giselle in Manchester.

2011-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Love these shots of Mel's wedding in Manchester, England, as seen on Annabel's blog. Photos by Lillian and Leonard.

2011-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Photo: Jay Carroll

Dress by me (mom's wedding gown made over). Suit by Duchess. Love by Laurel and Paul.

If you're going to San Francisco...

2011-03-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

...we're having a lovely trunk show this weekend. Lots of pretty new pieces to show you, as well as my complete 2011 collection. Come say hello!

A Storyville story.

2011-03-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

April wore my Storyville Suite, a three piece ensemble. Silk duchess satin minidress with two convertible skirts--a blush-colored tulle ball skirt and a melon green silk organza mini. The perfect solution to the long-or-short-dress dilemma...

Princess and the (Sweet) Pea.

2011-03-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

New at The English Dept.: the Sweet Pea gown from Ivy & Aster. Softly pleated flocked dot silk chiffon, draped bodice, just enough train to give the dress a regal bearing. Truly stunning.

Our love is big as a barn.

2011-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

I love these photos Ben Blood shot of Jenny and Kevin's wedding on a historic farm in Southwest Washington. Jenny wore a silk chiffon gown from Jenny Yoo and a Modern Romance headpiece, all from The English Dept.

Yes, his boutonniere is a kite. A kite! I love it. And the tie.

Like I said, barn-size. You can see more photos of their celebration here.

Oysters & Pearls on Style Me Pretty.

2011-03-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Photo: Kate Osborne

Amy wore a customized version of my full length Oysters & Pearls dress (we raised the neckline front and back and added cap sleeves). So many dear, personal details to this celebration. See more photos on Style Me Pretty.

The English Dept. voted one of Lucky Magazine's "Best Bridal Shops"

2011-03-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to have made this list! That fetching pink frock is our "Love and Tenderness" dress from Ivy & Aster, in Cherry Blossom. Here's what Lucky has to say about us:

San Francisco trunk show!

2011-02-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

I've collaborated with Duchess on many a wedding (including this one), and I'm thrilled to announce we are taking our his + hers wedding apparel show on the road. The smashing sisters of Hello! Lucky will graciously host us for a San Francisco weekend event featuring my dresses for the ladies, Duchess suits for the gentlemen (or ladies, as the case may be), and copious amounts of prosecco for all. If you're looking to dress up for a wedding in the Bay Area and would like to attend, just email for more details!

Did you get Hitched?

2011-02-23T08:04:00.000-08:00


Photo: Erin Hearts Court

My dresses made an appearance in the fashion show at Hitched, a super-cool wedding event at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs last month. The show was styled by the gifted Catherine Sheppard of The Life Styled. She was kind enough to share these photos. I had hot plans to attend personally, when a vicious winter flu knocked me sideways at the last minute--still a bit bitter about the poolside lounging I missed. But what a gorgeous show! Thanks, Catherine.


Keepsake lace gown. Photo: Amelia Lyon

Real Simple loves Beatrix

2011-02-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Fashion show photos!

2011-02-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

Our 2011 Fashion Show was so much fun! If you weren't able to attend, here are some photos, shot by the lovely Lisa Warninger. You can also view a complete run of the show here.

Ivy & Aster "In Bloom"

Nicole Miller metal taffeta gown with beading

Nicole Miller sweetheart metal taffeta gown

Elizabeth Dye "Rose/Dust"

Ivy & Aster "Sweet Dreams"

Elizabeth Dye "Tempest"
All photos: Lisa Warninger

My, Mai.

2011-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, if you're a very lucky designer, you get a dream client. What makes Mai so dreamy? Hm, let me run down my wish list: stylish in a totally personal way, sweet natured, confident, full of fun and brimming over with great ideas.

When Mai first described all of her ensemble (I'm responsible for the dress, sash and organza shrug), I wondered how her bright flowers, hair accessory by Twigs & Honey and her shoes (you can't see them in these photos but they were these, if I recall) would work together. All I can say is, Mai knows what she knows. So! Fun! Thanks, Mai! I loved working with you.

THANK YOU {and first glimpses}

2011-02-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday for A Novel Romance, The English Dept.'s annual bridal fashion show. We had a packed house, pretty flowers, mimosas, cute models in neon stockings--really, I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday (Superbowl notwithstanding). We should have "official" pics within a few days, but meanwhile, Leela passed along these really cool Diana camera photos! Enjoy.

Kaitlin in Oysters & Pearls.

2011-01-27T23:11:00.001-08:00

Brooke.

2011-01-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Photos: Jack Butler Photography

Brooke's dress was made from a very special embroidered organdy that might just be a hundred years old. This dress was a little one-of-a-kind I cooked up in my studio, and it found the girl who was meant to wear it. I love when that happens.

The best laid plans.

2011-01-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It's been a quiet week on the blog, but only because we are pouring all our energy into our 2011 fashion show. The process always begins by reflecting on last year's event and brainstorming new, brilliant ways to make the show even more fun, lovely and surprising. We have a lot of wild ideas in the works! Meanwhile, I thought I'd roll the "highlights reel" from last year's show. Enjoy!

Sleeves, please.

2011-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Kate Osborne Photography

For Amy's Texas wedding, I made a variation of my Oysters & Pearls dress with a higher neckline and cap sleeves. I do think it suits her beautifully. And that bouquet is fantastic. More photos here.

2011-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, it poured rain. But nobody seemed to mind. The bride, gorgeous Emily, wore Eventide.

I do love when my dress goes to England.

2011-01-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the English major in me, but I have a weakness for red telephone boxes...

Victorian brick...

...and beer swilling grannies. Mel's Manchester wedding. The bride wore Giselle. And a fine time was had by all.

All photos: Lillian and Leonard

Fixed!

2011-01-10T18:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, ticket sales are working again. Sorry about that! You can purchase here.

Fashion show tickets still available.

2011-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

So, the English Dept. fashion show is NOT sold out yet. I'm working out a glitch with the online ticket website. Rest assured there are still plenty of tickets available. As soon as this little issue is hammered out I'll repost the link. Thanks for your patience!

2011-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Karla's lovely lakeside wedding. The bride wore Ghost.

It's Fashion Show time.

2011-01-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Announcing The English Dept. 2011 Bridal Fashion Show! We've been working furiously behind the scenes to get everything ready, and I can't wait to show you all our pretty new dresses. Tickets are available online here. Please come!

Beatrix in MS Weddings.

2011-01-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

So thrilled to see my Beatrix dress featured in the Winter 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Happy New Year.

2011-01-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

Photo: Cully Wright

Here's to a smashing new year made sweeter by love, friends and a bit of the bubbly. Bonne année, everyone. Onward to Spring! xoElizabeth

2010-12-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

Love how the bride's shoes match the moody blue sky on Mt. Hood. Wait, are they wearing matching Chucks??? Angela's wedding at Timberline Lodge. The bride wore Giselle.

2010-12-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous Naomi (and dashing Alastair) at their Melbourne, Australia wedding. The bride wore Oysters & Pearls (with a fetching customized sleeve).

2010-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Lovely Cynthia, married guess where in October. The bride wore Persuasion.

2010-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Dear photos from Tasha's wedding at the Cornelius Pass octagonal barn. Her dress was a labor of love and I really did love making it...the perfect project for the patient days of winter. On a damp, dark January morning early this year, I began collaging together dozens of bits of hundred-year-old lace, stitching them one by one over a floating layer of tea-dyed silk organza. A truly handmade dress for a special girl. Thanks, Tasha.

BIG hearts.

2010-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Where do I start? With the heart.

When it comes to DIY drama, these streamers may be my all-time fave.

You can stand under my umbrella.

Grey ladies in wellies. As you can tell, I cannot get enough of this wedding. Big hearts (and unicorns, and fuzzy baby bunnies) to stylish couple Kathryn and Jeffrey (the bride wore Giselle).

All photos: Green Chair Studio

I do love a bicycle at a wedding.

2010-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Alivia's August wedding was recently featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings website. The bride wore Honeychurch.

My favorite things: the sunny bouquets, the bike (of course) and the yellow bridal party dresses--each is so individual! View the complete photo gallery here.

A New England autumn wedding.

2010-11-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

Photos: Robert Sukrachand

So many lovely touches (and so much love!) at Sarah and Joe's autumn wedding in Connecticut. The bride wore Oysters & Pearls. You can see more gorgeous photos (some of gourds) here and here.

Fall crush.

2010-11-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

Photo: Patrick A. Wilson

This is my favorite photo from the set Amber sent over from her wedding. I customized her dress by embellishing the bodice all over with antique lace flowers and appliqués. I love how the delicacy of the lace is punched up by all those gothic grape and berry tones, the luscious fall flowers, and her va-va-voom lipstick. Spin that color wheel, o Brides of 2011. There is life beyond Blush and Bashful.