A Kate Spade Wedding

I make a lot of wedding toppers and I love everyone one of them. Each time I get a new order I truly can’t wait to make it.  Rarely do I sell exactly the topper that is on my ETSY site. Usually there is a color change, banner suggestion, silhouette request… you get the picture. All these little changes makes each topper unique and special. But… every once in  while a request comes along that is a pure joy to take on.

Enter Kristina. A lovely bride with a romantic idea. Kristina wanted to somehow revamp her parents wedding topper from their 1960’s wedding  to fit her very trendy “Kate Spade Inspired” wedding. She contacted me after seeing one of my toppers in Martha Stewart hoping I could help. She sent me pictures of her parents topper with little hope.

 

 

She described the details of her wedding to me, the vibrant colors backed by black and white stripes.  She wanted it to be “fun” above all else.  In order to personalize the topper she asked if I could change the brunette to a red head and add some ostrich feathers to the dress. Her dress is a beautiful mermaid Pronovias gown, the bottom adorned with the feathers. Hhmm!

 A tall order.

 

I started doing my research and actually found some great color palettes on line. There were a couple that really inspired me.

 

Kristina loved the palette as well and even sent me one of her invitations as inspiration. I got to work.

 

When the topper arrived I immediately knew I would be unable to use any of the existing arbor or flowers. They were plastic and had yellowed over the years. The base was also in bad shape. I gently removed the porcelain figures from the base and I was pleasantly  surprised.  Underneath the stained  satin dress was a lovely dress and handsome bride and groom.

I needed to make a new base that was more representational of Kristina’s trendy wedding. I wanted to match her invite which had small gold polka dots but couldn’t find the right paper so… I made my own. I painted the brides hair red to match Kristina’s and even added some length to it. I also embellished the bottom of the porcelain dress with small feathers, just like her’s. I was able to salvage some of the old tulle from the gown and made a veil for the bride. It was a nice touch since we couldn’t use any of the flowers.

Now came the hard part. The arbor. How do I make something fun and whimsical that represents this fashionable wedding without it looking costumy (is that a word?)

I decided to go with the stripe and just simple pops of color in clusters all around the simple white wire arbor.

 

 

I also added some bling around her neck and a feather to her veil.

 

 

Kristina's “Kate Spade Inspired” wedding was off to a great start. The best part is  she is keeping all this to herself; a surprise to her mother that will be revealed on her wedding day. I am thrilled that I was able to be part of this new tradition and hope to inspire other brides to consider using their parents toppers in new and fun ways. 

 

Something Old

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

 

Blessings…..

       Amada

Comments

[Carrie]

I recall you mentioning working with an older topper, but these photos really bring the story to life. I love what you did - so clever and perfect for the theme. I am sure the mom of the bride will be thrilled!

[Julie Ann]

Love the palette!! What a gorgeous piece! Those flowers give the perfect pop of color and I love the feathers :)

[Kristina]

Amada- you made our wedding so special and my mother LOVED what you did to the topper. Still able to use my parents "something old" and gave it that spark of "something new". So glad I just discovered this post-- thanks so much for sharing and glad you enjoyed the process as much as I did!