Abby's Custom Bridal

Art Deco & Gatsby Bliss!

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A View from Alessandra & Brian Cole’s St. Petersburg, Florida's Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa - All Images Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography

[Top Image] A picturesque view of Alessandra & Bryan Cole at their Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa wedding in St Pete’s, Florida. Images shared within this post are graciously supplied Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography.

From the moment I received Alessandra Alessi Cole’s Custom Bridal Comb request, I had no doubt I would be drowning in glamorous inspiration! The dreamy details she supplied about her bridal gown, shoes, accessories, bridesmaid dresses, location and decor, were more than enough to create a decorative hair comb completely unique, one-of-a-kind, and absolutely ‘hers’ always. Here’s a peek at just some of the eye-popping beauties she shared with me … and now I get to share with you!

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[above] Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding Bridesmaids. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography.
The oh-so-fetching array of bridesmaids dresses, all distinctively styled in that Gatsby glamour, but varied in beautiful tones of blush, nude, oyster and beige – GORGEOUS!! Plus, I’m a big fan of Plum Pretty Sugar, so the adorable patterned rompers with matching satin robes to lounge in while getting dolled up for the day, is a nice touch!

The next set of photos shows a sweet and candid moment between the lovely bride and groom. Alessandra is such a stunner and I love the way she wore the Swarovski Crystal and Ostrich Feather Comb down low above the nape of her neck and slightly off to one side. However, I think my favorite image is the one below as it captured a warm and loving sisterly embrace – the comb displayed just so perfectly in her gorgeous up-do!

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Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.
Art-Deco-Gatsby-Inspired-Wedding-Decor
Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding Decor. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.

One of the main inspirations for Alessandra’s custom hair comb, were her incredibly stylish bridal shoes. These to-die-for scalloped suede & crystal peep-toe pumps by Georgio Armani were sophisticated, elegant and timeless. I wanted the comb to reflect the same vibe, so I mimicked the detail of these spectacular wedding pumps for Alessandra’s bridal fascinator – incorporating soft muted colors, scalloped edges and shimmery metallics throughout her piece.

Georgio Armani Scalloped Suede Crystal Peep Toe Pump
Georgio Armani Scalloped Suede Crystal Peep Toe Pump

Custom Gatsby * Art Deco Bridal Comb by Abby Shepard [Honeysuckle & Scotch]
A Close-Up of the Gatsby inspired Art-Deco Bridal Comb by Abby Shepard [Honeysuckle & Scotch]. Photographed by Randall Garnick Photography.
Finally, I couldn’t resist sharing some shots of Alessandra wearing this sparkling, feathery beauty of a comb while dancing under the golden lights of the Don Cesar Ballroom: One sharing a meaningful father-daughter dance, and the rest with her now-husband, Bryan Cole.

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Art Deco & Gatsby-Inspired Custom Wedding Design. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.

Thank you so much Alessandra for letting me be a part of your special day. I am honored and will cherish working with you always. Congratulations Alessandra and Bryan!!! XO, Abby

Vendors #1
1. Hair – Uliana Pakskina
2. Makeup – Marissa Phelps
3. Rompers – Plum Pretty Sugar
5. BM Dresses – Adrianna Papell
4. Bridal Gown – Anglo Couture
5. Garter Belt – La Gartier
7. Bridal Shoes – Georgio Armani
Vendors #2
1. Bridal Comb – Abby Shepard
2. Floral Design – MMD Events
3. Bakery – Hands On Sweets
4. Venue – Don Cesar Loews
5. Photographer – Brandi Image
6. Wedding Planner – Parties a’ la Carte
7. Invitations – Urban Coast

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Personal Notes

Abby Loves’ New Mini Cards!

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Abby Loves Mini Accordion Cards by Abby Shepard

These new MINI ACCORDION CARDS for Abby Loves were so fun to design! I wanted to make something visually impactful, yet compact and easy to hand out. After much searching around the endless-internet for something quick and reasonably priced, I found the perfect card at Nations Photo Lab. If I hadn’t stumbled across a post from another blog that showed a beautiful example of there design, I would probably not given them a second look.

The paper choices were minimal but offered one that was perfect for my needs – a beautiful linen paper with a soft grain and lovely white tone. This paper would be a perfect canvas for the fashion and lifestyle illustrations I wanted to showcase in the promotional piece. I uploaded my final design template and hoped for the best. Today when the package arrived, I couldn’t believe the print quality and gorgeous color that was produced by these guys! I will definitely be ordering more of these accordion cards and swapping up the design templates for whatever I want to share in the future.

Here are a few rough samples of how they came out of the package. They come in packs of 25’s and are scored for easy folding. Some of you might find the extra step of folding a bit of a nuisance, but I like the option of keeping them flat to maintain the stiffness of the paper. It also avoids any rubbing off of ink or dulling when the panels are folded or if they are stored for a while.

Abby Loves Mini Marketing Card Samples
Abby Loves Mini Marketing Card Samples

Nations Photo Lab did an amazing job and I couldn’t be happier with how these Mini Accordion Cards came out for my VanDernoot Gallery Show in Cambridge. I’m gonna be a proud studio momma when handing out these babies!

Mini Folding Card by Abby Shepard
Mini Marketing Folding Cards for Abby Loves by Abby Shepard

I’ll follow up with some better shots of these on display at the show but let me know if you have any questions about how these mini folding cards were designed. I’ll be happy to pass on the info!

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Abby's Illustration & Design

New Construction – Oh Ya!

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Abby_Shepard_Sketch-book_Looks

Abby Loves is under construction! We’re undergoing some recent renovations, so I figured some funky signage was called for!

There will be some cool improvements to the new site design and you’ll be able to navigate easily through my fashion illustrations, custom design work and portfolio inspirations. You’ll also find creative notes, color palettes and links to the actual products that cam be found within my fashion sketches. It’s been a long-time goal of mine to share the lifestyle-links with everyone since they are half the fun for me… I’m excited it’s almost ready!

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