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Working with sophisticated vintage jewelry to create new haircombs and bridal jewelry has become a passion of mine in the past year. It has also been such an inspiration to be able to share in the incredible creativity that is part of the present day wedding community. In this blog I share ideas and discoveries in the bridal community, stories of some of our clients, as well as some of my creations.
As you continue to follow you will find that my real love is for vintage designs. I collect rare antique pieces from the 1940's to 60's and use them in my work. Their flowing lines, sparkle and beautiful workmanship are just so appealing.
Please click the Collections link to view our shop.
My hope is that this blog will inspire you.
SURPRISE!!!!! During the month of August we will randomly be posting Bel Canto specials on our facebook page! If there are any pieces you’ve been admiring – now is the time to buy! Check out our Facebook page and look for our next secret special.
We would also love to know who are you favorite bridal vendors? Photography? Catering? Flowers? Wedding Planners? Submit them to us for our upcoming showcase of vendors!
The newest addition to the Bel Canto family, our bouquets are definitely eye catching! The brooches just seem to add the perfect touch to such an important memento from your wedding day. I am so looking forward to working with brides to create bouquets that complement their wedding colors and have that “something old” quality to them.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a bridal show at a new wedding venue in Apex, NC. The Oaks at Salem is a house my family has admired since it was built, and we were so happy to hear that they were opening up their home for weddings! Make sure to check out their site at www.theoaksatsalem.com
We had a wonderful set up in the downstairs of the Oaks and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Liz Perniciaro did hair while brides played with our different hair combs and head bands, making for a wonderful game of “dress up.”
It happens again and again. Brides come for an appointment and are amazed at how gorgeous our hair combs are. When I tell them it’s because they are authentic 1940-60′s pieces the response is usually ”Really?”
“Vintage” has become a style so many expect reproductions rather than an authentic piece. These original pieces are just incredibly beautiful. They are so well made with heavy rhodium backing and true prong set rhinestones. My favorites are the pieces with a fluid design such as the one directly below.
During the 1940′s to late 1950′s designers such as Eisenberg, Wiesner, Weiss, Crown Trifari, Coro, Francois and Bellini were making very high end rhinestone jewelry that was really breath taking. They used multi cut rhinestones in their intricate creations. The sparkling clarity of one of these well cared for vintage pieces is mesmerizing. 
We are so thrilled that Melissa has shared her wedding photos with us. It was hard to pick only a few to include in this blog. She and her groom, David, had a most wonderful day celebrating with family and friends. Special thanks to Suzanne at b real photo for providing the images.
After the rehearsal dinner, the bridal party retired to the historic Preston Woodall House Bed & Breakfast in Benson, NC where the wedding was to be held the next day. The following morning they were pampered as they prepared for the afternoon ceremony. Melissa took special care to avoid having David see her before the ceremony, though he almost spoiled it by arriving earlier than expected.
It was a meaningful, emotional day. Melissa shared this: “My Granddad and Dad made the decision to not see my dress or me in it until the wedding day. Both waited at the bottom of the stairs as I walked down. With tears in their eyes, each gave me a big hug telling me how lovely I looked. It was special moment for all as Grandmas and Mothers looked on!!”
Left, the proud father accompanies Melissa to the ceremony.
The ceremony above; the bridesmaids wore aubergine dresses with ivory sashes. The groomsmen were in black tuxes with silver vests.
Below, a couple obviously very much in love (with good views of Melissa’s veil worn with a vintage headband from Bel Canto Designs). Also a beautiful pumpkin cake with pumpkin mousse filling and butter-cream outer layer (this was October…) from A Piece of Cake Bakery.
Melissa’s father picked out the music for their father-daughter dance, surprising her with a poignant song with lyrics reflecting his feelings about this milestone in their lives.
Finally, this wonderful picture of a beautiful bride oozing with happiness from her special day. Melissa is wearing a pearl headband with a vintage focal piece from Bel Canto Designs. In her words, “The headband was awesome. Everyone loved it. I still wear it out and about on occasion.”
Thank you again, Melissa, for sharing your wonderful day!!
It’s always fun to look through the photos in bridal magazines. It’s even more fun when you are featured!
The new 2011 Southern Bride & Groom Bridal Directory and Wedding Planner came out in December and it is filled with wonderful information and photos. We’d like to share a few of those in which Bel Canto Designs pieces were featured.
This elegant and sassy photo was taken by Dara Blakeley. The model is wearing one of our most popular sets of earrings.
Below are some chic shots by Mike Bayley.
Vintage pieces are the focus of the Bel Canto Designs hair comb, necklaces, bracelets and headband.
Vintage Panetta Earrings
Infinity Earrings
Heirloom Pave Rhinestone Bracelet
Pave and Pearl Vintage Inspired Earrings
We will begin posting some of our “real weddings” next week but in the mean time, here is a bit of Holiday Sparkle
Vintage Laguna Crystal,Rhinestone Ball and Faux Pearl Necklace
I have had requests for blue pieces to incorporate into the brides’s “look” I have tracking down these beautiful pieces and thought I would share.
This headband was done for a lovely bride wanting to keep the theme of her wedding jewelry sapphire. The large Pell brooch is accented by wrapped crystals.
A Weiss “star” is the anchor for this pearl necklace. Triple strands of various sized freshwater pearls are accented with vintage faceted crystals with a bit of a twist to the drape.
Here is another Weiss piece. The quality is amazing in this rare piece. This one has been made into a hair comb.
This hairpiece features soft white feathers with a vintage two tone blue accent
An antique enamel brooch circa 1940 with marine colored blue stones made into a hair comb
And this last photo has is a large Beau Jewels piece and redone vintage earrings. Beautiful feeling of a rocky northern shore to this one
Yesterday afternoon Bel Canto Designs joined a number of fine vendors at the charming Franklin Hotel in Chapel Hill for their 2010 Bridal Boutique. We always enjoy meeting personally with brides and had many opportunities to do so. We were joined by our friends Debbie Lipstone and Liz Perniciaro and our daughter Sarah. Debbie is always such a joy and conveys so well the unique qualities of Mari and Bel Canto Designs. Liz performed her hair wizardry on Sarah, who modeled some of our jewelry, and on lovely brides-to-be so they could see styling possibilities along with our hair adornments.
Here are a few pictures from the event.
A “ceremony” was held on the third floor. Lovely bride and bridesmaids modeling Tre Bella gown and dresses. The handsome gents, Bernard Formal Wear.
Sugarland was on hand with their beautiful cupcakes ( also taste great!) as well as their YUMMY gelato.
Bliss by Sam, a wedding planning group, was also on hand. What an engaging group of women!
As well as wedding planner, Erin McLean
We were up on the third floor so Liz could work her hair magic
And, of course, Joann Sullivan ( on right ) who hosted the Bridal Boutique
by Mari
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