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Wedding veil complete....well almost

Annie Deighnaugh

10 years ago

Other than shortening and attaching it to the comb, the veil is done! Huzzah!!!

The beading consists of a wide variety of stuff, but I coordinated it with each flower being beaded in the same way regardless of where it occurred on the veil. I used paillets, rocailles, seed beads, bugle beads, czech crystal, swarovski crystal, individually mounted rhinestones, sequins, some jewelry baubles, a few pearls and hand embroidery in silver thread.

Now I've got to start on my own dress for the wedding....

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Comments (42)

martinca_gw sunset zone 24
10 years ago
Wow!!! Gorgeous. Lucky bride.
User
10 years ago
What talent!!! you are an artist . She will treasure this forever. c
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I was the last of 3 siblings to marry. My younger sister married first to her college sweetheart a month after graduating. She had a nice wedding at her alma mater (which is also my father's alma mater), not extravagant, but nicely done. My brother had a simple affair in the church hall. Mine was probably the fanciest of the three, but still not extravagant. Funny though, my mother during the initial stages said, "You know, if you prefer to elope, we'll give you the money we would have spent on your wedding to put toward down payment on a house." She was half-kidding. I would have considered it, however, dh was the first of five siblings to marry in his family. HIs mother was DYING for this day. To top it off, dh is a grad of the U.S. Naval Academy which has an absolutely beautiful chapel that MIL was so hoping her son would marry in one day. Fortunately for MIL, her son ended up meeting a local girl (I grew up near the Naval Academy) though we didn't meet until after we'd both graduated college. As the old tradition was that you marry the home area of the female, this worked out well for him - the church I grew up attending was a modern 70s church that I had no love for, so I was open to the idea of marrying at the Academy chapel. I figured it was probably a good idea to start my relationship off with MIL on a bright note and not disappoint her by going off and eloping! I say that in jest, b/c my father loves a party, so if I had taken my mother's offer seriously, I'm sure my father wouldn't have been happy either. So we ended up marrying at the chapel and let me tell you, it has an incredibly long center aisle that is very daunting for a somewhat shy person to have to walk while everyone is watching closely! One of my fondest moments of the ceremony was when dh and I left the altar to give flowers to our mothers and the priest stepped on my veil as I walked away, tearing my veil off my head. There was a gasp in the crowd but I laughed it off and everyone then had a good chuckle. Our reception was limited to 150 (thankfully!) b/c we had chosen a location on the water that could only seat 150. I was totally okay with that as I'd have preferred smaller - we had four guest lists, dh's, mine, my parents, and MIL/FIL. Of the four, mine had the fewest! And considering that dh's family was coming from the West Coast, and his friends were scattered all over the country and world (many in Navy), it was surprising we had so many people. But it was a good size - my parents only invited friends of theirs that I knew (they were hosting the reception). It could have been smaller and fine, but I wouldn't have wanted it any larger. And we were blessed with beautiful weather despite being in July in the typically hot/humid weather of the mid-Atlantic. I wanted to marry in September but dh was teaching at the Academy at that point, so if we wanted to go on a honeymoon, we needed to marry in the summer. I couldn't believe it when I woke up that Saturday morning to a breezy, sunny day with temps in the 70s and no humidity (just two days prior, dh's West Coast friends arrived and played a round of golf in the hot, humid 90s and asked how he could stand to live here!). Chicagoans, funny you suggest camping. A week after dh and I got engaged, we bought a car on the West Coast and spent the next 3 weeks driving across country to see the U.S as we were moving back to the East Coast at that point. We are not campers, but spent many a night pitching a tent to save money. We hiked 10 miles down into Havasu Canyon (part of the Grand Canyon) only to hike back out the next morning after sleeping in a tent next to the Colorado River. One of the hardest things I've ever done! We were not experienced hikers either. Another night was at a campground alongside a rural highway somewhere on the outskirts of Badlands National Park in South Dakota, with 18 wheelers buzzing by all night. LOL And we still wanted to marry each other when we arrived on the East Coast, so maybe there is some truth in your observation! We are still happily married 18 years later. But as far as weddings go, I will encourage my kids to have a non-extravagant wedding. I'd love for them to have a party/celebration if they choose rather than elope but not the bridezilla freak shows that have become weddings of today. You can still have a nice reception w/o going into debt or throwing away money on frivolous things.
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Just last night I was noodling around on the 'holiday' part of the forum. I saw a great post on what to do with a wedding dress. It's titled 'Either your'e creative or losing it". I made a small post to bump it up to the top. It would work for me....I left a tree up for three years! My mother made my dress for my first wedding. I still remember the hours she spent covering buttons with satin, and making button loops of satin, and these went down the back and on the sleeves. My dad stepped on the train at the altar, and almost ripped it off when I stepped forward to take my husband to be's hand. The best man took the rings out of his pocket and realized they were stuck one inside the other. He stood there and fiddled with them, and when they popped apart, he dropped one. Instead of looking for it, he just kind of knelt down and felt around, hoping he would find it. Someone in a front pew had seen it roll under the train, got up, and got it for him. About ten years later a close friend mentioned her daughter had a part in the high school play 'Fiddler on the Roof', and she needed to find a wedding dress for her. I loaned it to her, it fit like a dream, got filthy, they had it cleaned, and I stuck it in a box in the closet. I was cleaning out the closet one day, opened the box, and saw that mice had chewed into the box and pooped all over it. Man, that storage problem was solved in a New York minute! Besides, I was onto number 2 anyway.... My mother wanted her sister's wedding dress after she passed away. It was beautiful ivory silk. She gave the dress to another aunt, and she made beautiful angels for all the nieces and nephews for Christmas. It was a wonderful way to honor the dress, and to share a nice family memory in a fairly small space. I think the Christmas tree skirt is a pretty nifty idea too if one doesn't want to keep the dress intact. Barbara Barbara
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How wonderful when the couple's personalities dictate the wedding and not some disembodied wedding guru! Sounds like it was a blast...relaxed....and no one took "rules" too seriously. I've done many weddings, and I shuddered when I had one of 'those' brides who just HAD to have everything matchy-matchy, detailed and done 'right'. I'm reminded of the movie, "Betsy's Wedding", where her Mother says that the other parents' would plan a wedding with no personality...that they didn't even know their ethnic roots! haha! Runny mashed potatoes when what you really want is a smorgasbord! I enjoyed reading your post! ;-D
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Here are a couple of ideas I used from my wedding, also an outdoor and also a second: 1. Small canning jars w/ unscented white candles in them (from Ebay of course, the candles, the canning jars you can get anywhere). Hung from every possible spot w/ thin craft wire. Absolutely magical after the sun went down and so easy to make. 2. Lots and lots of fresh flowers. I stuck w/ roses, from white to ivory to pink. I was lucky enough to have a cousin who could arrange them, but I bought most of them from the grocery store and because they were cheaper, I could afford to have LOTS more. The impact of so many fresh flowers was beautiful. 3. We had a tent, which my dear husband strung w/ grapevine. We then placed lots of white christmas lights throughout and then of course the hanging lanterns. Since it's nautical, perhaps you could use net? Not sure, but again, the effect was really stunning and very easy (though time consuming) and inexpensive. 4. My focus was to emphasize the natural and to avoid the unnatural at all costs, since that's my personality. In such a lovely setting, sounds like that might work for you as well. 5. We bought sparklers and the kids loved them. Used tiki torches at the end, which was fun. 6. Cake was laden w/ real, fresh fruit and it was lemon w/ cream cheese icing. No ice cream, but there was raspberry sorbet. Not a drop left of any of it. 7. We didn't do the surprise bride thing. We greeted our guests before hand and had an hors' doevres (spel?) table w/ cheese, fruit, and fresh lemonade and iced tea. None of that was left, either! 8. Finally, my dear husband and I walked up the "aisle" together, after our parents and my sister and his best friend. This, I think, was the best part--it symbolized our equal relationship, our adult status and it just felt really powerful all at the same time. 9. Oh, in Pennsylvania, at least, you can marry yourselves. It's based on the belief that the Quakers had that noone stood between you and God. As long as the marriage is witnessed, you don't need a preacher. We had a friend conduct the ceremony, but we allowed the "marrying" to happen in a moment of silence. This was also very, very powerful and quite spiritual, since we were so closely connected to out-of-doors. 10. Oh, and one more thing, we had a string quartet from the local college and it made ALL the difference in the world. If that's not possible, think about having someone play guitar or something. I read in a Martha book that live music makes the difference and it does. Skimp on something else, but go for the live music if you can. And involve the audience. They loved the hymn singing, etc. 11.Oh, sorry, one more thing. Our wedding came at a very difficult time. My brother had died just a few months earlier. We made a point of honoring all of those in our families who were there with us in spirit, but not in person. This did not take away from the joy, only made it more poignant and moving. It is reality, with us "mature" brides, that some of our family members may no longer be present. We had a small table w/ their pictures on it under the heirloom apple tree that served as our altar. That we decorated w/ just a basket filled w/ aforementioned roses and just a bit of tulle to hide the rope that held it in the tree. Enjoy the process. It's time consuming, but fun and don't let anyone, I mean anyone, MIL, DM, SIL, anyone, tell you that it should be different. This is your one (or in our case, two) time in your life when you can do it how you want it.
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texanjana
10 years ago
Beautiful, what a wonderful gift.
Fun2BHere
10 years ago
Absolutely breathtaking!
blfenton
10 years ago
WOW.
busybee3
10 years ago
very nice!! what does it look like at the 'top' where it will attach to the comb?
is the initial for her 1st name, her maiden name or her husband to be's last name???
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone. I feel a tad lonely as the veil has been my constant companion since Nov. when I started it. It has been a tremendous learning for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it. It has also allowed me to feel close to Mom as I know, if she were still here, she'd have been all over this thing. I feel so honored that I've been able to participate in the wedding in this special way.

The veil will just be gathered to a comb. The bride has yet to decide her hairstyle and what else she'll do. I'm either going to have to figure out a way to bustle it for her for the reception, or she may choose to have a rhinestone hair ornament separate from the veil and then take the veil off for the reception....it is long and will be in her way and it can get torn. Her Mom's was a cathedral length and was too badly ripped from being worn during the reception for us to use for this wedding.

Both the bride's and groom's first name begins with "J".
Oakley
10 years ago
Wow Annie! I haven't seen such intricate work since my late MIL was alive. You were blessed with patience, something I know nothing about. lol.

Beautiful!
badgergal
10 years ago
That is stunning. My daughter was married 2 years ago and I never thought about making her veil. I am detail oriented but I think a veil like you made would have been way beyond my capabilities. You deserve much more than a pat on the back for that work of art. Hope you will post pictures of the bride wearing the veil.
yayagal
10 years ago
Gorgeous work, just brilliant, in every way.
dedtired
10 years ago
So beautiful. How long will it be?
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you all for the kind words. Most appreciated.

dedtired, it is cathedral length so it will hook to the back of her head and the design will be on the floor beyond her 22" long train...
awm03
10 years ago
How elegant! Beautiful job. I can imagine how happy the bride will be and how proud you will be!
golddust
10 years ago
Stunning! I'm speechless. Can't imagine making that by hand. You are so talented.
Bethpen
10 years ago
It is absolutely elegant. Such a wonderful gift.

Beth p
User
10 years ago
That is beautiful. Great job!
tuesday_2008
10 years ago
All I can say is "That is one beautiful creation!"
neetsiepie
10 years ago
Love the initial. I bought my DD a plain veil with a blusher and I'm going to add beading around the edges, but I feel like I want to do something extra-maybe I'll ask her if she wants mongrams on it.

She found her incredibly perfect dress a couple weeks ago, and tried on a veil with the dress, it had crystal beads along the edges and was so pretty, but she didn't care for the beads-so I told her I'd hand bead hers for her-just not sure yet if we're going to add color or just clear-she doesn't want crystals, just seed beads.

This bride will be so honored, I'm sure. Beautiful job.
cat_mom
10 years ago
That looks absolutely beautiful! Lucky bride-to-be!
cooperbailey
10 years ago
Just so lovely, and will look stunning as the bride walks down the aisle.
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Pesky, I'm not very experienced (1 veil) but if you have any questions, feel free to ask...I'll help however I can.

I'm so disappointed that I won't be going to the wedding now to see the bride go down the aisle in her veil....we are taking a river cruise on the Danube for our 35th anniv and the ONLY reservation that was available for the ENTIRE YEAR was on the day of the wedding. We booked so late because we weren't free to travel as long as our cat was with us, given all his problems.
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Veil has been officially turned over to the bride. I went to another fitting with her yesterday and the veil looks to be the right length, so it's done.

Her dress has a number of pieces to it. She has a tulle overskirt with a long train for the wedding:

Then for the reception, she can take off the tulle and she has a satin underskirt. I had to design a way to bustle the veil so it would be out of her way if she wanted to wear the veil for at least part of the reception.

It doesn't show in any of these pics, but here is a picture (not on her dress) of the belt she's wearing with her dress:

So the design on the veil had to be strong enough to stand up to the sparkle in the belt and the fullness of the skirt. The lighting at the bridal shop is very good, so I took a close up of the beading on the veil as it shows some of the spark. I think it will serve her well.

So sorry I won't be there to see it....but maybe it's better that way....otherwise I could see myself chasing her around the church and the reception being a mother hen to her veil!
gsciencechick
10 years ago
Stunning! I love it all!
Bethpen
10 years ago
Annie, it is absolutely gorgeous! What a generous gift.

Beth P.
busybee3
10 years ago
really pretty... and i love the long length!
ellendi
10 years ago
Thanks for sharing the complete story of this veil!
mitchdesj
10 years ago
Very pretty, thanks for sharing those with us, it completes the story !!!
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
That is beautiful! It's very reminiscent of my wedding veil (sans the sparkles), which I made a little over 35 years ago. The lace is also very similar. That was very generous of you--I hope she treasures it for many years to come.
theroselvr
10 years ago
Beautiful!
morz8 - Washington Coast
10 years ago
That's what I was waiting for. I was reading through the posts following the photo and planning to ask for an additional photo when the wedding takes place. I hadn't thought about the opportunity with a fitting - it's beautiful. No, it's stunning. Thanks so much for sharing what it looks like with the dress and on the bride! It's gorgeous without being overstated, and my guess is there is a lot of love sewn in ;)
pammyfay
10 years ago
I'm tearing up! I'm such a sentimental wuss sometimes.
It's lovely -- I'm sure she'll treasure it.
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for all the kind words and compliments. I'm not sure how much love went into the veil...that's hard to measure... but I know it was a lot of time and sweat and nervousness and creativity and fear and learning and drudge and driving and shopping and thinking and googling and library books and joy and excitement and pride and practice. All sorts of wonderful things. A real learning experience and so much fun to work with beautiful things like beads and crystals and rhinestones and lace, and of course a beautiful bride. But an experience humbled by the knowledge that I could've been replaced by a 12 yr old Chinese girl who would've worked on it during 14 hr days, 6 days a week and gotten it done lickety split!

I'm glad it came out well, I'm glad the bride loves it, but most of all, I'm glad I got it done without any rips or stains or blood or other major accidents...nothing got caught in the machine, it didn't get closed in a door, the iron didn't melt it, and the cat didn't pee on it....I got it to her safe and sound.

Now it's her problem!
;)
ILoveRed
10 years ago
I'm stunned. Beautiful. I hope the bride will let you post a picture from the wedding.
kellienoelle
10 years ago
That is really beautiful Annie. Any bride would be proud to wear that down the aisle. I hope she appreciates all the work and attention that went into making such a special piece.
Olychick
10 years ago
It really is gorgeous and the bustling of it ingenious. I never would have imagined to do that, but what a great idea and beautiful design you came up with.
User
10 years ago
Wow! ..............Just Wow!! That is so beautiful!! I was okay looking at it until the fitting with the bride then tears. How absolutely gorgeous.
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you so much...your kind words are most appreciated!

I've been doing alterations on clothing I've purchased for our upcoming vacation, but it just isn't as much fun as playing with all the bling on the veil....

I'll have to see if I can dig up another bride!
:)
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Not the professional photos, of course, but bride sent me a pic from one of the guests of the veil in action. I was so pleased to see it...so sorry I couldn't be there, but glad it worked so well for her.
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
10 years ago
That is just lovely beyond words, Annie! She must have felt like the most beautiful bride in the world and I am sure she will save it for her daughter or granddaughter some day. What a treasure.
chickadee2_gw
10 years ago
It looks beautiful. Annie!
golddust
10 years ago
Magical in a way I don't usually know magical, generally. Stunning, in fact. Great job! I
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks guys....I'm so anxious to see the professional photos now!

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