Leather & Lace: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Written by: Val Rasmussen

It’s a nice day for a white wedding, don’t you think? Chunky chains, cutout clothes and big hair are getting rave reviews on today’s runways. No wonder the 1980s decade of leather and lace is having an impact on the wedding world. Inspired by the kitschy fads from the ‘80s—hair bands, pixelated video games and cassette tapes—the creative team of Brynn Larsen of Blooms & Co. and Michelle Frampton of Miesh Photography amps the volume of the era with a modern-day twist.

Held on the 40th anniversary of the Rubik’s cube, this photo shoot showcases how past fads collide with modern day glamor. “We took the edge of the ‘80s, but made it current,” Meish says. “We glammed up a look that might otherwise be goofy.” She partnered with Larsen to show brides that edge and elegance can coexist. “It seems like every wedding style has been the same for three years,” Larsen adds. “It’s fun to go out on a limb and do your own thing.”

Beware: The line between retro cool and ‘80s tacky is dangerously thin. If you’re a quirky bride dancing to the beat of her own drummer but aren’t quite sure how to throw a rock ‘n’ roll wedding that’s brilliant with style and classy with taste, this dynamic duo has some tips for you.

Go for Gold

How can a designer avoid a gaudy Technicolor flashback? “Spray it gold,” Larsen says with a laugh. A monochromatic palette punctuated with pops of green and gold serves as the backdrop. “If we had used too much of the ‘80s colors, it could go bad fast,” Miesh says. “We thought about using silver, but gold is so in now.” In everything from flatware to accessories, heavy gold elevates the warmth and richness of the scene.

Remember the Classics

“One way to add class is with white flowers,” Larsen says. She used white blooms including hydrangeas, roses, and carnations—oh yes, carnations—to shape a more traditional wedding look. White table linens and white walls create the ideal canvas for the pops of green from ferns, exploding grass and papyrus. “And cascading bouquets are totally ‘80s,” she says of the teardrop-shaped bridal bouquet.

Add a Little Kitsch

There’s never been a better time to embrace a mix of low and high-end items. Splurge on fashion and flowers to keep the look upscale, but pad your budget with DIY decor like spraying a Rubik’s cube (bought from Wal-Mart) with gold or constructing ornaments out of straws (”borrowed” during several trips to 7-11). Additionally, a pop art print punctuates the look as a reminder of the punk era.

Find it Underground

Avoid the mall altogether. Shop local and shop where no one else would think to. “We went where you can buy a nice wedding outfit, and we made them even more unique to the ‘80s by accessorizing,” says fashionista Miesh. The Chalk Garden Co-Op outfitted the bridesmaids in varying styles, yet used the same palette of cream and black to maintain a cohesive look. Meanwhile, the groom’s garb comes from downtown suit shop, Beckett & Robb.

Soften the Edge

Find that balance between breaking the rules and keeping it cool. Crimping hair wasn’t just hot in the ‘80s. “Crimping is making a comeback in the fashion world,” says Miesh, who was schooled by the hair and makeup team from Enizio. “They wanted the texture of the crimping without it being too crunchy.”

Break the Rules

Most rebels will tell you rules are meant to be broken. And we agree. While one bridesmaid tucks a tunic dress into a pair of tuxedo pants, the others are outfitted with heavy belts and chains. “The chains and lace were a big Madonna influence,” Miesh says. The bride dons two off-the-rack, one-of-kind looks from dressmaker Hart of the Mountain. The party look features a strapless pearlized corset and laser-cut skirt; the ceremony look flaunts an add-on tulle skirt that Velcros under the corset.

Pick Your Poison, Place, Paper and Pastries

Call on local mixologists like the boys of Bar X to stir up trouble with a custom wedding cocktail. For this scene in the upstairs art gallery of South Temple’s Mod A Go Go consignment shop, Peter Loves Jane stationers hand painted the invites adding dollops of gold inside the groovy, square pattern. “It was amazing,” Miesh says of the invites. Finally, outfit your cake like the duo did here. A black crystal candleholder tops the tiered cake by Cake-A-Licious that designed the dice-inspired perforated edging and the Wall Street-looking columns.

Credits:

Flowers: Blooms & Co. 

Photography: Miesh Photography

Hair and makeup: Studio Enizio

Cocktail: Bar X, SLC

Bride’s ring: O.C. Tanner Jewelers

Black Crystal candleholder: O.C. Tanner Jewelers

Bride’s Dress: Hart of the Mountain

Ladies’ shoes: Solestruck

Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds

Groom’s suit: Beckett & Robb