Merry Christmas

Today is the last in the office and stores for the KWH team and we are so excited to spend the afternoon celebrating together.  During this time we will not be posting anything on the blog till we return on Tuesday 4th January, 2001 but we can guarantee 2011 will be jam packed with posts of our Real Brides, New Collections, Style Tips, Vendor Recommendations and Inspiration!

[image by beau ideal editions]

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year with your family and friends and we look forward to showing you our new website in the New Year!

Karen Willis Holmes Head Office and Couture is closed from 12pm Friday 17^th December 2010 and will reopen 9am, Tuesday 4^th January.

Karen Willis Holmes – Sydney is closed from 12pm, Friday 17^th December 2010 and will 

reopen 10:30am, Tuesday 4^th January.

Karen Willis Holmes – Melbourne is closed from 5:30pm Friday 17^th December 2010 and will 

reopen 10am, Tuesday 4^th January.

Real Wedding... Valeria and Ryan

We love receiving photos from our brides of their wedding day and yesterday we received these images from photographer Raoul Tackelburg that we want to share with you all.

Valeria and Ryan married on the 4^th December, 2010 at the stunning Japanese Gardens in Darling Harbour.  Valeria chose our ‘Velvet Ribbon Bodice’ featuring an organza wrapped bodice with velvet ribbon detail and our A-line ‘Alice Skirt’.  She finished off her look with pearl drop earrings, pearl bracelet and a fascinator with a netted veil.

Raoul slips quietly amongst the wedding party and guests allowing them to be themselves and capturing candid moments of love, happiness and fun.  The images he captures are timeless, artistic and above all honest.

Congratulations Valeria and Ryan!

For more information check out Raoul’s website - www.raoul.com.au

Studio 107, 3 Gladstone Street

Newtown NSW 2042

Ph/Fax: +61 (0)2 9550 3030

Email: raoul@raoul.com.au

Real Wedding... Melissa and Danny

Today we are happy to share with you our Real Bride Melissa and Danny’s wedding.

  Mel recalls how her co-worker and Danny’s brother in law Ming brought the two together, “Danny had just moved up to Sydney so Ming asked me if I could do him a favor and take Danny around. Little did I know he was actually setting me up.”

After about a year of dating Danny proposed on a sunny afternoon in Balmain.  After a romantic lunch, the couple went for a walk along the shoreline and Danny got down on bended knee and proposed with a ring he had designed himself. “I initially thought he was joking and threatened to punch him. But when he took out the ring I realised he wasn't joking and happily accepted.” said Mel.

The couple picked the unique date of 10.10.10 for their wedding. Cleverly, Mel says, “It would also be easy for Danny to remember our anniversaries”.

The ceremony and reception were held at Curzon Hall, a magnificent sandstone manor set upon two acres of manicured gardens, A perfect setting for the bride’s inspiration of classical old charm style.

Mel found her perfect gown from Karen Willis Holmes on the suggestion of her friend, Liz who recently left the KWH team to move to London. 

Accompanied by Liz and her sister Melody, Mel only tried on 3 gowns at the Paddington ready to wear store before she found the one – our Ribbon Corset with detailed top stitch ribbon and Margot Skirt.  Mel had her princess moment and especially loved the tulle skirt.  Mel finished off her look with shoes from Wanted and a cathedral length veil that her sister had worn on her wedding day.

Mel’s sister and best friends served as bridesmaids and wore floor length, blush gowns from Sheike.  The groomsmen, Danny’s friends from university all looked dapper in suits by All the Rage.

Mel ordered gorgeous bouquets of ranunculus for all the bridal party.  Her sister’s stationery company ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ provided all the stationery including wedding invitation and place cards for the couple.  Trish at Tealily photography took these stunning shots during the day.  We particularly love the bird’s eye shot of the couple!  They used White Creation to capture the special moments on film and the ceremony was officiated by Lillian Lyons.

“I just wanted say a big thank you to KWH for making the dress of my dreams. I received so many compliments about the dress, both on the day and in photos. It truly was the most beautiful dress and is something I will treasure forever.” - Melissa 

Karen and the whole KWH team would like to wish everyone a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

With the silly season upon us, it is time to decorate the Christmas tree, hang up the lights and enjoy the company of family and friends.  With this in mind our Head Office and Ready to Wear Stores will be closed during the following times:

Sydney Head Office and Couture Store:

Last day of trade for 2010  - Friday 17^th December 

(until 12pm)

OPEN from 9:00am, Tuesday 4^th January, 2011

Sydney Ready to Wear Store – Paddington:

Last day of trade for 2010  - Friday 17^th December 

(until 12pm)

OPEN from 10:30am, Tuesday 4^th January, 2011

Melbourne Ready to Wear Store – Melbourne:

Last day of trade for 2010  - Friday 17^th December 

(until 5:30pm)

OPEN from 10:00am, Tuesday 4^th January, 2011

We at Karen Willis Holmes are looking forward to an exciting 2011!

Love Karen xx