Wedding Dress Designer: Jannelle Olmstead & Something Else Studio
Interview by Grace Sydney

Are you considering Renaissance touches to your wedding? Designer Jannelle Olmstead of Something Else Studio helps brides bring their dreams to life with wedding dresses which reflect a bride's own interests and personalitiy, whether that means Renaissance, New Age, or something in between. Read our interview with Jannelle (photo, right) and then check out our two photo galleries to view some of her wedding dress designs.

Theme weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Why do you feel that so many of today's brides are turning to the past for inspiration?

I believe brides are looking for a more meaningful and personal experience in their weddings. The traditional wedding still holds the elements brides come to expect, like the white wedding gowns and lots of sparkle. But, along with the cookie cutter wedding formulas come a backlash for a more unique experience. Maybe the interest in New Age insights blended with old world traditions has sparked the imaginations of many young people. Historical re-enactment groups and renaissance festivals provide a natural starting point for couples looking for inspiration.

What advice would you give to brides searching for a medieval gown that is both flattering to her particular body shape and will capture her own unique spirit?

The best advice I can give a bride is to be as comfortable in her gown as she can be. Not all historical styles need to have steel re-enforced boning, as breathing is not optional. With the long flowing vertical lines of my medieval gowns, brides in all sizes can feel as beautiful as they look! I have selected historical styles that a modern bride can be comfortable wearing and not sacrifice the sparkle of modern bridal fabrics.

I find the traditional sleeveless wedding gown with a huge puffy full skirt not to be an attractive look on all brides. What seems to suit are the long vertical lines that can bring the eye from a bride’s lovely smile all the way down to her flowing train. Another complement is color, as white tends to make you very pale, the addition of rich color accents from gold’s to deep blues puts the glow back into a brides face!

How can a Renaissance theme be carried over to the other members of the bridal party, from the bridesmaids to the ring bearer and flower girl?

One of the strangest traditions has been to wrap up your bridesmaids in matching outfits. As one style doesn’t suit all body shapes, it almost never matches your friend’s personality either. In days of old, people would wear their best outfits (something they planned to wear again) and the odds of all of them showing up in the same outfit was very small! I think your maids are unique individuals and should be tied together with a color theme and flowers only! This is also true for groomsmen. But most men don’t voluntarily wear flowers, so they can add the theme colors to their clothing, caps or cloak choices. Another fun idea is to have a personal tapestry banner made with your official colors, then have the ring pillow and flower girl’s basket lined in the matching fabrics. Follow this up with a matching runner for the wedding table.

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photos courtesy Something Else Studios