Leslie Swan 3/22/19 Leslie Swan 3/22/19

Ethical Wedding Planning: 5 MORE American Made Wedding Dress (designers)

When I started researching this topic, it was hard to find brands that were designed and manufactured 100% in the USA, but after weeks of looking I was was thrilled to find as many as I did.

When I started researching this topic, it was hard to find brands that were designed and manufactured 100% in the USA, but after weeks of looking I was was thrilled to find as many as I did. See Part 1 here

In this post, I present to you five more American wedding dress designers that make their gowns in small scale productions throughout United States. I would be absolutely thrilled to see my brides rock these amazing and diverse looks! Throughout my search, I have been pleasantly surprised to see so many affordable dresses- there are of course beautiful pieces of art costing over $3000 as well- but many of my favorite styles are under $1500. Most modern brides spend at least this much on their gown, so as a consumer it’s nice to know that your money is supporting ethical production.

Without further ado here are five more American Wedding Dress designers.

1. CHRISTY DAWN: Los Angeles, California

Christi Dawn gowns are effortlessly stunning. The company is committed to helping solve the problems of the fashion industry. They only use deadstock: the residual fabrics left over from major fashion houses. Instead of ending up in landfill, they repurpose the materials for their collection.

Price Range: $388 - $1800

Availability: In stock

“Every Christy Dawn piece is made by local artisans in Downtown Los Angeles, sewn with longevity in mind. We use deadstock fabric as to minimize our environmental footprint, and instead of creating thousands of garments at a time, we sew a limited number of pieces, numbering every dress we make. It is no coincidence that Christy Dawn’s way of doing business closely resembles that of a dressmaker living in Placerville, CA a hundred years ago. It’s my intention to create vintage inspired pieces that speak of quality and craftsmanship. I hope you enjoying wearing the dresses as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them. With love, Christy Dawn”

2. VICTORIA + FITZ: San Juan Capistrano, California

Victoria and Fitz dresses are handmade in California for “bridechillas”. The name of their company comes from the owner Dana’s grandmothers- “two lovely women had style, lots of love to give, and banging personalities”- which is definitely the vibe the women who rock these dresses have. Their newest line Modern romantics features feminine, sexy designs for the modern bride.

Price Range: $495- $3200

Availability: Made-to-order

“Victoria & Fitz came from the desire to give brides a dress they really feel connected to. A dress that makes them feel exactly how they want to feel on their wedding day. One that expresses their uniqueness and that comes from a brand who values and admires the same things as she does. We want our brides to have fun in our dresses. To dance barefoot under the moonlight or express their vows in the grandeur of the forest. This bride is subtly sexy, admires the great outdoors, and has an itch for travel. She enjoys books in the park, coffee in historic cities, and beers on mountain tops.”

3. LEANNE MARSHALL: New York City

Leanne Marshall Gowns are pieces of celestial clouds in dress form. Each gown is made in New York City by hand. Leanne uses so many unique design elements- unique high fashion silhouettes, hand dyed organza, and billowing skirts. If you want an incredibly high end and manufactured ethically, Leanne’s gowns are for you.

Price Range: $1298- $4320

Availability: made to order, 20 weeks

“ The Leanne Marshall Brand is a staple for the bride who wants a dress that will showcase, not overshadow, her beauty. Attention to high quality standards, proper flattering fits and silhouettes, and her unique ethereal approach to bridal have made Leanne a go-to for the modern bride. “

4. TARA LYNN: Vermont

Each Tara Lynn gown is made by the designer herself in Vermont. She carries many of her own unique designs, as well as offering very personal custom designs. Tara gets to know each of her brides to ensure she creates their dream dress. I love how she features stunning hand embroidery, and based on her portfolio she could do anything! Tara’s gowns are inspired by her love of nature, and definitely cater to the eco-minded bride as she strives for sustainability in every step of her creation process.

Price Range: $800 - 7000

Availability: made to order and custom order

“In the mountains of Vermont, surrounded by a lifelong collection of colorful vintage fabrics, lace, beads, buttons and trim, designer Tara Lynn works by hand and on vintage sewing machines to create one-of-a-kind wedding gowns from natural, organic and re-purposed fibers—gowns that are custom made for clients throughout the U.S. and around the world.”

Custom Heirloom Dress, photos by Jared Willis

5. SIMKA SOL: Southern Maine

The Ecru Gown $689, photo by Meghan Stempel

Simka Sol: As a Maine wedding photographer, I have to include Simka sol on this list of American Dress Designers! They currently only have one wedding dress option and it is a bohemian dream. Sara, the designer uses organic and american milled fabrics, prints her own designs, and sews all the garments herself. You can have a Maine made wedding dress for your Maine wedding!

Price Range: $689

Availability: Made to order

“Sara drifted away from conventional manufacturing to house the designing, printing and sewing all under one roof. Using ecofriendly inks and sun exposed screens she strives to create a more sustainable, truly handmade product. Every item in the shop is handmade in my home studio, from the skirts, to the scarves. Each item's process is completed by my hands and each product is special and unique.”

I hope this list helps you find a dress that you feel good in and good about!

With Care,

Leslie Swan, The Maine Coast Wedding Photographer

Leslie Swan 3/16/19 Leslie Swan 3/16/19

Ethical Wedding Planning: 5 Amazing American Wedding Dress Designers

As an American wedding photographer an small business owner, I like to buy American and shop small whenever I can. I am married to an American maker- Black Swan Handmade - who strives to keep high quality, American goods available. I know the struggle of both ends of buying and making in America.

When it comes to your wedding dress, you have an abundance of choices, but finding ethically manufactured gowns can be difficult. I am very grateful to work with many brides who want to make ethical and eco friendly choices when it comes to wedding planning, and I want to help that effort. Here I have compiled a list of beautiful, modern brands and designers that live and create wedding gowns in small scale design shops here in the United States. You can look amazing and know #whomadeyourclothes!

1.MARTIN McCREA: Tuscon, Arizona

Martin McCrea Couture gowns have true goddess status. They are truly elegant and simple with a vintage flair. Each of their gowns is hand made with love by their artisan seamstresses in Tuscon, Arizona. They truly care about ethical production- all of their fabrics are sourced from Fair-trade practicing importers, and only use conflict- free materials. They also want you to be able to order with confidence: all of their dresses are fully refundable within 10 days of receipt. You can also send your dress back to them for alterations.

Price Range: $750- $1895

Availability: In stock, made-to-order, and custom

“When you purchase one of our wedding gowns, you can take pride in knowing that your dress was handcrafted with superlative artistry and elegance, delivering you a wedding gown with character and originality. We guarantee that your wedding dress will reflect passion and dedication, pillars of our métier.”

2. DREAMERS AND LOVERS: Torrance, California

Clover Crochet Wedding Dress $1,435+ , photo by For Love and Light

DREAMERS AND LOVERS gowns are handmade in California. D & L provides a vast array of bohemian style gowns that feature gorgeous crochet, lace, and sheer fabrics. I wish I’d known about this brand when I got married! The designer wanted to offer stylish, comfortable, elegant dresses for laid-back brides that have not been available in the traditional bridal gowns. They even have an amazing loan me option- that lets you try 3 of the gowns on at home before you decide which gown is right for you.

Price Range: $585 to $2499

Availability: made-to-measure

“My efforts have since blossomed into a creative collaboration by a team of like-minded, passionate professionals and we’ve expanded operations to include a full-scale creative studio and showroom where our brides-to-be can come to feel both welcomed and understood. Our boho-chic dresses, simplistic and romantic, are all designed and handmade by us in our own creative studio. They are designs which we ourselves, all laid-back ladies, would be happy to order and be 100% comfortable wearing.”

3. WEAR YOUR LOVE: Northern California

WEAR YOUR LOVE: All of their gowns are made from start to finish in their Northern California studio. Their missions to make wedding dress shopping modern, ethical, and affordable. They strive to beautiful gowns that are truly comfortable by using organic cotton or soft bamboo.

Price Range: $600- $2080

Availability: made-to-measure

“... And because nature is my greatest inspiration (as well as my first true love), most of our dresses are made with a portion of eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics, like ultra soft bamboo and lush organic cotton. I truly adore all things organic; as in, “of life” and “free of the artificial”, just like Wear Your Love brides, and just like true love. xoxo, jillian Leigh”

Paris Dress, $860, photo by Kahaia Condie

4. DACI GOWNS: Boise, Idaho

DACI GOWNS are designed and lovingly stitched in Boise, Idaho. Her gowns are romantic and vintage inspired, yet are fitted and flattering. Many of their designs have multiple looks. Daci encourages brides to reach out to them about customizing her designs, because she wants to make your dream dress.

Price Range: $1700 - $4000

Availability: in stock and made-to-measure

“My journey designing dresses started after studying fashion design at a major European Arts University. Since then I have been creating custom wedding gowns for over twenty years. It has been a dream fulfilled to create lasting memories for hundreds of brides with my unique style guiding the process. My 'Daci Gowns' embody the spirit of a romantic, adventurous bride. I am happy to be a part of this special time with you. Love, Daci”

5. FRENCH KNOT COUTURE: Whidbey Island, Washington

FRENCH KNOT COUTURE: Lots of my brides have worn short dresses in the past year- especially the ones that want to go on adventures, and French knot provides gorgeous American made options. Their gowns are made by a team of two sister-seamstresses specializing in unique wedding dresses in silks, floral prints and other specialty fabrics. They make all of our dresses by hand in their studio on Whidbey Island.

Price Range: $375- $950

Availability: in stock, made-to-measure

“I am Colleen, the owner of French Knot. Together with my sister, Dorothy, we design and sew some very unique bridal designs. Our goal is to bring high quality wedding dresses to brides who want something a little different.”

Leslie Swan 3/8/19 Leslie Swan 3/8/19

Five Magical Coastal Maine Elopement Spots

There are so many breathtaking seaside spots to elope in Maine it can be hard to choose! Here are some of my favorite spots in the state to photograph elopements. I recommend visiting the spots ahead of time if you can to find a location that feels right for you and your fiancé. When planning your elopement (for all these locations and elsewhere) make sure to contact the proper Park authority for permission/permitting. Happy Eloping!

Spring Point Lighthouse

Spring Point Lighthouse is tucked away in South Portland, and is a picturesque place to elope in Maine. The sea air surrounds you and makes you feel like you are at the edge of the earth, yet it is so close to the city. There are three perfect ceremony spots. There is the Fort Preble Bunker that provides an above view of the lighthouse and sea. The field right in front of the lighthouse is a wonderful panoramic spot with sea surrounding you, and if you are worried about rain, just a quick walk away is the All Faiths Chapel which is tiny, and charming. See Anthony and Alicia’s wedding here.

2.Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a popular tourist destination due to its adorable shops and village, idyllic harbor views, pristine beach, and beautiful homes. The village is peppered with cozy b and b’s, and inns that make it a perfect elopement destination. Many inns have beautiful gardens for ceremonies, and then of course there is the beach for a romantic place to say I do that is close to town.

3. Fort Allen Park, Portland, Maine

Looking for a private spot in Portland to elope? Fort Allen Park is a little known spot in Portland’s East End. You can enjoy the vista of east end then walk down to the water via foot paths. Even in the peak of summer you can go down to the rocks by the sea at Fish Point and barely anyone will be around. Amy and Ben had their secret elopement their last summer, and it was absolutely perfect.

4. Reid State Park

If you are looking for a Midcoast Maine elopement destination, Reid State Park has an incredible landscape- where beach, rocky coast, and conifers abound. The Park has 770 acres of wild coast land and makes for a romantic, private elopement location. See Amy and Jon’s Reid State Park Wedding photos here.

5. Acadia National Park

Bass Harbor Head Light, NPS Photo by Kent Miller — *Bass Harbor Head Light,* NPS Photo by Kent Miller

Acadia National Park is the best known gem in Maine, and an unbelievably beautiful piece of land and sea. If I could get married again, I would probably do it here. You can do a small hike and get the best of both worlds- mountains and oceanscape in the same vista. There are so many amazing pots to elope- the forest, the beach, or even a mountaintop overlooking the ocean. I would love to shoot an elopement on top of Cadillac Mountain! You can drive to the mountaintop, but there are other spectacular spots if you dream of hiking to your elopement ceremony.