The fabulous core members of Wedding Hive worked feverishly to pull together what turned out to be a truly enchanted night buzzing with the excitement of newly engaged couples, curious passers by and many new and old Hive clients/friends. The turnout was just wonderful!

Not only was the show a great time, but I had a serious blast cutting, pasting and all out crafting my magical woodland/vintage inspired table! I’m not sure if it translates in the photos, but there are various birds and furry creatures placed throughout the scene made out of book pages and white glass…I mean, how much more Melissa can you get?? I also gave myself a bit of a personal challenge; to showcase as much of my work as I could while remaining ‘unplugged’. What fun!

Here I am chatting with one of my adorable visitors — note the expression of the sweet woman looking at my Bliss Book…makes me happy.

And though I stayed glued to my table for most of the night it was fortuitously positioned right next to the runway so ‘no way, Jose’ was I going to skip capturing the splendid fashions of Gown Gallery, Janay A. Handmade, Ornamental Petal and Meadowbelle Market!

Look closely….I do believe that is the beautiful Lea Collins of Monkey Wrench Clothing modeling for Ornamental Petal ( left half of image below!)

Janay Andrews trailing her beautiful runway show. She is so cute! (below..)

And just to give you an idea of the turnout – look at all of the people!!

I am so lucky to have found such an amazing group of artists that also happen to be in the wedding industry. Wedding Hive has made it so much fun to find new and interesting clients and friends to work with. 2010 is going to kick some serious behind and I owe so much of it to the darling Hive.

I can’t wait to hear what the 2011 theme is going to be!!!

In my quest to help you create the best wedding experiences possible as well as get to know the wedding haps my new hometown, I’ve come across a very talented dress designer and new friend named Janay Andrews of Janay A. Handmade.

Janay created Janay A. Handmade in 2005 and has since become a wildly creative wedding dress and separates designer with a studio in Kansas City, MO. and is also a founding member of Wedding Hive – yet another fantastic resource for the more creative Kansas City couple.

I was given the opportunity to visit her studio last week while she was working on reconstructing a vintage dress. The dress was the bride’s grandmother’s dress and I wish I could show you what it looked like, but to be fair to her bride’s, Janay will not publicize her designs until after their wedding! (Don’t fret! Stay tuned – in the near future Janay and I will be putting together a bridal fashion shoot!!)

One thing I noticed when looking at her reconstruction work first-hand is that Janay has a knack for taking the dated designs of dresses past and creating a fresh style perfect for the fashion forward bride. Each dress element from satin roses to silver metallic buttons is thoroughly considered for re-appropriation and ‘wham-o!’ a playful and personal style sensitive piece of art is born!

In lieu of her request, I’ve compiled a collage of dress details (not completes) shown below…

I was particularly excited about the bead work on the bust of this dress…

Janay A. Handmade’s love and focus is on custom gowns and bridal separates with unexpected moments such as subtle patterned lining, colorful ribbons hiding in the bustle and most of all organic fabrics. Her work can be found in boutiques across the US!

Honestly, I could go on and on but wouldn’t you rather hear more about Janay in her own words? Below is a short Q&A to give you just a taste of the fabulous Janay A!

Describe the artistic path you took to become Janay A. Handmade in one sentence.
I wanted to create in 3-D, loved textiles, and was intrigued by shapes
and how they came together in a pattern to adorn the woman’s body; so
it was an organic extension of myself.

When it comes to your bridal creations what would you say is your specialty? What other bridal services do you offer?
Custom Gowns and Organic, Ready-to-wear Bridal Separates to mix,
match, and flatter.  I also take on creative alterations and custom
women’s and men’s wear by commission. Not your grandmothers cut and
sew.

here are a few more handmade creations offered by Janay…

When custom creating a dress for a bride-to-be, what is the thought process you go through and how is your client involved?
For Custom Gowns, First, I like to meet and experience the person’s style.
The bride and I talk about concepts and favorite details for the gown
together and I create a sketch for approval. Then I create a muslin
pattern dress version, and they try it on for size and approve the
style.  Then it’s created in the actual fabric.

Throughout the process, the bride and I edit and accessorize to
complete the entire look in tandem.  Sometimes the gown changes during
the process, always for the better.  It’s a very fluid process.

What is the toughest (as well as the most exciting/gratifying) part of the bridal design industry?
Production has been getting my goat lately.  To produce ethically I am
currently employing local seamstress for the ready-to-wear collection.
Taking that to the next level is difficult.

It is mind-blowing and inspiring the awareness of handmade and
organic clothing that is beginning.  Handmade Revolution!

And finally, describe yourself in 3 words!
Inspired, Colorful, Quirky

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I’m happy to have met one of the sweetest and most creative people in Kansas City and to honor my new found friend I’ve decided to offer a 15% discount to any bride-to-be that is so smart as to choose Janay A. Handmade to create or recreate her dress!! It’s the least I could do.

On that note I will leave you with Janay, boyfriend Kevin and their adorable pup…