“Sadaf got my jacket to me in such a timely manner and her custom box just makes you feel so special - like a celebrity - when you open it.”
Bride, Ryanne Stieler
Swept up in a cloud of love, Ryanna Stieler and Joshua Sikich tied the knotenveloped amongst the trailing vines of a Canadian winery, her shimmering For The Love Of Pearls’ Wife Of The Party denim jacket catching the light as she celebrated in style.
The couple exchanged vows in a charming winery wedding ceremony and cool tent reception in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, amongst beloved friends and family.With a wedding theme of “Something Blue”, not only were their guests encouraged to don the bridal hue in a multitude of varying shades to match, but Ryanne’s beautifully designed Wife Of The Party denim jacket fit right in in all its glittering glory. We caught up with Ryanne to discover everything from how her FTLOP jacket made her feel on her wedding day, to the celebrity wedding she loved and who threw the best moves on the dance floor…
Name: Ryanne Stieler (now Ryanne Stieler-Sikich) and Joshua Sikich
Wedding Date: June 4, 2022
FTLOP Piece: Wife of the Party Pearl Denim Jacket
Photography: Nicky Kay Creative/@nickikay
#1 Tell us a little about your bridal style? What kind of vibe were you going for for the aisle?
“My bridal style could be described as elegant and romantic. I knew I was getting married at a winery, and knew I really wanted to stick with the simple elegant style of the beautiful vineyard. When I purchased my wedding dress, I loved the idea of running through the vineyard at sunset, like something out of the Taylor Swift"Love Story" music video.”
#2 How did you style your FTLOP piece(s)? Talk us through the details...
“I wore my FTLOP jean jacket through the majority of my reception due to the temperature getting cooler at night. My wedding dress was a Nicole Milano dress, from their Nicole Colet collection, in ivory, that was purchased at ItsYour Day Bridal in Lasalle, Ontario Canada. My hairpiece and dangly earrings were also purchased at Its Your Day Bridal, but all my other jewellery (rings, pearl earrings, bracelet and necklace) were all purchased from Peoples Jewellers. All the pearl details, in my dress and with my jewellery, complimented the jacket perfectly and it all flowed together.”
#3 How did your FTLOP item make you feel on the BIG DAY?
“My jacket made me truly feel like the life of the party at my reception! It was such a fun compliment to my outfit, making it less formal and more fun. It made the reception itself feel more comfortable and less stuffy. We all danced the night away and I got so many compliments on the jacket and how fun and adorable it was!”
#4 Name a celebrity wedding you loved...
“I loved Sophia Bush's wedding dress, with the beautiful colourful florals and off the-shoulder details. Influencer Emily Herren Travis (@champagneandchanel) also was a favourite of mine, with her absolutely breathtaking ceremony dress with all the lace, and all the ways she incorporated her dogs into her big day.”
#5 What was your FTLOP experience like? How did you feel when your item arrived?
“I had such a great experience with FTLOP. When I ordered my jacket originally,there was a mix up and the letters for my jacket came back the wrong colour and Sadaf personally emailed me to give me an update. This just goes to show the amount of work and attention to detail she puts into every piece. If this had been a big name company mass producing this jacket, they would not have cared if a couple of the letters were a slightly different colour. Even with the delay, Sadaf got my jacket to me in such a timely manner and her custom box just makes you feel so special - like a celebrity - when you open it. The jacket is honestly the softest denim jacket I have ever owned and the quality is unmatched, even by other bridal jackets I have seen. Could not recommend FTLOP enough!”
#6 The BEST moment of your wedding day was...
“The best moment of my wedding day I think was our first look. I had been a ball of nervous excitement all morning, and had really felt tense while getting ready. I had struggled to eat, and even being surrounded by all my best friends, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiousness. The second my husband turned around and saw me in my dress, he had the biggest smile on his face and looked so handsome. All the nerves melted away and all I could think was “let's do this!" To me it really reminded me that as long as he was there beside me, I was ready to tackle anything.It also reminded me what the day was truly about, and that nothing else mattered except me and him.”
#6 The BEST moment of your wedding day was...
“The best moment of my wedding day I think was our first look. I had been a ball of nervous excitement all morning, and had really felt tense while getting ready. I had struggled to eat, and even being surrounded by all my best friends, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiousness. The second my husband turned around and saw me in my dress, he had the biggest smile on his face and looked so handsome. All the nerves melted away and all I could think was “let's do this!" To me it really reminded me that as long as he was there beside me, I was ready to tackle anything.It also reminded me what the day was truly about, and that nothing else mattered except me and him.”
#7 Will you be wearing your FTLOP piece post-wedding too? If so, how?
“I actually started a new tradition with my jacket since I got married. All my girlfriends who were also getting married, I have given the jacket to them on their wedding day so that they get to use it and take some wedding photos in it. Like The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, only it's with a bridal jean jacket. Maybe one day I'll retire it and take the letters off and just wear it with the pearls only.”
#8 How did you come across FTLOP?
“I came across FTLOP through Nicole Pellegrino on Instagram. She had purchased a custom made jacket for her own bridal events and I absolutely fell in love with the look of it and knew I wanted one for my wedding too. I loved the Wife of the Party one because I always love a good pun, and just liked the party girl feel that came with it.”
#9 The beverage of choice at your wedding was...
“My beverage of choice was Vivace Estate Wineries Arietta white wine. I also enjoyed some signature cocktails named after my cats (Noodles and Waffles), butthose ran out quickly.”
#10 Is there anything else on your FTLOP wish-list? If so, what is it?
“I love the pearl robe that just came out. I would have loved to have had it to get ready. It is so elegant and ethereal, but I had already ordered just a satin one to wear to match the ones I had got for my bridesmaids.”
#11 Who threw the best dance moves?
“I think Matt Conte was the best dancer at the wedding. He was very dedicated and even pulled off the worm on the cement patio-turned-dancefloor.”
#12 Your advice for brides-to-be...
“My advice for all brides-to-be is to take an extra moment at each change of scenery and just share a moment with your partner. I was amazed throughout the day how little time I actually got to spend with my husband. While going around and visiting with guests I often found myself wondering where he was. It happens,you visit with your guests and he visits with his. I would say maybe make a point to go around and visit some guests together, definitely do the first look or private golden hour photoshoot, maybe even a private last dance. Just soak up the moments you get to spend together since you'll be amazed at how little you will get to see your partner throughout the day. Time flies by, and before you know it, it's over.”
A big thank you to Ryanne for sharing her day and FTLOP experience.
To discover more bridal inspiration head back to the For The Love Of Pearls blog.
Shop the Wife Of The Party denim jacket and our other FTLOP designs.
Want to feature on the FTLOP blog? Get in touch on blog@fortheloveofpearls.co.uk
“My images boldly and soulfully create visual stories of tenderness, infatuation and courage."
Rebecca Frost Photography
Sometimes, when two like minded creatives meet, magic can be made. Which is just what happened when For The Love Of Pearls teamed up with inspirational boudoir photographer, Rebecca Frost Photography (AKA ‘The Boudoir Lady’).Together, with some of our most iconic, signature pearl pieces in tow and Rebecca’s talented team of handpicked creatives, a truly enchanting series of lovingly captured boudoir images arose - that will (we’re in no doubt) endlessly inspire the modern bride. Drenched in light, it’s almost as if you can feel the pure joy and confidence of our bride emanating from the frames. She moves, free and confident, completely at ease with herself and her body, celebrating her journey;her transition from bride-to-be to wife in one dreamlike frame after the other.FTLOP caught up with Rebecca of Rebecca Frost Photography to discover more about her work and the plethora of boudoir sessions she offers, not to mention why brides should definitely be adding the experience to their to-do list prewedding…
#1 Tell us more about you. Where does your love for photography stem from?
“My name is Rebecca, Becky, Bex, B, The Boudoir Lady… and of course,wifey and mumma. All of these characters and personality extensions are vital tome, all of them allow me to be a little something… extra, calm, directional, sassy,creative, cheerleading, positive, humble, empowering and, of course, a little more boundary-breaking. Proudly, and with purpose and passion, I call myself a life,motherhood, beauty and boudoir photographer. Specialising in creating luxurious and exquisite imagery that adores you, comforts you and liberates you (I will comeback to that bit later). I work for women, fiancées, wives and mothers, as well as their babies. My images boldly and soulfully create visual stories of tenderness,infatuation and courage.When I was at college I realised I had been given three precious gifts that have moulded my career and business. The gifts of creativity, curation and visualisation have, over fourteen years, fused together to create Rebecca Frost Photography.Alongside my values of empathy, education, compassion and liberation, I joyfully and wholeheartedly provide expansive stylish shoots for clients all over the UK and Europe.I now say (with a lot of personal pride) I work with clients to help them understand how their body image, thoughts, biases and beliefs impact their lives and empower them to move forward at some of the most empowering, breathtaking and sensational times of their lives. Those being Love, Engagement, Marriage,Motherhood, Menopause and Rebirth - I am here for every woman, at any age and at all stages of their life.”
#2 Where did the idea spring from for offering a boudoir shoot service?
“In 2013, I started my boudoir career with the aim of challenging, changing and improving the images I saw on British boudoir feeds and forums. I decided that by photographing with the aim of showcasing women without the masculine sleaze factor applied, and with a fine art ethereal elegance and mindful beauty style, I could change the perception of what boudoir is, what it does and how it can be used. Overnight I realised we didn’t just need a new set of poses, settings and scripts, we needed a new set of rules, beliefs and values.Therefore, for me, RFP is about rewriting your most personal and transformative body moment stories with exceptional imagery, relaxation, sensual empowerment and faith in your photographer.”
#3 Talk us through the beauty of a boudoir shoot. Why should brides consider one?
“Humour me for a second. 1990 has a lot to answer for and celebrate, it was they ear I was born and The Backstreet Boys existed. They once sang “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did, as long as you love me.” Those lyrics struck a chord with me as I went through the process of building RFP. They're present a romantic notion of unconditional love and it is something many people grow up dreaming of finding or have found when they embark on their marital planning journey.
• You love someone and nothing else matters.
• You love without any strings attached, especially not the ones you bind yourself with.
• You don’t base love on what someone does for you or what you want inreturn.
The question “so why don’t we want that for ourselves” arose (deep from some TBB lyrics I know). What brides think about themselves, how they mentally support themselves, how their inner dialogues support them and how they value themselves play a major role in wedding journey well-being and joy. With RFP Iwork to encourage brides to think of a boudoir session as a way of them showing themselves unconditional love. Not just a fleeting minuscule amount of self-care insexy pants with a pretty veil, but as the thought-provoking, love language-altering and empowering monumental experience it really is.”
#4 How are these portrait experiences different from boudoir shoots with other photographers? Is it just about feeling beautiful or is there more to it?
“Because I work for you during some of the most transformational, exciting,breathtaking and sensational times of your life, if it’s ok, I would like to start by saying the following:I am probably the photographer for you if you are:
• Looking for an expansive and uplifting photography experience
• Looking to work with someone who has years of experience in body image,mindset, and photography
• Desiring a safe space to explore what sensuality and beauty really looks like for you
• Looking for an extraordinary photographic experience that will document your allure and exquisiteness as you are right now as well as provide you with legacy images
• Curious to challenge your mindset around your body, allowing you to gain anew perspective and an improved inner dialogue
Each session(s) is created for you and are more like mind-pleasing, bodyacceptance portrait sessions come classes - they are two things, always expansive and always up-lifting. Each session is designed to help you see and process the beauty of your bridal persona, the exciting process you are going through and your bridal day beauty (both inside and out).”
#5 Talk us through how a boudoir experience works?
“I approach my boudoir with a three step process:
No.1 Consult - time to ask your questions, talk through your vision and understand what a magical and life-changing experience this will be.
No.2 Shoot - every detail is thoughtfully planned before your session, as this is an experience like no other, one you will never forget.
No.3 Deliver - your breathtaking images will be lovingly designed and presented to you.
We will work together to ensure you go home with product perfection,deliriously happy and ever so proud of yourself. I purposefully have a variety of boudoir sessions available, including Mini, Classic,Destination and VIP, an approach that allows my brides to decide the perfect shoot level for them - without fuss, without excess, and without distraction. And, as an all-female business, our meticulously selected expert hair and makeup stylists are warm and inviting with a plethora of experience and a shared love of boudoir beauty. You are in very safe and very inspirational hands.”
#6 What shifts are created with a boudoir shoot?
“With every click of my camera button, I am aware I can literally shift: mindset,perception, body image language settings, confidence and verbal toxic conditioning. This is what makes this such a liberating and powerful experience.Did you know a huge part of why we dislike our body image so much is because of conditioning to feel there is always someone out there who looks more beautiful,who has the silhouette you don’t, the skin you don’t have, the hair you want, the long legs, the lithe physique… I challenge you to ask yourself “Why do they matter to you right now?”By showing up for ourselves as ourselves during an experience like this we challenge the status quo and cancel out the conditioning limiting us in our deeply personal and monumental moments. By creating experiences that invite our precious people to see us in ALL our raw glory, instead of pushing them away with our confining negative self-talk we connect on an extraordinary level for the rest of our lives together. By embracing a powerful and vibrant personal love language that heals, emboldens and nurtures we prepare for a life that is more fulfilling,personally respectful and gorgeously liberating.”
#7 Talk us through the dreamy images you’ve created with For The Love Of Pearls in the boudoir editorial…
“I adored curating this editorial shoot. I’d wanted to work with For The Love Of Pearls for some time and after talking with Sadaf knew right away the look we wanted to go for. Ultimately we wanted to create something inspirational for women, something to connect with those souls and, perhaps introduce brides to be to the boudoir experience. An experience full of grace, refinement and prestige.Obviously, I knew we had the perfect wardrobe (that pearl robe, in particular, I am just in LOVE with!)We used my exclusive boudoir venue in the New Forest which is used for all my classic boudoir sessions and it was perfect, there are so many options there and it’s in the most breathtaking surroundings.”
#8 When it came to the featured For The Love Of Pearls pieces, why did thesework so well? Which was your favourite to shoot?
“For The Love Of Pearls feels like the perfect addition to any bridal boudoir wardrobe, I adore everything and my clients do too. I’m always so impressed with the quality, when you wear a FTLOP piece it feels luxurious, and when you feel exquisite it makes such a huge difference to your mindset, and subsequently the outcome of your beautiful images. The Lia Cover Up, has to be my favourite,it photographs so beautifully, and can be paired with so much, or nothing at all.Not to mention those shoulder veils which added the perfect amount of drama to the images.”
#9 Why should brides think about wearing For The Love Of Pearls in their boudoir shoot?
“As well as being so incredibly beautiful, they are also so versatile - from your boudoir session, to wedding morning, honeymoon and beyond. I’ve spent so much time researching the best places to shop for your boudoir wardrobe and there are very few places that have as much to offer as For The Love Of Pearls. I want to get away from the word “boudoir” meaning slinky, uncomfortable, crass underwear. Your boudoir wardrobe should be divine, it should leave you feeling every inch the beautiful bride to be that you are. It should be something you want to wear again and again and evoke feelings of pure joy when you do. FTLOP offer sall this, I just know you will love them as much as I do.”
#10 If you had to choose something off the For The Love Of Pearls website,what would it be? What do you personally love?
“In case you haven’t noticed yet I adore the pearl cover-up! If I could, I’d loungearound in that all day long. I’m also a big fan of the pearl headbands, they add that little something extra and suit pretty much anyone and any outfit. I also wish those embroidered jackets had existed when I got married, what an amazing keeps aketo have from your big day!”
#11 Your vision for the future of your business and the boudoir side of things?
“For my overall growth as a female photographer, as a creative entrepreneur, as a wife, and of course as a mother, I want to continue to do work that is fulfilling and uplifting for other women as well as myself. I will continue to develop and learn in away that is selfless and can serve my clients.Right now that looks like more workshops (at home and abroad), more self-care sessions, more groundwork, self-work and research, and more connectivity offline.Yes, offline! I take great creative sustenance from magazines, books, and seeing people in new places. I learn about space and style by visiting stately homes,gardens and venues.I work with women during their most empowering, breathtaking and sensational times of life. Those being Love, Engagement, Marriage, Motherhood, Menopause and Rebirth - I am here for every woman, at any age and at all stages of life. So, if I could wake up tomorrow with 50 amazing, strong, resilient women having heard this message ready to accept their time to celebrate themselves and book a shoot with me to honour themselves, I would be, gloriously, gloriously happy and grateful.”
#12 Who’s photography work inspires you?
“I find inspiration from everywhere, from the women I work with everyday, to the women who walk through my door ready for this experience. In terms of photographers there are so many, but Jen Huang Bogans work is just everything I aspire to be and more!”
#13 An Instagram feed everyone needs to follow?
“Right now I’m loving @modern_messybun. Watching someone create satisfyingly perfect clay jewellery seems to calm me. She’s a pretty epic entrepreneur too!”
Discover more from Rebecca Frost Photography and her wonderful boudoir photography sessions, and get 10% off with our exclusive code ‘FTLOP’. What are you waiting for?
Credits:
Makeup Artist: @lubernier_mua
Model: @htaeast
For more bridal inspiration head back to the For The Love Of Pearls blog.
At For The Love Of Pearls we’re all about those luxury details, be it that statement denim jacket drenched in shimmering pearls, that chic chiffon garter or that sheer ethereal cover up - nothing beats the FTLOP touch. So, when it comes to your bridal shoes, we felt the same level of craftsmanship and sass should be met, which is why we’ve curated our definitive edit of eight bridal shoe designers you need to fall in love with…and fast.
Whether you’re searching for a sole mate that instantly makes your heart beat faster with their skyscraper-worthy heel height or a pair of achingly cool bridal sneakers that mean you’ll be able to dance - vintage champagne coupe in-hand - under the glittering stars all night long, our latest bridal shoe edit ticks off all the checkboxes. Heavenly silhouettes? Check. Sumptuous embellishment? Yep. Pearl details? Naturally. From the likes of shoe connoisseurs Charlotte Mills to Emmy London and Camilla Gabrieli, get ready for our latest wedding shoe edit to knock your socks off.
A firm favourite amongst brides (not to mention For The Love Of Pearls) British bridal shoe label, Charlotte Mills and her endless array of aisle-worthy shoes have been stealing brides’ hearts across the globe for years. And, when it comes to details, this is a shoe designer with her manicured finger on the pulse. Each and every single pair of Charlotte Mills shoes arrive with the words “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe”, elegantly embossed on the sole, with a sparkling silver sixpence glittering from the insole. Our current fav? Meet Meghan Pearl.
#2 Aruna Seth
For high-voltage glamour, turn to the show-stopping designs of luxury shoe designer, Aruna Seth. Instantly recognisable by the label’s signature use of the Farfalla butterfly motif, Aruna Seth is synonymous with opulent materials, meticulous craftsmanship and heart-stopping embellishment. And, for those who want to level-up their bridal sneaker game, Aruna Seth’s luxe Jet Sneaker is a game changer. Flaunting not one, but five of the brand’s iconic Crystal Farfalla butterflies and crafted in Italy, with the Jet Sneaker you won’t have to forgo comfort for style.
Photography credit: Muse Motion Pictures Photography (http:// www.musemotionpictures.com)
We just can’t get enough of Camilla Gabrieli’s Sofia pumps (and we bet you can guess why). Meticulously hand-crafted from delicious crepe satin, with an achingly cool, standout faux pearl threaded on their sultry gold stiletto heels, the Sofia pump is sure to cause waves and, especially so, when paired with literally anything from FTLOP. Born on the island of Sardinia, Italian shoe designer Camilla Gabrieli was endlessly inspired when she was little by her Grandmother who would design silk organza gowns for clients heading to fabulous parties. Wonderfully, young Camilla would often utilise her Grandmother’s leftover dress fabric to craft footwear designs of her own for her cat, Mustafa.
#4 Emmy London
Behold Emmy London’s Cinderella Block heels, a must for the magpies amongst you who long for a pair of highly embellished, glittering bridal shoes for the aisle. Showcasing Emmy London’s signature Art Deco-inspired embellishment, these meticulously crafted, hand-beaded block heels boast a multitude of eye-catching details, from mirrored glass to glittering crystals and hundreds of bugle beads, all expertly finished with a lacquer trim. And, that block heel? Why, she’s perfect for stability down the aisle and beyond.
Revered British shoe designer, Diane Hassall’s endlessly romantic shoe creations beckon to be worn with sweeping hemlines, never-ending tulle trains and elegantly lace-edged veils. With over 25 years of experience, including periods working alongside the likes of Emma Hope and Jimmy Choo, Diane Hassall’s work is quite something to behold. We’re particularly smitten with her latest flat, the Autumn Flat Mule, a highly charming - not to mention highly comfortable - creation that’ll look just heavenly peeking out beneath the bottom of your gown. Or, for those who prefer something that brings you a little closer to the clouds, Diane’s Marry Me Court Shoe will immediately seduce.
Behind the truly whimsical designs of Harriet Wilde, is the highly-talented shoe designer, Ruth Shaw. Synonymous with craftsmanship, the brand is intent on bringing beautifully designed bridal shoes and wedding accessories to the table, both in the UK and across the globe. With the label’s signature flurry of exquisite blossom embellishment decorating their shoes, we’re in no doubt you’ll probably have already spotted a pair of Harriet Wilde’s scrolling the ‘gram - and fallen in love. Our current favourites? The Arabella Block heels, made-to-order in Rose Water.
#7 Freya Rose
Award-winning designer, Freya Rose is celebrated across the industry for her timeless, contemporary shoe designs and accessories. Here at FTLOP we, of course, delight in and applaud the designer’s stunning use of mother of pearl. This signature material (that’s threaded whimsically throughout her collections) breathes romance, and is responsibly sourced in Bali. So, if you’re looking to cause a stir as you take to the aisle, we suggest Freya Rose and, more specifically, Freya Rose’s Gigi Ivory.
With new arrivals (to an already highly coveted bridal shoe collection - might we add) in the form of the pearl embellished Chiara Sandal(equipped with the beloved ‘Wifey For Lifey’ foil printed sole) and fairytale-esque Leah, the only problem you’ll experience when it comes to Sophia Webster’s designs, are which to choose (we wouldn’t be surprised if there were often cries from brides of “but I want them alllll…” heard emanating from the designer’s flagship store). And, as true pearl-lovers, we can’t help but also mention the iconic Natalia Perla Platforms. With a heel adorned in pearls, they’re a no-brainer if you’re a FTLOP bride.
Want more bridal inspiration? Head back to the For The Love Of Pearls blog.
For more pearl-embellished FTLOP magic, click here.