Fourteenth: My Nanny Wore It First
In my career, I have only had three occasions where I was unsure if I could restore a vintage headpiece or veil. Vitina brought me her grandmother’s 1950’s lace Juliet cap-style headpiece with hopes that she could wear it on her wedding day.
Her nanny’s headpiece was stored in a plastic bag in a hope chest for many years and was in bad condition. The frame was misshaped, and the lace was so fragile it deteriorated in spots. Vintage fibers fell upon her shoulders when she came in for her consultation.
“I told Vitina it would be a miracle if I could restore her grandmother’s headpiece. The lace on the cap was so fragile I feared it would tear with the slightest pressure or manipulation. But I also assured her that if anyone could restore it, that would be me.”
Joan Gallo married on May 10th, 1952. Juliet caps in the fifties covered most of the head.
In addition to restoring her nanny’s headpiece, I needed to resize it to fit Vitina’s head because it was too big. This requires a bit of millinery expertise by creating an entirely new frame while using precise measurements.
“I knew that if anyone could do anything with it, I would trust only Marie. We had nothing to lose. It was so exciting to see the frame done. At this point it was starting to feel so real.”
“I knew I wanted to wear the headpiece no matter what, so I had that in my head while dress shopping. I tend to be more of a classic girl. I knew the vintage-style headpiece would work with whatever I ended up choosing.”
Once I restored her headpiece, we had to decide how to marry the apparent current style of her breathtaking Enzoani Odelia cape to her very 1950s headpiece. A short, sheer, nonchalant veil was the answer.
I began the delicate process of deconstructing this very frail headpiece. The lace was stained and had several tears and holes. Vitina wanted to preserve the pearl beading.
The finished restoration was impeccable!
“I couldn’t have been more excited with the way it came out! My mom and I weren’t emotional through the whole dress shopping and planning experience until I put on the completed headpiece. ”
The wedding of Vitina and Anthony Cape May, NJ
Wedding Photography by Two 17 Photo and Cinema
VINTAGE HEADPIECE AND VEIL | Headpiece.com. BRIDAL GOWN | Maggie Sottero “Selena” BRIDAL CAPE | Enzoani “Odelia” BEAUTY | Perfect Faces by Nina HAIR | Salon L Allenhurst FLORIST | Betina’s at Parkview
“Since I was born, my family has vacationed in Cape May every summer for the past thirty years. I always said I wanted to have my wedding in Cape May one day, and my dream finally came true! We got engaged there, married there, and will be back this summer for year 31. It truly is my happy place.”
Vintina’s wedding style touched on everything. Her gown was clean and classic, while her embroidered cape was modern and striking. She was the author of her bridal fashion story, and I loved every aspect!
“I have never shot a fully restored vintage piece before. When Vitina put the headpiece on and was completely ready, she just struck such a chord. It was like everything was connecting for her.”
“Vitina was probably the most striking and “bridal” bride that we photographed in a long time. I remember thinking how beautiful and perfect she looked in her dress. Like she was just meant to be in that dress and your beautifully restored headpiece.”
“Everyone loved it! Close family recognized it, while others had a feeling it was a family piece based on its vintage style.”
“It truly was so perfect with my dress and made me even happier to know my nanny was with me the whole day. It was so beautiful I wore it the whole night!”
Vitina told me her fiancé knew she would wear her grandmother’s headpiece. “He knew but only saw it when it was beaten up before you worked your magic. He loved it!”
“The transformation was unrecognizable in such a great way. My wife looked stunning and the headpiece was just the cherry on top!”
I asked Vitina for advice for brides contemplating restoring an old piece to wear on their wedding day. “Absolutely do it! Wearing something that my grandmother wore at her wedding was so special. It really connected me to her since she wasn’t physically there.”
See you next month on the Fourteenth