This styled shoot is all about style--  sumptuous,…

We here at Janay A had the pleasure of making this lovely, totally unique custom wedding gown for Alexis. 

It featured her…

Follow me to the Garden...

My inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection was the after-party of a French garden soirre. The show evoked dancing into the warm night by pairing dub-step electronic music with decadent layers of natural fabrics, highlighted with beaded baubles and Art Nouveau inspired screen-printing. Enjoy these fresh frocks!…

Today we share a treasure from Sweet Violet Bride, who has bestowed us a collection of their favorite woodland weddings.  For more, be sure to check out their darling nature inspired wedding blog and be inspired!…

Find the wedding dress that reflects your style and taste with help from gown designer Janay A's tips below.

1. Clarify: Define your aisle style.  Collect images, labeling each with what you do and don't like. Consider what will look best on you over what is the trend-…

We co-designed Emily's 1920's style sheath dress with the bride for her June 2012 wedding. She found the supple silk fabric and antique crystal detailing, and we put it all together. Her photos are personal, with a modern-meets- natural feel... enjoy!…

I got to remake this lovely, simple little vintage wedding gown for Candace for her Fall Des Moines wedding to Jon.  She chose a hat from my hat wall, and I made her this cozy bubble-dot wrap to keep away the chill.  Their photos by Aly Carroll Photography are amazing, I just had to share!  Original blog post…

We have found that our very favorites brides to work with are referrals!

That's why until the end of 2012, we've decided to reward you by offering this cozy, handmade Collar Scarf when you refer us to create custom wedding  gowns for your friends.

(For you dark fashionistas out there- It also comes in Black!)…

Every once in awhile an opportunity to make a truly different wedding gown comes along.  Amber presented that opportunity.  Her wedding dress vision was a mix between Gothic (she won't mind being called so) and Eco, which came together in a lovely dress trimmed with black lace detailing and created in Eco Silk Hemp.…

Tiffany and Jess are a very special couple.  Rarely do I get to actually meet with the fellas, but since Tiffany broke her ankle and had to be transported to all of her fitting by Jess, we all were able to spend some time together and I now feel like they are old friends. 

Tiffany has shared a bit of their story and key details that they incorporated to create a homey atmosphere at their wedding. The "rules" (below) that governed each of their decisions…

I are seeing more and more brides carry faux flowers down the aisle.  As I think about my own wedding, I wonder if I'd be willing to replace the magic, fragrance and texture of of fresh flowers with a more creative, eco friendly bouquet?

Why would brides and bridesmaids carry fake flowers in the first place?

Quality fresh flowers can be fickle, pricey, and have a big environmental cost.

If you are getting married outdoors, especially in hot seasons…

Here at Janay A Handmade, we want brides of all budgets to be able to wear our handmade, eco dresses. To help, we're offering an irresistible offer for orders placed in the month of June!…

I recently had the honor of being chosen by Google for a feature video about the success of my business from being online.  It was fun to make, with a talented crew from Iowa and San Francisco.

~Enjoy!~

I was also very much inspired by the Missouri Get Online event.

Let me know what you…

Cypress is classy and fun with a scoop neckline, center V, and rouched waistband.  The back dips low and features a surprise open back.  The ruffled A-line skirt has hidden side pockets and a detachable (tie on) underskirt to take it from fancy-ceremony-gown to fun-party-frock in a cinch.

This dress is so sweet it will make your teeth hurt.  Larkspur has a gently scooped sweetheart neckline with side rouching and a low V…

I had such a great time working with Terra altering her $99 department store dress into something oh-so-wedding-special!  Although I do also alter existing gowns like hers, I always like to modify them in unique, style enhancing ways beyond just the perfect fit.  Terra blogged about the gown-alterations process, tidbits of which I have included below. Her wedding included some awesome one-of-a-kind hand-crafted details, and serves as fun inspiration for DIY brides.…