Monthly Archives: May 2012

The Wedding Veil Tradition

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Being in the wedding photography industry, we get to find out ALOT about wedding traditions and their origins.  Although the exact origin and usefulness of many early wedding traditions are not always clear, popular acceptance has allowed them to flourish!  Plus, heaps of these wedding traditions are just plain fun!

Now, before we fill you full of facts we had to find out exactly what the dealio was and we found that wearing a veil, has many origins.

The veils’ earliest origins served to protect oneself from the wind and the desert sun, as well as to preserve the modesty of women in a time when the use of force was the rule of law.  Ok great – veils were not only fashionable, but also practical for those who chose to get married in the sand dunes of the Sahara to a dominant groom!  Camel ride anyone?

In ancient Greek times the veil was yellow and in Rome it was red.  It denoted the subordination of a woman to man and symbolized the bride’s virginity, innocence, and modesty.  In medieval times, the veil was used to protect the bride from “the evil eye”.

Others believe that the origin of the bridal veil was due to the circumstances of an arranged marriage.  Way back when men bargained with an eligible young lady’s father for their hand in marriage, after the ceremony the veil was lifted to reveal the bride’s features. This was to keep a groom from backing out of the deal if he didn’t like what he saw.  Imagine doing that these days?  No chance!

Coming back to modern times, the veil is worn as a tradition and an accessory to the bridal gown with the veil coming in a variety of sizes:

  • Blusher: A short veil that covers the bride’s face as she enters the ceremony,
  • Flyaway: A short veil that ends at the shoulder.
  • Fingertip: Extends just below the waist, brushing your fingertips.
  • Sweep: Ends at the floor.
  • Chapel: Measures 9 feet long and trails along the ground.
  • Cathedral: Measures 12 feet long and has a significant train.

Many of the brides we photograph love the tradition of a wedding veil, but we’ve also seen some gorgeous fascinators and headpieces.  Its really just a personal preference.





Boutonnieres for the Boys

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Remember those days long ago when men used to take off their jackets as a lady approached a puddle?  Or how about when they would pull out a lady’s seat to ensure she was sitting down first at the dinner table?

Ok, well we don’t really remember those days either.  We only heard about them through almanacs and ancient scriptures, but apparently those days existed!

What also existed way back then was the regular wearing of a boutonniere – commonly known today as a buttonhole.  We now only generally see them worn at horse races, elegant events and weddings.

A buttonhole (or boutonniere) is the finishing touch to a gentleman’s suit; coordinating the whole wedding party.  It is also traditionally worn by the Father of the Bride, Father of the Groom and Grandfathers and is a very nice gesture for special Uncles, brothers, the MC, ushers and pageboys.

Every now and then, the team at MILQUE Photography, get asked a few questions about buttonholes.  Here are the answers!

What side does the button hole go on? The left side above above his heart (Yes, that’s on the left hand side!).  A groom’s buttonhole is a symbol of his love and fidelity. The flowers can be a mini version matching the bride’s bouquet.  The buttonholes for the best man and groomsmen are generally made to match the bridesmaid’s bouquets.

Am I supposed to thred the flower through the button hole?  No as it normally looks best just above the actual buttonhole.  It is usually secured by placing a pearl-headed pin from the back of the lapel. The pin will then be invisible from the front. If you have a gold or decorative pin you may want to show it off and then you could pin the boutonniere (buttonhole) from the front.



Wedding Dress for Sale!

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Nat Lynn, Head Photographer at MILQUE Photography has decided to sell her wedding dress which was designed by the beauties at MXM Bridal Couture.

As much as she absolutely loves it and appreciates all of the wonderful compliments, Nat is ready to pass it on to another blushing bride.

If you are interested in purchasing it or want to know more, please send us an email or give us a call – 0405 433 848.



To DIY or not to DIY

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Some of us are a crafty bunch and when it comes to our wedding we start thinking that it would be the greatest thing in the world to make our own handmade invitations.

We’re so excited by the idea that we venture out and seek fancy paper, string, ribbons, scrap booking crafts and tools.  Upon completion of the first prototype, it dawns on us that maybe we aren’t the Picassos of the wedding invite world.  Look, you had good intentions but if you aren’t as crafty as you thought you were, don’t sweat it – you can get someone else to do it for you!  Yipee!

When Nat Lynn head photographer at MILQUE made her invitations, she realised that it wasn’t worth the stress and it would have been cheaper if she paid a professional to do it.

We recommend Paperdolls.  You can select from a wonderful range of wedding invitations, or have them custom make something especially for you.  Check out the Paperdolls website.