Unusual Wedding Inspiration: Heidi Klum & Seal

A few days ago, Heidi Klum and Seal celebrated their 6th vow renewal with an event at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. As in previous years, they playfully added a theme to their party.

This time, they turned their ceremony into a Pirates of the Caribbean inspired ball!

Heidi Klum and Seal renewed their vows for the 6th time

I love how they renew their vows each year. And why not put a fun spin on it?

Most of us may feel that such a strong theme would be too bold or distracting for an actual wedding day. But how about an engagement party, girls’ weekend, or vow renewal celebration?

No matter what inspiration you may choose, it can always be done in style. Take a look at this pirate-inspired style board I created for you:

I added the locket pendant to the set because it could be a beautiful way to add meaning to your celebration. How sweet would it be to engrave secret words of love inside just for you to see?

What do you think? Would you consider adding unique flair like this to your own love celebration?

CREDITS:

1. Jacquelyn Jablonski for Weekend by Max Mara Spring 2011 Campaign {via fashionfame.com}
2. Pink Swarovski Crystal Parrot Brooch by Acosta Jewellery
3. House of Harlow 1960 Gold Peacock Feather-Enameled Locket Pendant by Nicole Richie {via thisnext}
4. Tropical flower bouquet spotted on the blossom shop

How I work – wedding illustration concept sketches

I’m often asked how I work when illustrating, and today you’re invited to hop on board to see how I create sketches like this!

Rough sketch to visualize the illustration idea

Usually, I use several different photo references to envision my customers’ illustrations. However, in this case, Jessica (see my post from last week) had this unique wedding photo of her parents, where they look absolutely glamorous and stunning! As she told me, it reflects their personality, style, and feelings for each other perfectly. So, in agreement with Jessica, I chose this secretly taken iPhone shot of the photo as inspiration for their illustration:

Secretly taken iPhone shot of their wedding photo, the main illustration reference

When illustrating, I use the program Corel Painter IX, where I can incorporate photos as reference, and my Wacom graphic tablet which translates my pen strokes directly into the design program.

Because the couple loves elegant high fashion, I envisioned creating a rather stylized, elongated illustration, inspired by fashion illustrations.  So, instead of using the photo as a direct reference, I first roughly sketched the pose for the illustration (in blue), and slightly moved her head back (1).  Then, on a separate layer, I created the sketch in black and white (2). Lastly, I blended out the reference photo to reveal my first sketch (3).

How I work when I create illustration sketches

As Jessica told me, her parents really savour life. They love traveling to spectacular, elegant places all over the world. A summer afternoon in the fields of Provence, a barefoot walk on a Greek beach, a sumptuous weekend at a resort with a view of  Monaco’s sunset… I loved the images that played in my head! Just look at them, aren’t they fabulous?

So, in a second sketch, I wanted to visualize this feeling and mood by illustrating them as if they were standing on a beach in a more dramatic pose, the warm wind playing with her hair and dress (4, sketched up in blue). While sketching, I always kept a helpful design reference on the right side of my screen (5), such as a photo of a dress that flows in the wind, and my mood boards from last week.

This is the second concept sketch for their wedding anniversary illustration:

Which concept would you have chosen? Come back next week when I’ll share the refined illustration, and how Jessica’s parents reacted when they received it. If you have any questions about my work process, ask away.  I’ll be happy to share!

CREDITS: All photos are private property. Illustration sketches by Astrid Mueller.

Happy Thanksgiving

In Switzerland, my home country, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. That doesn’t prevent me from being thankful for all the good things in my life, and wishing all my friends in the U.S. a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday! I created this style board for you, inspired by gratitude and joy:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone – wishing you a wonderful time with your families and friends!

CREDITS:

Top left: Photography by Cappy Hotchkiss Photography | top right and bottom left: source unknown, found on stylemepretty.com | middle left and bottom right: Photography and styling by Andrea & Marcus, illustration by Astrid Mueller Exclusive | middle right: design by Astrid Mueller Exclusive

How Audrey Personalized Her Wedding with an Illustration

Before we paused for last week’s fashion cause, you may remember we were following the creation of Audrey and Nathan’s (headless!) invitation. Audrey had initially asked me to illustrate her and Nathan without their heads…but for a fabulously fun reason!

Using the headless illustration on their engagement party invitations, Audrey threw her guests off the scent.

Using the illustration (this time – hurray! – with heads) in wedding day details like place cards, a cake topper, party favors, and thank you cards, Audrey and Nathan cleverly revealed to their utterly surprised guests that their engagement party was actually a wedding!
To Audrey: Working with you was such a blast, Audrey (I know you are reading this!).  Thank you again for being so fun to work with, for actually turning into a friend, and for inviting me to be part of your celebration! I’m very happy that we’re still in touch – you are an inspiration. Wishing you and Nathan love, always!

And to all of you: Hope to see you again next Friday when I’ll share some of my latest wedding and style inspirations. I’m wishing you a fantastic and inspired weekend!

CREDITS:

Flowers: jennybfloraldesign.com

Dress: “Scarlet” by Monique Lhuillier

Venue: Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach, CA

Photography: jimkennedyphotography.com

Rings: Cartier

Artisan Printing: Letterpress Light

Wedding Illustration, cake topper and stationery: Astrid Mueller Exclusive