Crisis Averted!

Yesterday I took my dress to Miosa Couture bridal salon to see about having it shortened.  Yes, you read that right, shortened.  I am 5' 9"; the "perfect" height for most bridal gowns.  Unfortunately, the dress I chose was too long, even with my 4" heels!

I was extremely nervous, as the bridal salon where I had originally purchased my dress from had told me that the alteration would be anywhere from $400 to $600.  The high alteration cost quoted was due to the amount of work required in removing and reapplication the delicate lace applique, the scalloped seaming at the mid-thigh (yeah for mermaid styles!) and the hemming of the satin under layer.  Please keep in mind that I got a screamin' deal on my dress; if it was going to cost me $400 to $600 I might as well buy a new dress.

In swoops Miosa Couture!  I had my consultation over my lunch hour yesterday (I have to say that I looked pretty silly walking downtown with my dress, my petticoat, which was not contained, and shoes in hand). Though I had purchased my dress through another salon, my consultant and the rest of the team at Miosa never gave me anything other than superior customer service.

I got dressed and the seamstress immediately got to pinning.  She discussed the different possibilities for the alteration, and came up with a solution that I was comfortable with, that would also be cost effective.  In fact, Miosa is able to do the alteration for about half of the original quote.

Yeah for Miosa Couture!

1125 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-443-1301

Color Board: Mine!

Ladies and Gentleman!  I am proud to announce that I have finalized the color board for my own wedding!  Good timing, considering that we have just over a month to go!

Do you have your inspiration/color board finalized?  What has been your favorite part of the planning process?

Photography Must Haves

I spoke with our photographer John Hoeft, of Hoeft Photo, yesterday, and he reminded me that we need to meet to go over my "shot list," or my "must haves" for our wedding photography.  That got me thinking (and researching) on what I really wanted.  My complete list is over 80 shots long; don't worry, I won't list it all here!

Here is my short list of shots that I really want.  What are the shots you are looking forward to your photographer capturing on  your big day?

• Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, centerpieces, etc.)
• Bride's dress on the hanger
• Shoes shot: bride, bridesmaid, flower girl with shoes on, holding up the dresses
• Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time
• Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
• The kiss
• Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
• Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party
• Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
• Bride and groom's first dance
• Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
• Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor
• Bride and groom whispering to each other
• Bride and groom cutting the cake
• Bride and groom in back seat of getaway car

Summer Color Board - Red and Orange

I don't know about where you are today, but it is rainy, windy, and cold here.  I need to get warmed up!  And what better way, than with a summery color board.

I absolutely LOVE the details in this inspiration board that I found on Groom Sold Separately:

Nina Bridal

I am so excited!  17th and Park, The Official Nina Shoes Blog, has just announced that Nina is coming out with new bridal accessory line.  Items will be available at NinaBridal.com and 40+ Bella Bridesmaid boutiques (which by the way, carries another favorite of mine, Two Birds!). 

Quote, "Scheduled to launch mid- to late-February, Nina Bridal will feature veils, jewelry, headpieces, sashes and broaches as well as not-so-novelty t-shirts and bachelorette party veils."

I love their shoes!  I can't wait to see what they do for the rest of the bridal industry!