REAL BRIDE: Kendra

Matt & Kendra 

03.04.17

Combine beautiful DIY details & a fabulous downtown Kansas City setting complete with string lights & the results are always sure to be amazing. But add in a fun bridal party, a gold & mint color-scheme, & a bride wearing Casablanca Bridal & it's even more than amazing! Stop what you're doing & prepare for your daily dose of pretty below.

What made you decide to get married on March 4th?

"We knew that we wanted a spring wedding & we were set on it being at The Bride & The Bauer. So, we snagged their first available date in March!"

What was one of your favorite moments from your big day?

"My husband & I's first look in the freight elevator at The Bauer. It was the most intimate & beautiful experience. I'll never forget those first few private moments together."

Did you put together any DIY decorations?

"Our DIY projects were the bridesmaid bouquets & centerpiece arrangements for our reception tables. My husband painted all of the lanterns for our tables & one of my matrons of honor hosted a breakfast with our families & bridesmaids to arrange the flowers. It was so fun to spend time with the most important women in my life before our big day!"

What advice would you give to other brides in regards to wedding planning?

"Don't get carried away with the details. It's easier said than done, trust me. But try not to compare your wedding to others that you have attended. Every wedding is unique & should reflect you & your spouse. Focus on ensuring your personalities shine through. Your family & friends will notice too!"

Tell us about the proposal!

"My husband & I traveled to Ocean City, New Jersey to spend the 4th of July with his extended family at the beach. One morning, he woke me up & told me to pack my bags, but wouldn't disclose where we were going. So, once we were on the road, he revealed we were heading to NYC. After arriving at our hotel overlooking Central Park, he told me to meet him downstairs in a half hour. He met me downstairs & we began walking into the park in search of the perfect picnic spot. We settled under a big tree, away from the crowds to enjoy our picnic. I thought this was the moment he was going to propose, but after we finished eating he packed up the picnic & informed me we were heading to the next activity. He led me to the row boats at the Loeb Boathouse. I was certain he wasn't going to propose during this activity- talk about risky! But, much to my surprise, he rowed us to a quiet little cove & got down on one knee in our row boat! Afterwards, we celebrated with champagne & a carriage ride. I had always dreamed of a romantic proposal in Central Park & he made it a reality!"

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

"Our theme was simple & romantic & we decided on mint & gold for our color scheme."

Congratulations Kendra & Matt!

Cheers to forever!

Bridal Look:

Gown | Casablanca Bridal

Alterations | Couture Alterations By Sharon

Hair & Makeup | Bella Hair Company

Accessories | The Yellow Peony

Wedding Professionals:

Ceremony & Reception Venue | The Bride & The Bauer

Photography | Epaga Foto
Videography | Beau Vaughn Photography

Bridesmaid Designer | Azazie
Menswear | Men's Wearhouse
Day-Of Coordination | Sarah Hendrix
Rentals | All Seasons Event Rental

Cake | Hy-Vee Bakery
Catering | Ted's Cafe Escondido 
Bar | Gomers Midtown
DJ | Complete Weddings & Events

Tips & Tricks: Alterations

Alterations Tips

So you've found your dream gown, but it needs adjustments to make it the perfect fit, what now? For most brides, the world of alterations and the process behind it is uncharted territory. If you have never been one to have basic garments tailored, taking your wedding gown in for alterations can be intimidating. Here is a list of tips we have compiled based on our most common recommendations for SW brides! 

• Order your gown early
• Eight months is ideal for most designers. Finding your gown, avoiding rush fees, and giving your seamstress more time for modifications is always best.
• Schedule your alterations appointment early
• Most seamstresses request that you allow 8 weeks for the alterations process to be complete. It is best to schedule the appointment earlier on so it is on everyone's radar.
• Budget accordingly
• Don't skimp on your alterations. After all, what is a pretty dress if it is ill-fitting? Most brides can count on needing some sort of alterations done to their gown. How much tailoring will cost can vary wildly, depending on the style of gown, fabric, and how involved the adjustments are. If you're worried about pricing simply send a photograph of the gown and expected alterations necessary to get an expected cost up front. Most seamstresses require at least 50% deposit to start alterations on your gown.

• Take your accessories to your fitting
• If you are wanting to wear shape wear of any kind, be sure to bring to every fitting. It is absolutely necessary to ensure the overall fit is perfect.
• Be sure to bring your wedding day shoes with you too! This will ensure your hemline is exact for the big day. So don't forget to prioritize shoe shopping prior to your first alterations appointment. 
• BONUS TIP: You may be thinking about wearing heels for your ceremony and slipping into something "more comfortable" for the reception. We totally understand, but beware. If you wear a 2.5 inch heel to the ceremony and switch into a 1/2 inch flat for the reception, your gown is going to be 2 inches too long and you will potentially trip or someone else could tear your gown by accidentally stepping on it. Keep this in the back of your mind when choosing wedding day shoes.
• If you are wearing jewelry, a sash, veil, etc - bring these with you too so you can see your entire wedding day look together. If you don't like the look of something you will still have time to adjust.

• Add a bustle
• Most gowns feature some sort of train. Even if that train is shorter, invest in a bustle. Carrying your train around all reception is a lot of work & not something you should be worrying about on your wedding day. Investing in a bustle ensures that no one will be stepping all over your gown during your reception & you will be free to move around accordingly. Your seamstress will assist in showing you a variety of bustle options and you can choose the one you like the look of best.

• Reinforce the bustle
• Speaking of a bustle, talk to your seamstress about reinforcing a bustle. There is a lot of fabric hanging on by sometimes a single hook so in case this gives during the wedding day there will be a backup.
• Record the bustle
• When it comes time to enter the reception, the excitement of the wedding day may cause you to forget how your gown bustles up. We recommend to record your seamstress completing your bustle so you have a reference in the moment.
• Tack down your sash
• Nothing is worse than looking back on your wedding photos, only to see that your sash wasn't centered or was crooked in the majority of your photos. Avoid this by asking your seamstress to tack down your sash to your gown.
• Add bra cups
• You'll thank us later! Wearing a "real bra" is completely unnecessary in 98% of our wedding gowns. The structure is built right into the gown so having bra cups put in will not only be more comfortable, but will look more natural too. For the other 2% we will give individual guidance on recommended undergarments.
• Make sure you can sit
• Before asking alterations to snug up your gown, ensure that you are able to sit comfortably. We want your gown to look as bomb on your butt as you do, but we want you to be able to sit without tearing your gown.

• Don't hang your gown by the straps
• Hanging your gown by the straps will likely stretch the fabric because of the weight of your gown. Instead only hang your gown by the garment hangers attached to the inside.
• Bring another person
• Consider inviting your mom or another trusted relative or friend to your fittings and take into consideration their reliable opinion. It's nice to have another set of eyes!

If our list doesn't cover a specific situation for you, just give us a call at 816-216-7454 and we are happy to chat. Good luck with your alterations!

XOXO

REAL BRIDE: Anna

Michael & Anna Perry

06.04.2016

The vision for this Kansas City wedding? Classic, chic, & modern. In other words, the kind of wedding that feels stylish & elegant today & 50 years from now. From the soft blush tones to the elegance of both the church and the reception venue, this day made for an insanely glamorous celebration. Get ready to smile at this couples big day & all of their happiness! 

What advice would you give to other brides in regards to dress shopping?

"Find a dress that you feel like you could wear all day everyday because of comfort. My Robert Bullock gown was not my first choice just looking at it on the rack, but once I tried it on, I didn't want to take it off!"

What made you decide to get married on June 4?

"June 4th, 2016 was the perfect day for us to get married because I turned 26 on June 2nd & Michael turned 27 on June 6th. We thought it would be fun to get married on one of the very few days that we were both the same age! Also, we have friends that could only accommodate summer weddings & this was the perfect time. We were moving one month later, so our wedding kicked off our going away parties!"

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

"Classic elegance with soft blush tones."

How did the two of you meet?

"We met in 2008, at a family friend's graduation party & continued to be friends throughout college. In 2012 we finally decided to start dating."

Where did you draw your inspiration & ideas from?

"I didn't really have a specific spot for inspiration. I did look on Pinterest & had ideas from previous weddings I had attended. My Something White Bridal gown really started everything with my planning. My mom told me that I looked like Grace Kelly in the gown, so I decided I needed every detail to be classy, with a modern twist! My gown & the venue truly fit my personality & taste, so the details easily fell into place!"

What was one of your favorite moments from your big day?

"My favorite moment was our first dance to Whitney Houston's 'How Will I Know'! We didn't have a dance choreographed, but it ended up being the highlight of the evening. Also, we were told that the dance floor was the most crowded most people had seen & that means everyone must have had a good time!"

Congratulations to The Perry's!

Wishing you many, many more years of laughter like the kind above!

Bridal Look:

Gown | Robert Bullock Bride

Alterations | Janay A Eco Bridal

Hair & Makeup | Parlor Salon & Shyra Newbill

Shoes | Betsy Johnson
Jewelry | Kendra Scott & Miraculous Medals

Wedding Professionals:

Ceremony Venue | St. Ann's Catholic Church
Reception Venue | Studio Dan Meiners

Photography | George Street Photography

Bridesmaid Designer | The Dessy Group - Suede Rose
Menswear | Jos. A. Bank & Paolini Garment
Florals  | Studio Dan Meiners
Wedding Planner | Pretty & Planned Events
Stationary | Denise Clark

Cake | McLain's Bakery
Catering | Shining Stars Catering
Rehearsal Dinner | The Phoenix & Jackstack Barbeque
DJ | Icon Productions