You want to look as good as you're going to feel on your big day.
I want that for you too.
You want to look as good as you're going to feel on your big day.
I want that for you too.
I also want you to have peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a skilled professional who knows how valuable and important your attire is… and is determined to make sure you look stylish and stunning.
Bridal alterations + Heirloom recreation
- Jessica
Courtney was a delight to work with and her attention to detail is second to none. Not only was she meticulous in making sure both dresses fit perfectly but she also came up with a bustle on my tricky to work with dress...She made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process and was just fun to be around, you can tell that she is passionate about her work.
TESTIMONIAL
Jessica's beautiful dress needed some typical alterations – bodice adjusted, skirt hemmed, bustle added – but it was how I hemmed her voluminous skirt that I was most proud of. Rather than just trimming the outer layer's raw edge to the preferred length, I first gradually raised the top of the ruffle up towards the center front then hemmed the excess fabric at the floor. This enabled me to only remove about 3" off of the ruffle instead of 6-8" and allowed the proportions of the prominent ruffle to remain virtually the same.
It's the little things.
Savvy solutions for her Aléna Leena gown
alterations highlight
process + studio
*All fittings are by appointment only.
Clients will receive all the details for appointments, including directions to my lovely sewing studio, via email upon booking.
The first appointment will be the first fitting and can take 45 minutes to approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the type of garment and amount of work needed – though bridal gowns almost always take at least an hour. The next appointment is usually the pick-up appointment, but if anything still needs correcting or adjusting there will be a third appointment.
alterations
First appointments are consultations where measurements are taken and designs are approved. The next 1-2 appointments will be fittings with toiles (test garments) that are pinned and adjusted before the actual material is used and the final garment is made. Any remaining appointments are fittings to perfect the final garment until it is ready to be taken home.
couture + Heirloom
the typical process
*All fittings are by appointment only.
Clients will receive all the details for appointments, including directions to my lovely sewing studio, via email upon booking.
The studio is a private space in my home in KC’s Waldo neighborhood. Seen above, it is styled to reflect the special dresses worked on and designed to be a chic and comfortable space for all clients and guests.
the sewing studio
frequently asked questions
Bridal Alterations and Heirloom Recreations ideally should be booked 2.5 – 3 months before your wedding day.
Formal alterations, and Bespoke Veils and Headpieces should be booked at least 6-8 weeks before the event.
Couture Dressmaking should start 4-6 months before the event.
These time frames ensure the truest fit with no rush fees or last minute stress, but you can always book earlier.
Alterations and Bespoke Veils and Headpieces can take 5-8 weeks with 2-3 appointments, while Couture Dressmaking and Heirloom Reconstructions take 2-5 months with 4-8 appointments.
An heirloom reconstruction takes a vintage gown and remakes it into something wonderfully new. Typically these are rehearsal or reception dresses made for brides using their mother's wedding dress, but the possibilities are endless.
See an example in my portfolio here.
Yes! As long as I have availability for an appointment I am happy to help! Though in order to accommodate a quick turn-around I do charge percentage-based rush fees depending on how soon the soon the work is needed. (I charge percentage-based fees because I believe they are the most fair; rather than ambiguous universal fees this ensures you only pay based on the work you need.) With the exception of couture dressmaking, the fees range from an added 10-60%.
Depending on your circumstances and my schedule, I might be able to squeeze you in! Contact me here and let me know what type of appointment you're looking for and the time-frame you're hoping for.
Clients can pay in full, but minimum of a 50% deposit is due at the first appointment and Couture Clients have the option of a 25% deposit with 3 additional payments.
Credit, cash and venmo are all accepted.
A bustle is used to hang up the train of a gown in a convenient and also stylish way. I am a huge advocate for bustles! Not only do I love creating and inventing new and beautiful ways to bustle gowns, but they are extremely convenient – especially if you plan on doing any partying or dancing at all.
I've gotten to work on gowns from many different designers and bridal stores – including Aléna Leena, True Society, Oleg Cassini, Made With Love, Maggie Sottero, BHLDN, Galina Signature, Justin Alexander, Vera Wang, Mori Lee, Pronovias and more!
Formal alterations specifically include alterations on dresses for bridal party members (bridesmaids, mothers and grandmothers to the bride or groom), as well as gowns for proms, galas or balls, and black-tie events.
