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Top 11 Pics from my stylized bridal gown shoot in Chicago...

I'm so in love with this bridal gown photo shoot taken at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago.  I designed the Wedding Gown, Veil & Jewelry you see here and thanks to our great friends over at Paul Stuart for dressing the groom.  The floral designs, tablescapes & invites were designed by Debi Lilly from A Perfect Event.  The wonderful wedding cake was designed by Toni Patissere & beautiful photography by Tamara Gruner. So excited to say that this stunning stylized Chicago shoot was also featured in Wedding Chicks! Hope you all enjoy our fabulous pics..

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Cheers to 2014... Thank you to everyone that made it a beautiful year xo!!!

2014 was another great year for Victoria Sdoukos Couture Bridal.  I have so many people to thank for making it a productive & positive year.  The year gone by started off with some amazing editorial features from Debi Lilly @ A Perfect Event, Crain's Business & Splash.  Following a fun debut with Vince Gerasole from CBS2 covering highlights of a live fitting at the boutique, a great morning segment on WGN at City View Loft featuring some of my designs, A Perfect Event & Pure Kitchen Catering, & an educational sit-down on the Steve Harvey Show talking business with Tabetha Coffey.  Also early in the year I participated for the 2nd time in wonderful Bridal Fete event, hosted by Leah Hamilton & met with some amazing bakeries in the city that made beautiful creations to coordinate with my gowns.  It was wonderful to once again work with Carasco, the amazingly talented couple that captured the gorgeous imagery that was at Bridal Fete. Spring was full of shoots at The Hellenic museum, City View Loft &  Kaiser Tiger.  I met some amazing hair & makeup maestros from Ramsay Marston who can make your hair look like a pinup model!  Thanks also to Amy Banas flawless makeup - what a talent!  Extremely thankful for fabulous features in Splash, CS Brides & Chicago Bride.  Wrapping up the year I did a couple more shoots with Tamara Gruner Photography, Megan SaulAndre LaCour.   I was also very fortunate to make new contacts and work with people that brought a different perspective to my work, which is always so inspiring to me as an artist!  In between hosting my beautiful brides in my Madison shop & sewing new gowns 2014 was a year that often found me as one busy woman!  I worked hard to make it all happen but couldn't do any of it without my wonderful family and friends.  A special shout out to my fiancé, sister & family for their continued support. I would also like to thank Oliver Dogwood Floral Co. for providing many beautiful bouquets at many of my shoots, Lati from Bridal Beauty SalonLatoya De'Shaun, Caroline Shaw The Wedding Dresser, Cathy Demetropoulos, Constantine James HaritosTasia Apostopolous & of course all my Lovely Brides!!!

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Top 5 dress shots with Andre LaCour...

Andre LaCour, one of Chicago's premier photographers partnered up with me this past Fall to snap a stellar styled shoot in my boutique.  When I saw that our work was published in Strictly Weddings, we were beyond thrilled with the news!  These five fabulous photos show brides-to-be a fun, yet chic way to dress for their Wedding Day. Special thanks to Lati from The Bridal Beauty Salon for the beautiful hair style!  Also extremely grateful to Elise for the marvelous makeup at leesi b.  Complete Styling & Designs from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Floral design by Oliver Dogwood Floral Co.

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The perfect gift for the groom...

So brides-to-be, I have a little secret to share with you on the perfect gift for the groom.  Luckily one of my brides introduced me to Peter & Field, located in Chicago.   This fab little shop custom makes ties & so much more for …

So brides-to-be, I have a little secret to share with you on the perfect gift for the groom.  Luckily one of my brides introduced me to Peter & Field, located in Chicago.   This fab little shop custom makes ties & so much more for the groom.  I was so impressed with the whole concept of customizing your groom, that I needed to give these trendsetters  a call after I saw the amazing tie they made for my brides fiancé.  Included in my blog is a beautiful picture  with one of my blush bridal gowns along with the coordinating tie.  What a unique way to bring together a complete custom look for the bride & groom.  Some other great ideas that they shared with me is customizing the lining in the tie, and custom handkerchiefs & bow ties.  I just love this!!!  And one of my all time favorite things about Peter & Field is that they have all their products made in Chicago, just like my bridal collection.  

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Pretty Petals!!!

When preparing for your Wedding Day, every detail matters including the bouquet. Today I'm  sharing some beautiful examples of how the perfect bouquet enhances your overall dream bridal look.  

Look #1 is pretty pink petals from Debi Lilly The complete look is perfect for the bride searching for a couture princess feel.  Debi's beautiful bouquet is full of texture, romance & girlie fun!  Featured gown, veil & jewelry…

Look #1 is pretty pink petals from Debi Lilly The complete look is perfect for the bride searching for a couture princess feel.  Debi's beautiful bouquet is full of texture, romance & girlie fun!  Featured gown, veil & jewelry are complete from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Hair & makeup provided by Beauty On Call located in Chicago. Photo Shoot venue at City View Loft in the West Loop.

Look #2 comes from Tiffany at OliverDogwood  Tiffany's bouquet has a vintage vibe & goes perfectly with this alencon lace gown.  Complete look from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection. Hair from Lati at The Bridal Beauty Salon&nbsp…

Look #2 comes from Tiffany at OliverDogwood  Tiffany's bouquet has a vintage vibe & goes perfectly with this alencon lace gown.  Complete look from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection. Hair from Lati at The Bridal Beauty Salon located in Wicker Park. Makeup from Elise at Leesi B Cosmetics located in Chicago.

Look #3 comes from Debi at www.debililly.com  This angelic look is complete with the ivory bouquet Debi created. Bridal gown, veil & jewelry complete from Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection. Hair & Makeup provided by Beauty On Call.

Look #3 comes from Debi at www.debililly.com  This angelic look is complete with the ivory bouquet Debi created. Bridal gown, veil & jewelry complete from Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection. Hair & Makeup provided by Beauty On Call.

Look #4 is for the sassy bride!!  These gorgeous tulips are from Debi Lilly.  My theme for this shoot was pinup style & this bouquet couldn't be more perfect!  Since I make custom wedding gowns, I always have a unique client base.…

Look #4 is for the sassy bride!!  These gorgeous tulips are from Debi Lilly.  My theme for this shoot was pinup style & this bouquet couldn't be more perfect!  Since I make custom wedding gowns, I always have a unique client base.  Lately, I've been inspired by pinup models & creating this red wedding gown was the best way for me to express what I have been dreaming about.  The complete look, gown & jewelry are from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection. Hair & Makeup provided by Beauty On Call.

xo,

V

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Latest Feature in Chicago Bride Magazine...

So excited to be featured in the latest edition of Chicago Bride Magazine.  Above are a few images from the magazine & the cover shot.  The fashion shoot took place in Chicago & my favorite place the beach.  Still trending strong in the wedding industry are the trumpet cut  gowns, lace & flower embellishments, as I expect them to stay around for many years to come...  Hope you enjoy these photos & don't forget to pick up a copy :)

Stylist of shoot: Cathy Demetropoulos

Hair: Constantine James Haritos from Elite Style

Makeup: Tasia Apostopoulos from Makeup by Tasia

Gowns, Veils & Jewelry: Victoria Sdoukos Couture

 

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Top 9 VSC brides photographed in Black & White

1. Blake featured in the Christine A-line gown, custom black sash & cathedral veil from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Wedding took place in Texas.. Love it!!! Photography: http://perezweddings.com

1. Blake featured in the Christine A-line gown, custom black sash & cathedral veil from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Wedding took place in Texas.. Love it!!! 

Photography: http://perezweddings.com

2. Ashley is wearing the Krisa trumpet cut gown, custom swarovski crystal sash & cathedral veil from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Wedding held at  the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.  She was Glamorous and oh so chic!!!Photo…

2. Ashley is wearing the Krisa trumpet cut gown, custom swarovski crystal sash & cathedral veil from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Wedding held at  the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.  She was Glamorous and oh so chic!!!

Photography: http://www.colinlyonsphotography.com/

3.  Yay!!  Time to celebrate with Leslie's amazing champagne photo!!  Love this, I might just have to do this one day myself...  Leslie is wearing the Dionna trumpet cut gown & custom jewelry from the VSC Collection.  Th…

3.  Yay!!  Time to celebrate with Leslie's amazing champagne photo!!  Love this, I might just have to do this one day myself...  Leslie is wearing the Dionna trumpet cut gown & custom jewelry from the VSC Collection.  This photo is gorgeous & I love how it highlights the beautiful bustle & Swarovski crystal buttons.  Reception held at  the Millennium Knickerbocker in Chicago.

Photography: http://www.thinkleigh.com

4. My bride Theresa looks like she's staring in a movie in this beautiful photo...  Theresa is wearing a custom tea-length gown that we created together, so naturally it was named after her.  This vintage look was made with double faced du…

4. My bride Theresa looks like she's staring in a movie in this beautiful photo...  Theresa is wearing a custom tea-length gown that we created together, so naturally it was named after her.  This vintage look was made with double faced duchess silk satin & accented with alencon lace on the bodice & hem.  Theresa is a true classic beauty!

Photography: http://collections.kimthielphotography.com/

 

5. Love, love, love...  My Hollywood Star bride looks gorgeous getting ready on her Wedding Day!  Reminds me of those behind the scene photos of the stars getting ready.  Erin is wearing the Agape gown made with alencon lace & cus…

5. Love, love, love...  My Hollywood Star bride looks gorgeous getting ready on her Wedding Day!  Reminds me of those behind the scene photos of the stars getting ready.  Erin is wearing the Agape gown made with alencon lace & custom sash from the VSC Collection.

6. I know the gown isn't being featured, but Emily's shoe photo still made the cut in my book.  The gown is still captured in a fun way highlighting the hem, great shot from a shoe & hem perspective.  Just a little reminder to brides, …

6. I know the gown isn't being featured, but Emily's shoe photo still made the cut in my book.  The gown is still captured in a fun way highlighting the hem, great shot from a shoe & hem perspective.  Just a little reminder to brides, that every moment of your Wedding Day is beautiful.  

Photography:  www.stepintothelimelight.com

7. Kelly is a Classic Hollywood Star!!  She is wearing the Marilyn gown & my signature Victoria Glam Lariat accented with Swarovski rhinestones & crystals. The complete look is from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Her pho…

7. Kelly is a Classic Hollywood Star!!  She is wearing the Marilyn gown & my signature Victoria Glam Lariat accented with Swarovski rhinestones & crystals. The complete look is from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Her photo couldn't be more beautiful, she's a romantic & glamorous bride!

photography: http://www.pamcooleyphotos.com

8.  Maggie is stunning in her head to toe look from the VSC collection!  She is wearing the trumpet cut Despina gown made in double faced duchess silk satin, along with it's delicate chiffon flowers that were hand stitched to the hem with …

8.  Maggie is stunning in her head to toe look from the VSC collection!  She is wearing the trumpet cut Despina gown made in double faced duchess silk satin, along with it's delicate chiffon flowers that were hand stitched to the hem with accents of Swarovski rhinestones to create the perfect shimmer.  Maggie is also wearing the signature Victoria Glam Lariat (shown in stacked version) matching earrings, bracelet & cathedral veil.  She was very Chic in Chicago!!!

Photography: http://trevarscott.com

 

9. Saved this one for last bc it's the most unexpected!  So my beautiful bride not only had me create her perfect dress, but she wanted me to be there the day of.  Such a unique way to celebrate your Wedding Day! I spend so much time helpi…

9. Saved this one for last bc it's the most unexpected!  So my beautiful bride not only had me create her perfect dress, but she wanted me to be there the day of.  Such a unique way to celebrate your Wedding Day! I spend so much time helping my brides find the perfect look, sew it together, that naturally having me dress you the day of is the icing on the cake!  I love this photo, way to go Cara & Scott!!  They posed me for this one :)  Noelle's dress is featured in ivory hand stitched alencon lace & one of my favorite glam sashes from the VSC collection.

Photography: http://www.carascophoto.com

Hope you enjoyed my top 9 Black & White Bridal photos.. <3 Victoria

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Top 7 Bridal Looks from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection..

1. Chic: This is my beautiful bride Maggie wearing the Despina from the VSC Collection.  Her gown is a trumpet cut style & is made with double faced duchess silk satin.  Along with her  look, I handmade  the jewelry using Swarovski Elements, her beautiful silk bolero & veil.  Perfect look for the City Chic Bride!

2. Timeless: Here we have Kelly wearing the Samantha wedding gown from the VSC collection.  Her gown is a trumpet cut style, accented with Alencon lace bodice & beautiful vintage brooch on her sash.  Her look is timeless & will be adorned for many years to come..

3. Classic: Say hello to Maggie our Classic Beauty!!!  She is wearing the Christine gown from the VSC collection.  What I love about her look is the simplicity that allows us to really see her true beauty.  She is wearing a white double faced duchess silk satin A-line gown with a ivory ribbon, to add just a slight contrast to her Wedding Day look.

4. Romantic: Here we have Erin with her romantic wedding gown from the VSC collection.  She is wearing the Agape gown, which means LOVE.. Can't be more romantic then that :)  The gown is made from our beautiful imported alecon lace, which only comes from one place in the world... France!  I just love the floral pattern on this lace, it's gorgeous & a  must for the Romantic Bride.

5. Traditional: Nieve is my featured bride for this traditional bridal look.  Together with Nieve I created this one of a kind look for her.  She had a December wedding & was dreaming about a gown with lace sleeves.  She is wearing a A-line skirt wedding gown made with double faced duchess silk satin & her bodice is hand stitched alencon lace.  

6.  Beach:  My favorite place to be :)  What I love about beach brides are the amazing photos  they have walking along the beach in a couture wedding gown.  Kristina is wearing the Dionna one shoulder wedding gown, accented with handmade silk flowers.  This look is perfect for her dream wedding in Hawaii!

Unique:  Being a designer is all about being unique!  Emily chose the Viki gown from my collection which is handmade in 3 colors to complete the look.  Her bodice is light ivory, the sash is taupe & her skirt is dark ivory.  When you combine these colors together you get a beautiful rustic color pallet, which I think is unique for a bridal gown.  

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Handmade Bridal Jewelry in Chicago...

Did you know that you can enjoy your Bridal Jewelry beyond your Wedding Day??  I've been accessorizing Chicago Brides for over 7 years now & one of their favorite things about the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Jewelry is the versatility the collection offers them.  My jewelry was created with the intention to be worn more than once & pieces of art that tell a story.  Many girls love wearing a piece of their wedding day for other occasions & enjoy telling others on how they have their wedding jewelry on once again.  All my jewelry is handmade in Chicago & is made with Swarovski rhinestones, crystals & crystal pearls.  What makes my collection unique & special is the ability to customize every little detail with your jewelry & using Swarovski elements to create each piece.  Is your favorite color pink?  No problem, I can a create a unique pink creation just for you!  Do you have 10 bridesmaid & 10 unique personalities with different jewelry needs.  No problem, I can create jewelry for everyone & each girl can have their own unique jewelry piece.  Let me know what your thinking & upon your consultation I will let you know what I can create for you!  Our Chicago location offers brides a very large selection of hair jewelry, earrings, bracelets,  necklaces & our signature Glam Lariat that can be worn multiple ways.  The jewelry collection is enjoyed by brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the wedding & anyone looking for a special gift or for themselves.  So whatever the occasion, creating your own jewelry is easy & fun!  The collection begins at $55 for earrings, $125 for bracelets & $250 for necklaces.

 

Photo features the Victoria Glam Lariat

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Bridal Sashes...

Bridal sashes have been on high demand these past couple of years, but finding that perfect sash can sometimes be a challenge.  Not to worry Chicago brides bc you can have your very own custom made sash from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection.  Many brides love our sashes bc of the quality & allowing the bride to add their very own personal touches to their Wedding Day look.  The steps on ordering a custom sash are easy..  1st starting with the color, which we offer over 50 beautiful shades, 2nd the details...  Do you want silk flowers, Swarovski Rhinestones, Pearls, Lace or a little bit of everything?  Let us know & we can create your dream sash!  Many times brides will tell me they love lace & glamour.  One way to have both looks is simply changing your sash.  So in the morning,  you can wear an ivory or white sash with delicate lace details & then at night,  a glamorous one full of Swarovski rhinestone bling!   Sometimes brides will have the 2nd sash in a black, eggplant, navy, charcoal, red or even blush to make a statement.  So whatever your dream sash may be, let us know & we will create your vision.  Most custom sashes begin at $350 & usually 2 months to complete order.

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Loving Lace...

Lace has been very popular for the past couple of years & many of us can see why...  There is nothing more romantic then wearing a Lace Wedding Gown on your Big Day!  In this post I have one of my beautiful Chicago Brides wearing her custom made wedding gown from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection..  This particular gown is the Angelina Gown & is featured in white Alencon lace.  One of my favorite elements on this gown are the hand stitched silk flowers that I added to the bottom of the gown & sash, which are highlighted with my favorite... Swarovski Rhinestones!!!  What makes this trumpet cut lace gown so special, is the unique combination of romance, glamour & classic all wrapped up in one!

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Hollywood Glam!

Congratulations to my Hollywood Glam Bride Leslie!!!  She tied the knot this January in Chicago  with her amazing reception held at the Knickerbocker Hotel, might I add one of my favorite places.  I adore her city skyline photo, it captures the mood of what it means to be a Chicago Bride & of course I had to add the cake cutting photo bc it's one of my favorite Wedding Day moments..  Leslie wore a custom made gown from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection  & added her own personal touches in the sash color, jewelry & layout of her Swarovski rhinestone studded flower on her shoulder.  The cut of the gown is a one shoulder trumpet cut, also referred to as fit to flare.  It's featured in ivory double faced duchess silk satin & is highlighted with a glamorous floral shoulder.  The shoulder has hand cut silk flowers, that are layered with two textures of silk chiffon & double faced duchess silk satin.  Leslie added her unique touches to the gown with the color tones that she picked out to highlight her look.  I loved her idea of mixing gold & silver tones together, as she loves those two metals just like me.  Her shoulder detail has beautiful muted gold & silver Swarovski rhinestones mixed in the flowers which makes the shoulder very interesting to look at & is like a piece of art.  I also cannot forget to mention the back of the gown, it has about 100 muted gold Swarovski rhinestone buttons along the back which is outstanding!!!  One of my favorite add ons to Leslie's gown, was a personal hand stitched heart made from a  piece of fabric from her Fathers clothing, as a memory of him.  It was so beautiful & seeing Leslie's reaction to the added piece in her gown was very touching, it made me so happy :)  More pictures of Leslie's Glamorous Wedding Day are available on my FB page!  Once again congratulations Leslie, you were so wonderful to work with & you looked like a Doll :)

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Timeless Beauty!

There is nothing more elegant &nbsp;then being a timeless beauty.. &nbsp;One of my favorite gowns in the collection, which is a trumpet cut wedding gown made with ivory Alencon lace, is today's featured blog. &nbsp;This Chicago bride had her complet…

There is nothing more elegant  then being a timeless beauty..  One of my favorite gowns in the collection, which is a trumpet cut wedding gown made with ivory Alencon lace, is today's featured blog.  This Chicago bride had her complete look from wedding gown, bridal sash, hair accessory & jewelry handmade by me from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection!  Together with Whitney, we picked out all her favorite elements such as Swarovski crystal buttons & unique hair accessory to complete her one of a kind look.  The process of working with me, allows my client to customize many details to make a statement that is personal  to them.  I  attended the wedding & and can honestly say she was like a Hollywood Star!!!  I loved all the details my client had & not to mention her amazing bouquet!!!   Congratulations Whitney & thank you for sharing your Wedding Day with me!

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Blushing Bride...

Trending this year again is my favorite... Blush Bridal Gowns!!!  This is my latest bridal gown for my collection & I'm loving this piece.  The gown is made with blush double faced duchess silk satin & is accented with Swarovski crystal buttons & floral trim across the front & back of the gown.  This is the perfect trumpet cut gown for a bride looking for something Glamorous & Chic!  

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Latest Feature in Debi Lilly's Magazine..

So excited to be featured in Debi Lilly's latest magazine...  As I work on gowns in my Chicago Boutique, I always snap pics of the work in progress as a fun way to showcase the dress/jewelry making process.  I had no idea that Debi Lilly had pulled a couple of them to create this beautiful spread.  I was so excited when I saw this bc it really showcases who I am as a designer.  I love creating bridal gowns, veils and jewelry but the fun part is the process of creating these pieces.  So while I'm working away, I'm snapping away...  Hope you enjoy these fun behind the seams bridal inspirations!

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Simply Stunning!!!

Congratulations to my beautiful Chicago bride Jenny!!! &nbsp;She is wearing a custom made gown from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection &amp; is simply stunning... &nbsp;I really love simple &amp; clean lines when it comes to design. &nbsp;Havin…

Congratulations to my beautiful Chicago bride Jenny!!!  She is wearing a custom made gown from the Victoria Sdoukos Couture Collection & is simply stunning...  I really love simple & clean lines when it comes to design.  Having a clean look allows you to have your true beauty highlighted.  Jenny is wearing a ivory double faced duchess silk satin trumpet cut wedding gown.  The sweetheart neckline completes this classic Hollywood glam look which suits Jenny perfectly! This is just another example, how less is more & being a Classic is always Glamorous!!

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I <3 Cathedral Veils!!!

So many Chicago Brides ask about veils &amp; many are not sure if they even want to wear them anymore. &nbsp;I always tell the bride that their wedding day should be captured as moments. &nbsp;Wearing a veil is a moment that is truly gorgeous, you'r…

So many Chicago Brides ask about veils & many are not sure if they even want to wear them anymore.  I always tell the bride that their wedding day should be captured as moments.  Wearing a veil is a moment that is truly gorgeous, you're a bride!!!  It also captures so many beautiful pictures before the ceremony, that will be photos to treasure for years to come.  The images I've included are 3 of my gorgeous brides wearing cathedral veils.  As you can see these pictures are absolutely beautiful & definitely a piece of art.   Wearing a veil is a tradition in my book that never goes out of style. I love the simplicity of these veils which highlight the brides silhouette & gown details while they create a softness around the bride.  I highly recommend wearing a cathedral veil if you are looking for a stunning bridal look! <3 <3 <3

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Bridal Fete Chicago February 27th

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Bridal Fete Chicago February 27th

So excited to be a part of Bridal Fete Chicago this February!!!  Come join the fun and meet 10 amazing bakeries from Chicago, that will be showcasing coordinating cakes alongside my bridal creations.  Each bakery will be creating a matching cake to each one of my bridal gowns.  Such a fun event, that is full of bridal inspirations!  Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event will be dressing the event, with her unforgettable touches that we all adore along with yummy bites from Pure Kitchen Catering.  Our friends at Carasco will be capturing this fab event!! So many talented vendors that you won't want to miss, looking forward to seeing you there!  

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The first stitch... my first blog.

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The first stitch... my first blog.

I'm excited to get started on writing my first blog. I have so many great ideas and inspirations for brides-to-be. On my blog posts, I'm going to start sharing my Behind the Scenes. What does that mean? Well, it could be anything from what new bridal jewelry designs I'm working on, to the process of sewing a bridal gown, to a snapshot of my excited brides as they come in for a fitting. I love what I do and enjoy sharing this special moment with so many wonderful Chicago brides. Stay tuned!

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