Just this past January, newly engaged Ashley reached out about creating a custom couture Sarah Kolis gown for her, and of course I said “YES!” I sat down with the beautiful bride-to-be to discuss all the details in a gown that she was having trouble finding in stores. We discussed ALL of her wedding dress dreams! Items like having the proper length for her height and a very specific white color was very important to her.

I sketched out her gown (of course!) and we finalized the design. Together we selected the materials- a luxurious 100% silk duchesse satin bodice with white tulle skirt. The ballgown silhouette was to be soft and not too large, but elegant with a beautiful train. Lace details were to be reserved for the exquisite cathedral veil.

Creating the Dress

Next, I got to work on Ashley’s dream dress! As always, I began with an inexpensive cotton fabric to draft the bodice of the gown to ensure it fits properly before cutting into the actual materials. Some of the dress features include a mid-length train, fully-structured bodice, and pockets, of course! It was such a pleasure to see Ashley at each of these fittings, and even meet her parents along the way. Ashley is such a kind and happy soul that was such a joy to see for these appointments, I always looked forward to our meetings together to hear all about her wedding planning! She truly was so excited to marry her soul mate and create the wedding of their dreams!

I worked extensively to complete the gown in the short allotted time frame, and could not wait to see it on the bride! It still amazes me to see a gown I designed come to life as I create it. From hearing Ashley’s original thoughts and concerns at the beginning of the design process, to seeing those elements truly come to life during her bridal gown photoshoot, there is really nothing quite like it and I am proud to see such a beautiful bride wearing one of my couture creations!

“You truly made all my dreams come true, even beyond what I thought was possible.”

– Ashley, Bride

Couture Photoshoot

Now with the gown complete, I love to take the opportunity to do a couture photoshoot for my brides! So it was time to assemble the dream team! Of course it included none other than some of my dear friends, who are all such incredible artists!

First up, the dream duo beauty squad featuring Danielle Neiswender of DN artistry and Carleana DeLaCruz of Hairpins and Happiness. These two worked their magic and elevated Ashley’s natural beauty! I also recently interviewed both Danielle and Carleana on my podcast, Dressing Up. Check out Danielle and Carleana’s interviews! To top it off, The Flower Alley created the most stunning bouquet!

“Makeup was focused on accentuating her natural beauty- soft, touchable skin using Fenty beauty’s pro filter, an understated lash (ardell naked 420s) with full, groomed brows and a blush of pink on cheeks and lips (custom blended colors using Danessa Myricks pigment.) All prepped with skincare that made sense for her skin type and concerns, designed to keep the makeup in place all day and looking it’s smoothest. What a beauty!”

– Danielle Neiswender

Next up, my good friend Penny of Penny Ralene Photography (who is somehow always behind the camera but never in front) and Phil and Katie with Modi Services arrived to captured the day. And capture it did they! The images speak for themselves, check them out below! Stunning work my friends!!

Watch the video here!

I love my friend Penny’s thoughts here about the photoshoot-

“The bridal gown represents years of dreaming and anticipation, and the moment a bride puts on her gown is a special kind of magic to capture on camera! This session was an extra special treat for me as a wedding photographer, since the typical wedding day doesn’t afford very much time for bridal portraits. What I loved about this session is that Sarah created a sentimental experience for Ashley and her parents that concluded her gown design process. It’s rewarding to work with other wedding industry artists who embrace the sacred beauty of the wedding day and the legacy it establishes.” 

– Penny Ralene Photography

With such a dream team of vendors, Ashley was one lucky lady to receive the full VIP celebrity treatment, as I liked to call it! She got to roll out of bed and throw on her comfy clothes, arrive to the studio greeted by her favorite coffee drink, and sit right on in the glam team’s chair to have other’s doll her up for her… and boy did she deliver! She did such a great job that I have to stop and think, this is a REAL bride, no models here ladies! However, I do believe Ashley could have been a professional in another life! The results don’t lie!

Why do a couture bridal shoot? Aren’t they going to have a wedding photographer?! Well of course! But what bride wouldn’t want their Elizabeth James and Lindsay Lohan-esque moment in front of the camera before their big day? Tell me what could be more fun…. I’ll wait.

During a couture bridal shoot, we try and capture a few things that might not otherwise be captured on the actual wedding day. First, we want to photograph the bride in the gown she dreamed of, and after all, it is one of a kind! Next, we get a chance to capture bridal portraits, which are not only beautiful, but a chance to photograph the bride without all of the wedding-day-busyness going on! And lastly, selfishly, Sarah Kolis herself (yes, me) gets to capture the gown in ways that are unique only to the designer’s eye. Doing this photoshoot ensures we have ALL the images of this beauty we could ever need and want, we give the bride a little practice before her big day, and above all, it is an incredibly fun and unique experience for a woman as she ventures into a whole new adventurous chapter of her life!

“You brought my vision to life by designing the dress of my dreams. I was truly blessed to get to wear this beautiful dress twice! What an amazing experience this photoshoot was. I’ll never forget it!

– Ashley, Bride

To top of an already incredible day, check out the Youtube Video all about these special moments!

Thanks for reading! Lots of love,

Sarah Kolis

Interested in a custom couture Sarah Kolis gown of your dreams? Inquire here!

Bride: Ashley Rozek

Couture Gown: Sarah Kolis

Photography: Penny Ralene Photography

Hair: Carleana DeLaCruz with Hairpins and Happiness

Makeup: Danielle Neiswender of DN Artistry

Florals: The Flower Alley

Videography: Phil and Katie with Modi Services Watch here!