Hi! I'm Sarah Kolis, a custom couture wedding dress designer based in Michigan but serving the whole midwest. I love creating custom gowns and alterations for clients and I have a special love for vintage fashion. Thanks for stopping by!
When it comes to weddings, every bride dreams of a magical day where everything aligns absolutely perfectly. For one bride in particular, her wedding day was just that—filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with family and friends from around the world. Bride Gadea’s wedding day was nothing short of romantic and she reflects on her special day below, sharing her experiences, including the journey to finding her dream dress and working with Sarah Kolis to make it just perfect!
“Spending the day celebrating our love with the people we loved most was truly magical. Since our family and friends are spread out across the world is was surreal to have everyone together,” bride Gadea shared. When asked about her favorite part of the day, she didn’t hesitate: “Sharing private vows and exchanging gifts with my groom,” she said, a moment of intimacy that stood out among all the celebrations.
The bride’s first thought when she saw her groom on their wedding day was simple yet heartfelt: “I’m the luckiest person to spend the rest of my life with the most amazing person.” And the groom? His thoughts were just as tender: “She’s my dream come true.” He was awestruck by her dress, which made her look like a princess, and especially loved the unique cape-style veil created by Sarah Kolis herself.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a journey every bride anticipates, but this bride’s experience was uniquely special. “I got my dress at The White Dress (in Brighton, MI),” she explained. What made her say yes to the dress? The opportunity to customize it. “I was able to add sleeves and the open back I wanted. It made me feel elegant and beautiful.” The process of customization ensured the dress was a true reflection of her style, but it also came with its challenges.
Living in Texas while planning a Michigan wedding meant she couldn’t try on the dress until two months before the big day, which was also during her bridal shower trip to Michigan. “I was really nervous because the dress was tight on my legs and (hips), and I hadn’t had a chance to see how it fit until then,” she admitted. But that’s where Sarah Kolis came in!
With concerns about the fit of her dress, the bride turned to Sarah Kolis for alterations. “After meeting with Sarah, I felt confident that she would be able to make the necessary changes to make the dress shape my figure better,” she shared. Working with a skilled designer can make all the difference, and Sarah’s expertise ensured the dress was tailored to perfection. Book Alterations with Sarah here!
A popular dress style these days is a decently low front neckline AND low back neckline. This causes the shoulders to always feel like they are about to fall off. To prevent this, a strap across the back completely solves this issue and luckily, Gadea was all for it! Other alterations included loosening the hip area, hem, shortening the straps (and therefore pleating the sleeve there), and bustle. Sarah also designed and created the perfect unique veil for Gadea that was detachable from her gown!
On the wedding day, all her worries melted away. “I felt absolutely regal, elegant, and beautiful in my dress,” she said, a feeling that every bride deserves on her special day. The elegant gown, coupled with the dramatic cape-style veil, made her look and feel like a princess—a sentiment echoed by her groom.
“I felt absolutely regal, elegant, and beautiful in my dress” -Gadea
Reflecting on her journey, the bride offered some sage advice to future brides. “Spend as much time together with the groom as possible,” she recommended, encouraging couples to savor every moment together on their wedding day. As for the dress-shopping and alteration process, she reassured brides that finding the right people to help, like Sarah Kolis, can ease many of the common stresses! “Sarah made me feel so confident,” she said, grateful for the seamless alteration experience that allowed her to enjoy her special day to the fullest.
“Thank you Gadea for trusting me to alter your gown! Gadea and I are so fortunate to have known eachother since our cheerleading days in high school, and I am now so honored to play this small part in her special day many years later! I wish you a lifetime of happiness in your new marriage! Thank you lots!!”
–Sarah Kolis
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Are you a Sarah Kolis bride and wish to share your experience?! Want to submit to be featured in a blog post as well? Do so here!
I can’t wait to hear all about your love story and the vision you have for your big day.
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Sarah Kolis is a couture gown designer based in Detroit who serves the whole Midwest area and beyond.
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