Custom Couture for a Sister’s Special Day

When Angela said “I do” in June, it was more than just a family celebration — it was a day filled with unforgettable memories and fashion! As the bride’s big sister, Sarah not only designed Angela’s custom wedding gown but also created the bridesmaid dresses for herself and sisters and their mom’s Mother of the Bride look. The result? A wedding party dripping in style, sentiment, and signature Sarah Kolis craftsmanship. As you’ll read below, each of these dresses was inspired or brought to life by the fabric, and each completely unique!

Melissa’s Dress

Melissa’s bridesmaid dress was a subtle nod to her own couture wedding gown from last season, featuring those signature poof sleeves she loved so much. Originally planned in a different fabric, the first choice turned out far more iridescent than expected — not exactly camera-friendly. The swap brought them to the most stunning shade of green, a perfect match for the wedding palette. And yes… it had pockets, because Sarah knows function is just as important as fashion.

Colleen’s Dress

Colleen is a “sleeve girl” through and through, so her bridesmaid look featured a custom strap-and-cap-sleeve combination. The high neckline and soft, flowing skirt created a refined silhouette, while the luxurious green floral brocade — handpicked in New York City — made the dress a statement piece. Of course, there were pockets, but Sarah took it one step further: she surprised Colleen with a matching fabric purse, just because she could!

Sarah’s Dress

As both designer and bridesmaid, Sarah’s own gown began with a single piece of fabric that sparked her imagination. The design took shape around it — a blend of elegance and movement that felt perfectly at home beside her sisters. The result was a piece that stood on its own while still complementing the bridal party’s unified style.

Cynthia’s Mother of the Bride Dress

During a whirlwind one-day fabric shopping trip to NYC, Cynthia spotted the fabric that would become her Mother of the Bride dress — and it was love at first sight. The subtle purple undertones were a sweet nod to her “purple girl” Angela from years past. The silhouette echoed her favorite style from Melissa’s wedding the year before, reimagined in fresh fabric for Angela’s big day. Flattering, comfortable, and — naturally — complete with pockets, it was a showstopper in its own right.

Made to Move

Beyond the craftsmanship and custom design, these dresses were built for so much more than standing at the altar and smiling for photos. From the very first sketch, Sarah considered how each gown would live throughout the day — walking down the aisle, hugging guests, sitting for dinner, and, of course, hitting the dance floor.

The Kolis sisters are well-known among friends and family for closing down the reception with their signature all-night dance marathons — and this wedding was no exception. From twirling to dancing to jumping into the middle of the crowd, these dresses kept up with every move! Flowing skirts spun gracefully without tangling, sleeves stretched without pulling, and the fabrics breathed with every beat of the music.

By the end of the night, there were tired feet, happy hearts, and the kind of joyful laughter that only comes from hours of celebration! When couture is done right, it doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels beautiful to wear. These gowns were living proof that high fashion can also be high-energy, allowing their wearers to shine from “I do” all the way to the last song of the night.

Ready to start your couture journey? How about a one-of-a-kind dress made just for you?! Inquire here! Following along on Instagram for more couture magic!

Vendor Credit:

Photography: Penny Ralene Photography

Hair: Hairpins & Happiness

Makeup: DN Artistry