By Sarah Kolis

Wow… what a dream this day was! I can honestly say this was my favorite day of work EVER—and that’s saying a lot. I’ve had the honor of designing and photographing many couture gowns for brides over the years (including my sister Melissa’s shoot last year), but there was something so peaceful, so meaningful, and so joy-filled about Angela’s bridal photoshoot that made it unforgettable from beginning to end.

Hosting at Home – The Sarah Kolis Studio

Unlike Melissa’s shoot in May 2024—which was also stunning but, let’s be honest, a bit chaotic—we were finally able to use the fully completed Sarah Kolis Studio for Angela’s shoot. Last year, I had to pause construction, kick the contractors out for the day, and shoot photos in a half-finished space (yes, the toilet literally wasn’t even hooked up yet 😂). But this year? The studio was cozy, decorated, functional, and just felt like home. A true creative space where we could all breathe and just enjoy the process.

The Vendor Dream Team

I brought back the exact same vendor team we used for Melissa’s shoot—because they’re just that good. Everyone walked in knowing their role, and it was smooth sailing from the jump.

• Photography: Penny and Gabe (videographer) are actual mind readers. I barely had to say a word. And our second shooter Astrid not only captured amazing behind-the-scenes moments, but kept the energy up all day. Whenever anyone started fading, she brought the fun.
• Hair: Carleana might not read our minds like Penny and Gabe, but she doesn’t need to. We give her vague ideas, and she goes above and beyond with the most gorgeous results.
• Makeup: Danielle is my go-to for a reason. She listens, adjusts, and always makes me feel like the best version of myself. She’s done my makeup multiple times now, so it’s an easy and fun process every time.

And yes—the glam girl talk during hair and makeup was unmatched. We covered all the juicy sister gossip and had the best laughs to start the day!

• Florals: Huge thanks to The Flower Alley for creating beautiful bouquets with almost no direction. I asked for two white bridal bouquets and a mother-of-the-bride bouquet to match her dress. What we got? Pure magic.

The Dress Lineup

This shoot was absolutely planned for Angela’s couture photoshoot— and it was a full couture wardrobe moment! While everyone was getting ready, I took advantage of having the full team onsite and snuck in a few dresses of my own to photograph early in the day, because it is rare to get the opportunity to photograph all of the couture gowns I make!! On this day, I selected a few recent creations to finally have photographed:

• My firetruck red Auto Show gown
• Red dress for my niece’s baptism
• Maroon/green/gold Christmas dress
• Yellow gingham Marilyn dress
• Pink floral pocket dress
• My bridesmaid dress

The Official Photoshoot

Then it was time! Angela got prepped with her first outfit, as well as Mom who would soon make an appearance in her couture pieces! We moved fast, rotating between styling, changing, and shooting. Here’s the full lineup we captured:

• Angela’s getting ready pajama set
• Mom’s bridal shower dress
• Angela’s bridal shower dress
• Mother-of-the-bride gown
• Angela’s wedding brunch skort
• Angela’s second bridal shower dress
• Angela’s Bachelorette Party dress
• Angela’s rehearsal dinner dress
• Angela’s engagement photo dress
• Angela’s WEDDING DRESS — the grand finale!

A Midday Break and a Sweet Surprise
We broke for lunch halfway through (thank you to Melissa and Cam for picking up catering from Genetti’s!). We all gathered on the back patio, soaking in the sunshine and celebrating the beautiful day.

And then… it was time.

The Wedding Dress Moment

Angela’s wedding dress reveal was emotional, exciting, and so full of meaning. But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you about a secret I’d been keeping since December.

All throughout the design process, our mom kept suggesting we add a bow to Angela’s gown. Angela kept politely shutting it down. What Mom didn’t know? Angela loved the idea of a bow—but wanted to surprise her! She didn’t want to commit early on, just in case she changed her mind or felt pressured.

So the night before the shoot, I stayed up until 2:00am making four different bow options for Angela to choose from. She had a favorite in mind, but we decided to create a sweet, intentional moment with Mom—inviting her to help pick “the one” in the Tulip Fitting Room of the studio. This room was both a match to Angela’s wedding theme and a sentimental space for such a special memory.

Penny and Gabe did their best to capture this little mother-daughter moment—and I’m so thankful we got to include it in the story of her gown.

NOW for the gown!

Angela’s bridal photoshoot was everything I hoped it would be—and more. Peaceful, joyful, sentimental, and fun. From the custom couture gowns to the laughter in the makeup chair, every minute felt like a celebration of love, sisterhood, and the beauty of creating something meaningful.

I’ll always look back on this day as one of the highlights of my work (and life!). Angela, you were radiant. Thank you for letting me bring your wedding wardrobe to life 🤍

Do you find yourself having a little couture-envy? That is totally warranted!! Let’s fix that by helping you create a custom couture bridal wardrobe or gown (or both!) of your own!! Learn more here!

With love,
Sarah

📸 Photography: @pennyralenephotography + @tenthirtyfilms
📸 Behind-the-Scenes: @astrid.johansen
💄 Makeup: @dn_artistry
💇‍♀️ Hair: @carleana
💐 Florals: @thefloweralley
🥗 Lunch Catering: Genetti’s Hole-in-the-Wall
👗 Dresses: @sarahkolisdesigns
🏡 Studio: The Sarah Kolis Studio