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Creating a custom couture wedding gown is more than just designing a dress—it’s about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In this episode, Sarah Kolis takes you behind the scenes of my bridal design process, sharing everything from the initial consultation to the final fitting. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding dress, this episode is for you!
I also chat with bride, Ashley Rozek, who struggled to find the perfect gown in stores and chose a custom design route instead. She shares her experience, from choosing fabrics to her pre-wedding photo shoot, and why having a couture gown made all the difference for her special day!
If you’re considering a custom wedding gown or just love hearing about the artistry behind couture bridal fashion, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-life bridal stories!
In this episode: The step-by-step process of creating a custom wedding dressHow to decide between a store-bought or custom gownWhy mock dress fittings are a crucial part of the processThe importance of high-quality bridal fabrics and how they impact the final lookAshley’s experience with a custom gown and her stunning pre-wedding photo shoot
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia McKay, co-owner and venue coordinator of The Oakley, a premier event venue in Holly, Michigan! Alicia shares how she unexpectedly fell into wedding planning after her own wedding and how that journey evolved into running a full-scale family-owned venue on a 40-acre property!We talk about:How Alicia transitioned from graphic designer to venue ownerThe transformation of her in-laws' horse barn into a stunning venueWhat makes The Oakley’s full-weekend experience so uniqueWedding trends we’re both seeing and lovingReal-life sacrifices and joys of working in the wedding industryAlicia also shares her heartfelt philosophy on treating every couple like family and the importance of creating a stress-free, memorable experience.Whether you're planning a wedding, dreaming of starting a venue, or just love hearing women in business share their story—this episode is full of insight and inspiration!
Connect with Alicia:
Website: www.theoakleyevents.com
Instagram: @theoakleyevents
Facebook: @theoakleyweddings
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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You asked - we answered! In this episode, I sit down with my youngest sister, Melissa, for a fun and lighthearted conversation about her wedding journey, life updates, and all things fashion. We answer listener-submitted questions covering everything from how she met her husband Cam to the special moments on her wedding day, including her first dance song, favorite wedding details, and what it was like being the youngest of four sisters! In this episode:
How Melissa and Cam met and their dating journeyChoosing a first dance song and special wedding detailsThe reality of wedding day stress vs. excitementFashion trends, wardrobe favorites, and growing up with sistersLife after the wedding, new hobbies, and future plansIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this special episode, we continue our bride interview series with three amazing women—Gwen, Kayla, and Rina—who share the real stories behind their wedding days. From intimate destination ceremonies to unique personal touches and unexpected moments, this episode is full of inspiration and heartfelt reflections.
Bride Gwen Semrow shares all about her beautiful Playa del Carmen destination wedding, the story behind her dress alterations, and the unforgettable speech from her husband!Bride Kayla Keller is a Traverse City bride who personalized every detail of her wedding, including a surprise musical moment that left her in tears. Plus, the unexpected item she put on her wedding registry!Bride Rina Sistrunk tells us all about how she embraced community support in wedding planning, overcame challenges, and the hilarious moment that set the tone for her big day!
Are you a bride who Sarah Kolis has worked with and you want to share your story on the podcast too? We’d love to chat with you! Check your email for booking details or reach out via [email protected] or DM to get scheduled!
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode, Mimi Rubin joins us to share all the details of her wedding day—from planning the perfect celebration with all their close friends and family, to unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable! We dive into her unique bridal style, including a stunning David’s Bridal gown with custom alterations by Sarah Kolis herself, and the special touches that made her wedding one-of-a-kind—like a live wedding guest painting experience and a sweet wedding favor nod to their dog Charlie!
Plus, we bring in her husband, Chad, for a groom’s perspective on wedding planning, the big day jitters, and his best advice for future grooms. We also chat about wedding budgeting, what’s worth the splurge, and what you can skip without regret!
Mentioned vendors:
Wedding painter: Jenny Paints by Hand @jennypaintsbyhand
DJ: Motor City HDj - Brett Cummins
Photographer: Elle Musall from Ellis & Indigo Photography
If you have questions for Sarah and her team to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Welcome to the third episode of the Real Brides Series! In this episode, I sit down with three incredible brides—Darby, Madison, and Natalie—to hear their unique and heartwarming wedding stories, each filled with creativity, personal touches, and valuable lessons!
Darby Lorimer talks about her dreamy destination wedding, her two-piece gown, and some unique wedding planning tips!
Madison Henzi shares how last-minute dress alterations saved her dream gown and gave her the perfect fit just days before the wedding!
Natalie Conti reflects on her Detroit rooftop wedding, a hilarious vow interruption during the ceremony, and how her simple sheath dress made her feel truly special!
Are you a bride who Sarah has worked with and wants to share your story on the podcast? I’d love to chat with you! Check your email for booking details or reach out via email or DM to get scheduled!
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this special episode, Sarah introduces Erin Conner, her lead seamstress! They share their story of friendship, career paths, and the evolution of their bridal business. From their early days at David’s Bridal to the Sarah Kolis brand today, they talk about their love for sewing, the challenges and joys of bridal alterations, and their favorite wedding dress projects.In this episode: How Sarah and Erin met and their decade-long journey to working togetherThe demand for custom bridal services like vintage redesigns and heirloom piecesThe importance of proper dress fittings, hem lengths, and undergarments for bridal gownsWhy they love working with both structured and creative gown designsFunny behind-the-scenes moments (like babies napping nearby and sewing machine nostalgia!)Their tips on dress fittings, including "letting out" dresses and managing pre-wedding body changesIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Welcome back to The Dressing Up Podcast! Today, I’m diving into the stories of three incredible brides I’ve had the honor of working with: Alexa, Emily, and Stephanie. We’ll chat about their wedding days, the moments they’ll cherish forever, and the lessons they learned along the way. If you’re a bride-to-be or just love hearing about wedding experiences, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Bride Alexa Ayyash shares her secret to staying calm while wedding planning and relives a magical first dance moment she’ll never forget! She says, “I have never felt as beautiful as I did when walking down the aisle and my husband saw me in my dress for the first time.“Bride Emily Spencer reveals her favorite wedding-day moment—a heartfelt first look—and how planning ahead made a world of difference when life threw unexpected challenges her way. We also discuss her unique bridal style, including a vintage redesign of her mom’s wedding dress! She says, “Our wedding day was the best day of our lives! Standing up there with Daniel, it only felt like just the two of us.”Bride Stephanie Spencer says, “my wedding was full of joy and love” and reminisces about her emotional vow exchange and overcoming challenges like planning a wedding while in school and managing a cross-country move. She also shares her experience working with close family and friends to create a memorable day and gives advice to brides on embracing imperfection.Connect with Us:
Are you a bride who Sarah has worked with and wants to share your story on the podcast? I’d love to have you! Check your email for booking details or reach out via email or DM to get scheduled.I
f you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode, I am taking you on a behind-the-scenes journey into one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever undertaken: creating my youngest sister Melissa’s wedding dress! From the initial sketches to the final fitting, I share every detail of the process, including designing her entire wedding wardrobe, working with luxurious fabrics, and collaborating with family members to bring Melissa’s Cinderella-inspired dream to life.Melissa joins me to reflect on the process, the fittings, and her favorite elements of her gown. I also talked to my mom about her involvement in the dress, and what she thought of her daughter all dressed up!Whether you're a bride-to-be, a couture sewing enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good wedding story, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The creative process behind making Melissa’s wedding dress.Why luxurious fabrics and couture techniques make a difference.The importance of personalization, including pockets in the gown and Melissa's one-of-a-kind poof sleeves.Family collaboration and the funny (and sweet) moments that shaped the experience.A look into Melissa’s entire wedding wardrobe and the unforgettable photo shoot that captured it all.Reflections on the big day and how Melissa feels post-wedding.Time Stamps:00:33 Starting the Wedding Dress Journey01:57 Cutting and Sewing the Skirt02:36 Working on the Bodice04:47 Fitting and Adjustments06:24 Fabric and Design Details08:44 Sewing Techniques and Challenges13:04 Finalizing the Dress26:32 Lace and Appliqué Decisions featuring my mom, Cynthia40:22 My mom’s thoughts on the dress!50:08 Melissa's Wedding Reflections & Thoughts on the dress!
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Welcome to a brand-new series on The Dressing Up Podcast! In this special Real Brides series, I’m inviting past brides I’ve worked with to reminisce about their big day, share insights, and relive those unforgettable moments. If you’re planning your own wedding, or simply love hearing about all things bridal, you’re in for a treat!In today’s episode, I chat with three incredible women who each have unique and beautiful stories to tell:Alexa Starnes (2021 Bride): Alexa shares her post-wedding journey, her favorite wedding moments, and how planning her wedding led her into the world of event coordination. She also talks about the importance of giving yourself time to order your dress and we reminisce on our alterations experience together 3 years ago!Tara Freni-Kenbeek (The Fashionista Bride): Tara talks about her stunning, classic bridal look, her incredible Prada shoes (yes, you heard that right!), and how she and her husband anchored their planning decisions on staying connected and present!Rachel Rossini-Rhoades (The Nostalgic Bride): Rachel wore her mother’s 90s wedding dress, honoring its original style while making it her own! From a custom corset to preserving her wedding flowers, Rachel’s creativity shines through!If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
This week, my mom Cynthia Kolis joins the Dressing Up Podcast to walk down memory lane with me! Ever since I was a child, I knew that this was the path I wanted to go down with my career - so in this episode my mom shares her side of the story seeing me grow up!
From sewing doll clothes and entering competitions to creating custom wardrobes and bridal gowns, my mom and I share the evolution of my craft, childhood milestones, and the occasional crafting mishap.
Whether you’re a lifelong crafter, a fan of family stories, or simply curious about the journey of a dedicated fashion entrepreneur, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain.
In this episode:
How my childhood obsession with sewing, knitting, and crafting shaped her career.The importance of parental support in nurturing a child’s creative talent.Behind-the-scenes stories of my sewing competitions, handmade wardrobes, and unique creations.The influence of mentors like Aunt Dian and Vicki in fostering my skills.Sewing Expo memories and the joy of connecting with the sewing community.
If you have questions for Sarah Kolis to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Today’s guest is Loren Taylor, the founder of LDT Events, a thriving event and wedding planning business in Metro Detroit, and the wedding coordinator of my sister Melissa’s wedding this past May! From design to execution, Loren is the founder and event planning expert of LDT Events, she strives to tailor the event to the client’s unique vision, style & personality!
Loren shares her inspiring journey of starting her own business, her experiences in the wedding industry, and how her personal style and creativity influence her work. We also talk about coordinating dozens of weddings a year, the importance of a wedding planner in helping to create a low-stress engagement experience, and her exciting plans for rebranding and growing her team!
Whether you’re planning your big day, running a business, or just love a good story about following your passion, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice!
In this episode:
How Loren transitioned from bridal styling to creating LDT Events.The role personal style plays in her business and her love for timeless neutrals.Tips for planning a low-stress wedding and why hiring a planner is a game-changer.Why smaller bridal parties (or no bridal parties!) are becoming more popular.Loren’s plans for growing her business while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Connect with Loren:
Website: https://www.ldtevents.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldtevents/
If you have questions for Sarah Kolis to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode, Sarah speaks with a very special guest, Kevin Dombek, who is her soon-to-be brother-in-law! They dive into the fun details of Kevin’s engagement to Sarah’s sister Angela, from their engagement photos to the proposal itself. Kevin shares his thoughts on wedding planning, the process of choosing engagement rings, natural vs. lab-grown diamonds, and even planning a wedding day wardrobe. This episode is perfect for anyone planning a wedding or just wanting to hear about love and laughter along the way!In this episode:
Kevin’s thoughts on engagement photos and how he enjoyed it more than he thought he would!A look into the ring-buying process and why Kevin chose a natural diamond.The 6:45 a.m. proposal story, Angela’s reaction, and the importance of having your nails done!Kevin’s role in wedding planning and the family tradition of a candy bar at the reception.Rapid-fire Q&A: Weddings, wardrobes, and hilarious "what if" scenarios.If you have questions for Sarah Kolis to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Are you a bridesmaid for an upcoming wedding? Well, you are in luck because in this episode I am joined by my sister, Angela, and we’re chatting all about bridesmaids, from funny stories to helpful tips you don’t want to miss. Whether you’ve been a bridesmaid 27 times or it’s your first go, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and our experiences!
In This Episode:
Bridesmaid dos and don’ts for the wedding day and before!Things to avoid doing, such as drinking non-clear liquids around the bride, or being late to the wedding!Advice for bridesmaids planning bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and other events!Ideas and etiquette for wedding gifts. Details on Angela’s upcoming wedding on June 14th, 2025 and the reality of wedding planning during the fall, AKA the busiest season for vendors!
If you have questions for Sarah Kolis to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
It’s official, I have moved into the new and improved Sarah Kolis Studio!
In this special episode, I recap the exciting journey of transforming a raw garage into my dream studio and celebrating its grand opening in style! You may have heard me share information about this before, but this episode gives you a thorough re-cap of this fabulous event!
From beautiful flowers and delicious food to live music and over 165 amazing guests, this grand opening party was a day filled with love, laughter, and lots of celebration! I share details on what went into this big studio transformation, details from the party, and what is next for me and the business!
If you are watching on YouTube, I am showing you the outfits and accessories that I wore to the party as well as some bonus dresses!
Thank you so much for your support on this incredible journey. If you were at the party, a big thank you for making it so special! And if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—I’ll fill you in on all the fun details!
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode, sisters, Caitlin and Hannah sit down to discuss Hannah’s recent wedding, and how Caitlin, a wedding planner and coordinator, made it extra special!
Hannah shares the story of her wedding ceremony and reception, planned by her sister, Caitlin, a renowned wedding planner with Bunny & June Events. Hannah’s dress was altered by yours truly, and she also shares her experience with that whole gown process!
Caitlin shares her best tips for women planning their wedding, and how to know if you need a wedding planner, day of coordinator, or month of coordinator so you can actually enjoy your wedding day to its fullest! We also chat about wedding preparations, logistical challenges, and sentimental moments that can make your special day even more special!
Follow along with Caitlin! Her website is https://www.bunnyandjuneevents.com/ and instagram @bunnyandjuneevent
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
Beth Anderson from Ivory Loft Bridal joins the podcast again! In this episode, we build on our conversation that we started in episode 26, such as Natural Fiber Fabrics vs Synthetic for wedding dressings, the bridal experience overall, and much more.
Beth shares details about her wedding dress and the experience she had when shopping (that is a fun story!), as well as what was on her wedding registry, monetary gifts at weddings, and other wedding etiquette!
We also dive into her thoughts on wedding trends, the timeless vs trendy bride and her own style preferences and how that translates to what she carries in her store. She also mentions the new trends she is seeing when it comes to what brides really care about within their budget and priorities. Thank you Beth for another fabulous interview!
Listen to the first interview with Beth! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dressing-up-with-sarah-kolis/id1654996671?i=1000638339033
Connect with Ivory Loft Bridal:
Website: https://ivoryloftbridal.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivoryloftbridal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivoryloftbridal
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
What IS a preservation kit? And how does it work? These questions answered and more in this in-depth step-by-step guide about how to box up your preservation kit for your wedding dress and the benefits of doing so! Pro tip: give your gown to a friend the day after the wedding to box it up for you while on your honeymoon…and send them the link to this podcast episode! (or Youtube!)
If preserving your wedding dress is on your mind, this episode is for you! To see step-by-step, head over to YouTube for the video tutorial, or follow along on this audio-only version.
Preserving your wedding dress is one of the best things you can do for the longevity of your gown! We will go over what a preservation kit is, why do it, where to store your dress once you get it back, and step-by-step instructions!
Today, I am showing you how to preserve your dress with a product that I sell in-store or on my website. The Wedding Gown Preservation Company has been in business for over 100 years - they are the go to company for wedding dress preservation! The preservation kit includes everything needed and easy-to-follow instructions to send your dress off to be cleaned and preserved for a lifetime! Sarah Kolis highly recommends this service to all brides! This listing is for preservation kits purchased after bridal fittings with Sarah Kolis, and includes standard shipping. Link below to purchase!
https://sarahkolis.com/shop-cleaning-preservation-kit
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
I am starting a new series on this podcast called Hot Topics with Hana! Hana Abboud, the founder and creator of L'Amour Bridal, and founder of her own label, Hana Abboud.
To kick off this series, Hana and I talk about our opinions on ordering a wedding dress on Amazon, alterations, natural vs lab grown, and wearing shapewear on your wedding day.
Do you have hot topics you want us to talk about in this series? Send us an email or message on Instagram!
Listen to episode 17 with Hana: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dressing-up-with-sarah-kolis/id1654996671?i=1000619227174
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ -
In this episode of The Dressing Up Podcast, there is a lot to catch up on! Sarah dives into the soft opening of her new studio, what to expect from the new space as a bride coming in for an appointment, and everything that's been happening behind the scenes.
Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive details about the grand opening party! You won't want to miss it! (Or…scroll to the bottom of the homepage of the website to enter your email address to get that party invite!)
Sarah also shares details from her sister’s wedding, Melissa and Cam. From what went perfectly to what went wrong, she shares takeaways and tips. She shares how sometimes, things not going according to plan might just be the best part.
There will be more Kolis family wedding content coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned in!
Boombas discount code: “SarahKolis10”
If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ - Visa fler
