ONE OF A KIND

Photo Courtesy of Campli Photography

Your wedding gown is one of the most personal and important purchases you will ever make.   Along the way,  you  will encounter photos of hundreds of gorgeous dresses, influences from trends and celebrity brides, more opinions from friends and relatives than you can handle and plenty of confusion when it comes to your personal style.   But, what if you have been to every bridal salon on the map and tried on a thousand dresses, but just can’t fall in love?   Perhaps you would love to wear your mother’s gown, but it needs a little updating.    Or, maybe you just want to be completely unique and ONE OF A KIND.   Then, you will want to call on someone like Janice Martin.   Janice is an amazingly talented and perfectly lovely designer of custom wedding gowns.   She can create a one of a kind gown that you have envisioned.    She can transform an heirloom into a unique and modern wow dress.     She can restore a veil and she she can make you a picture perfect bride.  And, she will listen and work with you while she creates your dream.

When you first arrive at Janice’s cozy studio in Ardmore, she will immediately make you feel relaxed and confident.    You will discuss your vision and show Janice photos of what you want.   You will discuss fabrics, trims, all the details of your perfect dress.   You will also discuss your budget and the process of having a couture gown.   Janice will take your measurements, take notes and, most likely draw a sketch of your dress.      Then, you will embark on a lovely journey to a dream gown that will be yours and yours alone.

Photo Courtesy of Paper Antler

Whatever your reason for wanting a one of a kind gown, here are some things that Janice wants you to think about.    Have you visited some salons to compare fabrics and styles?   Do you have a budget for your dress and how flexible is it?   Have you asked around for a referral for a dress designer and feel comfortable with the process of not being able to try on “the dress” until it is finished?

Photo Courtesy of Bliss Productions

Photo Courtesy of Paper Antler

After you have answered these questions in your mind and are ready to move to the next step, gather your notes about style and fabric choices, your photos of what you love and make an appointment.   These beautiful brides had a clear picture of what they wanted and the confidence to pursue their dream.   One, the picture of Princess Grace as inspiration, one with an heirloom gown that she wanted to wear in a chic, urban setting.   Both knew what they wanted and how to get it- Janice Martin.

Jennifer wanted to wear her maternal grandmother’s gown.    How to take a 1945 dress and turn it into a modern and chic wedding gown was second nature to Janice and her team.   Hours of draping and sharing ideas culminated in this stunning wedding gown that thrilled the bride.

Another bride with a love of Princess Grace, had this gorgeous gown designed for her wedding.   Janice used meticulous skill to re-create a gown that really made Julie feel like a princess.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin York

If you have a dream and just can’t get it from a bridal salon, a custom design may be your answer.   So, let’s review all the things to think about when you begin your search for the perfect gown and why a custom dress may be the right fit for you.

Research:   Shop first.   Go to a salon and try on gowns.   Acquaint yourself with fabrics and styles.   If nothing makes you swoon- a custom dress may be for you.

Get Referrals:  Ask your planner, a trusted friend of a shop owner for the name of a good dressmaker- or just call Janice!

Be Prepared:   Have a style, photos, fabric choices, a budget and the confidence and comfort for this process.

The Process:   Discussing options for fabrics, trims, style and your wedding vision is first.   Measurements are the next important step.   A muslin pattern will be made to drape, fit and make changes before the final cut of fabric is made.   Communication is key and trust is a major factor is feeling sure that the finished dress will be a one of a kind dream come true.   Your wedding gown can be anything you want it to be.   This is your day to be One Of A Kind!   Trust your instincts and call Janice.   She will make you unforgettable!