Two Awsome Shows ! !

What an exciting few days I've had! !

Sundays Bridal Showcase in Airdrie was such a fun time!

We arrived bright and early Sunday morning for rehearsal, hair and make up. Thanks to Dallas Wylie of No Mercy Models for stepping up to the task of stage producer! Beautiful work Dallas!

Most models were doing the Monday morning and Monday night show as well so we packed in a full morning to rehearse.

A big Thank You to Allison Cullin of Make Me by Allie, http://www.makeme.ca/ for the fabulous hair and make up at the painfully early hour of 5am Monday morning. And at the Monday evening show at the Red and White Club. Both shows were a such success thanks to Allison and her staff ! Her service features personal hair and make up service at your location on the day of the wedding. How great is that! Be sure to check out her site!

The City TV appearance location was Moores Suits at North Hill Mall. Thanks to Farah Sanderji and all her "boys" who were actually a collection of store managers from around the city. All the guys hosted us with such style! I highly recommend renting your Tuxes from Moores! The service will be Outstanding!

The Morning TV appearance couldn't have been a success with out the help of Details Talent, Thanks to Kelsea Forzani for providing us with lovely models, including Miss Latina Alberta Jannifer Rios. All the gals were great sports to arrive cheerful and enthusiastic for their hair and make up so o o early!

It was hilarious to see Andy and Camera man Rob do the location shoot. They are so great to work with, and to see how they ease into every segment of the morning during the BT Morning Show.

Brenda Grant, Area Manager for Welcome Wagon was there as the official sponsor of the shows, she promoted the Bridal Showcase as well and the full range of Welcome Wagon services provided. For all the wonderful services go to their site http://www.welcomewagon.ca/ and learn more.

Brenda was actually one of MY Brides, yes it was a privilege to design her gown 7 years ago. We enjoyed working together again. Just another perk of a custom service, all the wonderful people and lasting friendships!

One final Thank You to my gal pal and business associate of 8 years Beverly Cardinal, of Orange Glow Photography. Ladies be sure to visit her web site www.orangeglowphoto.com to preview some fantastic work and book her for your wedding!

I have to admit being nervous because of the tight timing of the show but with all these great people to work with the Fun out shines the nerves!

BRIDES REMEMBER, there is only 8 months till the magical month of June and I know you don't want to miss out on these talented services. Go to their web sites today and book your consultation.

Be RED CARPET READY for YOUR DAY in the SPOTLIGHT !

Brides Be sure to visit all these amazing services and Book Now!

September 22 City-Tv Morning Show ! !

Wow! It has been a busy month for us!

With two fashion shows with Welcome Wagon (scroll down for details), and a promotional spot on the A-Channel BT morning show! ! I can hardly take a breath I'm so excited!

Yes! the BT Morning show will feature Couture Gowns Studio along with Moores Suits and other participants Monday September 22, starting at 6:50 am. Not just one appearance, but for the entire morning so tell all your gal pals getting married to tune in for a fantastic preview of one-of-a-kind gowns.

BRIDES be sure to register for the wedding show nearest you! Don't miss out on the Brides goodie bags filled with great information and gift certificates. www.welcomewagon.ca
Including an amazing certificate to have your gown created in Italian Silk ! and you know IT'S THE BEST !

See you at the shows ! !

Bride&Groom Promotion!

Saturday September 6, 2008 on Uptown 17th !

Don't miss this event located at SHE Apparel

602-17ave. SW, Calgary 1pm - 3pm

photo by Orange Glow Photography

www.orangeglowphoto.com

See the latest in Bridal Lingerie and recieve your Goodie Bag filled with fantastic savings from Wild Ginger, Artists Within, Couture Gown Studio, Orange Glow Photography and Ceili's, and your copy of Bride&Groom magazine featuring Cover by Orange Glow Photography and Couture Gown Studio.

Couture Bridal Gown Shows !

Let's Get Going! !

Your Couture Gown has never been so affordable ! !

Another season is upon us and there are shows not to be missed!

Join Couture Gown Studio at two Welcome Wagon Wedding Shows for your Exclusive Pricing Promotion! Registered brides recieve an amazing goodie bag.

Be sure to stop by my booth for your copy of Calgary's newest wedding magazine Alberta Bride&Groom where we are featured on the Cover!

Sunday September 21, 2008 in Airdrie at the Town Center, 1:30pm

Don't miss the fantastic fashions of Hot Mama's Lingerie !

Owner Rene Gibson, my gal pal, and her wonderful staff specialize in a welcoming and comfortable Bra shopping experience! Trust me, a proper fitting bra is a must have for your couture gown!

Another must see is Belo Sol, Fabulous fitness and Swim Wear from Brazil !

Owner Tricia Andres McDonald has created her unique selection of amazing fashions after being inspired by the confidence that exudes from the women of Brazil.

Monday September 22, 2008 in Calgary at the Red and White Club north side of McMahon Stadium.

Another opportunity to see Lingerie Fashions from Hot Mama's. Take the opportunity to ask about custom bra fittings, and enjoy the show!

Enjoy music by Wild Bill's DJ service, keeping the show in tune!

And be sure to look for RSVP Photo Montages, a wonderful selection of images to see!

Register on line at http://www.welcomewagon.ca/.

Great Reviews ! !

It's been one month since Alberta Bride and Groom magazine hit the stands ! !

Yes. . . it's still exciting to have my gown on the cover! It makes me giggle!?

All comments have been so wonderful, Thank You to everyone!

These past few weeks have been so busy with the wrap up of two new gowns and consultations with new clients for the 2009 season. It's never too soon to start Your Couture gown!

I can hardly wait to start the next gown of your dreams! !

Welcome Wagon Show, May 26, 2008

Such a fun and relaxed show!

My hats off to Belinda Backhouse of Welcome Wagon for producing a lovely show! !

We were hosted at the Red & White Club at McMahan Stadium. Wonderful venue and helpful staff. Couture Gown Studio provided Eight Luxurious One-of-a-Kind silk gowns.

More thanks to Kontakt West Modeling, http://www.kontaktwest.com/, Details Talent, http://www.detailstalent.com/, and Hot Mama's Lingerie, http://www.hotmamaslingerie.ca/, for providing lovely models.

Thanks to; Chelsea, Stephanie, Gillian, Kelsey,Bretlynn, Jan and Carol. Awsome work ladies!

We look forward to future show with Welcome Wagon, watch for more dates and locations.

Families are Special !

Rainy days are no downer for our clan ! Saturday May 24 we celebrated Niece Stephanie's Graduation from High school. There were plenty of cheers, and excitement but nothing compared to the moment when she was able to wear her Fabulous Emerald Green Silk Gown.

It was my pleasure to help "Buffy" as we call her, realise her ideas for her gown, together with a smidge of mine. The result is truly one-of-a-kind, like our girl !!

IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE ! !

I'm so excited to share this news with clients, business associates, and friends.

The newest bridal magazine in Calgary and area is Bloom BRIDE & GROOM !

Featuring Couture Gown Studio on the COVER !

What fun it was working with my friend and photographer Beverly Cardinal of Orange Glow Photo. http://www.orangeglowphoto.com/ on these delicious photos.

Initially we set out to create the cover, but after previewing the unique gowns and photos, publisher Carolyn Flemming chose the feature editorial on this creative option that brides-to-be can overlook, custom couture!

As the story goes "Have it your way" features amazing photos by Beverly, original gowns and Miss Alberta as our guest model.

Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase

The official posting of information for this event. Please join us for a lovely evening of information to help you plan your magical day.

May 26, at 6:30 pm. at the Red & White Club, McMahan Stadium

See you there !

Exciting Event !

Exciting news for brides in Calgary and area, there is a new Wedding Magazine on the way !

Watch for Bloom's Bride & Groom Magazine launching its premier issue May 1st. Or visit http://www.bloommagazine.ca/ to keep up to date on the latest services and news that's all weddings.

Couture Gown Studio and Bloom Bride & Groom are please to be partnering for an amazing first issue. We have collaborated for the most fantastic photo spread. What fun we had working with my best gal pal Beverly Cardinal of Orange Glow Photo, http://www.orangeglowphoto.com/ to achieve these delicious photos of one-of-a-kind gowns. It was our pleasure to invite

Miss Alberta, Amber Lee Erdman to model for the photo spread.

The magazine will host it's official launch event on June 7, with a preview of services and a fashion show as the highlight of the day. Stay tuned for details !

Don't forget the fashion show hosted by Welcome Wagon on May 26, 2008 where magazine reps. will be available for questions and of course the fashion show featuring Couture Gown Studio originals.

"Something Blue" sneek a Peek !

I just finnished this yesterday !

Sneak a peek of this creamy blue, super sexy gown.
It's of cream embroidered chiffon over blue silk, embellished with ecru tulle lace and swarovski crystals.

Perhaps you have admired the latest trend of a soft color hue to your wedding gown. The softest hues of blush, pink, coral, blue, and gold and wondered if this is for you? or. . .
Consider a chiffon or lace overlay for a dreamy hint of color?

Joine us to see for your self !

Your first opportunity to see this gown and more will be at the;
Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase on May 26, 2008 at the Red and White Club, Northwest side of McMahon Stadium, 1833 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary AB.
For more information go to www.welcomewagon.ca

Watch for More news in the coming weeks. We have some fun stuff on the way ! !

A Gown for just one day?

Imagine having a gown inspired by haute couture royalty; Valentino, Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta, Dior? Or bridal royalty the likes of Reem Acra, Badgley Mishka, or Vera Wang? Or Canadian designers Justina McCaffrey, Ines Di Santo, or Ramona Keveza?

Imagine taking the first steps of your family's life in a gown that in every detail reflects who you are, and what you want to be.

Imagine having that same feeling every time you look at your wedding photos.

And. . . Imagine telling the story of having your gown custom designed as you unpack a perfect silk gown, holding it in your hands and gazing into a mirror, your reflection is an image from 30 years earlier!

Then, imagine handing that perfect gown to your daughter.

These images are my wish for each of my brides.

You see I have experienced each of these moments but the last. I have even modeled my gown for my two wide-eyed beautiful daughters. It's a thrill for me to share our wedding photos, let them hold my gown and tell the story of the day their family began.

My passion for designing and creating this first step of family history started as a fascination with historical homes. As a young child I would visit family and friends in their huge Georgian or Victorian homes that were common in my home province of New Brunswick.

I would be fascinated by the crown mounding, and ornate ceiling plaster work that were miles above my head. The fact that the bedrooms didn't have closets, but armoires. The amazing graceful curved staircases decorated with perfectly detailed woodwork - and the best hand railings for sliding down! Rooms that led into another room through tall heavy doors, each one adorned with a gleaming glass doorknob. These things inspired me to imagine what it was like to have lived there when the house was new. Ladies rustling around in their taffeta skirts, having tea and working on needlepoint samplers.

How I loved climbing those stair cases up, up to the attic, not spooky but thrilling. There, keeping secret treasures of family history. We played dress up with clothes from the trunks, had tea with boxes of dishes and occasionally someone got married! Finding old photos of people we knew were family but had never met inspired beautiful daydream and hopes that one day I would be the lady in the picture, being gazed upon with wonder.

I loved the fact that almost every historical home had a room at the top of the stairs - a sewing room, tiny with a narrow window, kept tidy with one chair, a treadle singer sewing machine, a sewing basket and - if they were lucky a beautiful narrow armoir.

I could sew at seven or eight years old, and I discovered this nostalgic notion was never far from my mind as I worked on fabulous Barbie doll outfits. It's through my family history that I had the belief I could provide brides with a step in theirs.

You see my Great Grandmother made dresses for my mother and her four sisters. My grandmother could sew, but I remember her quilting and crocheting most of all. My mother worked from home sewing dresses when I was very young, and she always sewed for my sister, herself and me. Remembering these women, there was never a time when sewing was far from my everyday life and memories. I always believed I could sew whatever I envisioned, because they did.

After many years of school, general dressmaking and creative design projects including fur and leather work, I discovered that bridal design - specifically couture bridal design - allowed me to combine all my interests, abilities and passions. I remember reading once; "couture is like architecture" the techniques are about structure, support, function and perfect details like those beautiful buildings from home.

Creating one-of-a-kind gowns is something "I have to do". Helping brides fulfill their wishes and dreams, allowing them to be the lady in the photograph, "completes the circle", so to say.

Your wedding gown sets the tone for the entire wedding. Taking the first steps of your family's history in a gown that will live forever in your memories and photos is the "once upon a time" of the story you can share with your daughter and grandaughter.

It's not just a Gown for One Day ! It is a gown for your "Happily Ever After".

Fantasy becomes Reality

This is a perfect example of how each client is individual. Inspiration for their gowns came from fantasy.

Racheal's dream was a New Years Eve 2007 wedding. Her theme was inspired by the Cinderella story from the movie "Ever After". What fun for me to help her realize this dream !

The second gown from a scene in the movie"Labrynth". Created as a Graduation gown in 1988.

Each gown is timeless in memories, all that matters is that for one day, the dream came to life !

November 2007

With the Holiday season quickly approching my daughter and I were anxious to make another visit to the Southern Alberta Children's Hospital. Not only were we going to recieve the results of recent tests but we had decided to make a gesture of thanks to the hospital as well.

Grace experienced a terrible broken elbow in May 2007. Within hours of the accident we found ourselves delivered from Strathmore hospital by ambulance to the emergency room of the Children's to awaite surgery. The entire staff guided Grace through this difficult experience with such respect, and caring, I was overwhelmed. She was attened to immediately, by nurses and surgens to ensure the finest care.

Her surgery, care while in the hospital, follow up care and ongoing monitoring will never be forgotten by either of us. As a result of this experience we wanted to make a gesture of thanks to the hospital by donating a collection of Heirloom Christening Dolls I had designed and created some time ago.

This gift was fitting as I was inspired to create the dolls for Grace and her sister Laura. Now these dolls will be purchased for other little girls to cherrish.

Our family is very grateful for the Children's hospital, and care Grace recieved. We are blessed by Grace's continued recovery. The experience has shown us how lucky we were to have Grace come home in a few short days because many of the children we met could not.

Personally, this has been an inspiration to seek out avenues where I can use my skill to help raise funding for the Southern Alberta Children's Hospital.

Wedding Show Feb.2 & 3, 2008

The recent wedding show at the Deerfoot in and Casino was great fun.

We had the opportunity to show several custom gowns from clients of 2007 and to show gowns created for studio promotion.

A visit from Mireille Harris owner of Kontakt West Model and Talent Management was deffinately a highlight, she represents Miss Global Canada / Miss Alberta and Miss Canada Petite. This was a great opportunity for everyone in the show to visit with the title holders and promote!

A special thanks to both gals as they took time to slip into my gowns for an informal photo shoot by Beverly of Orange Glow Photo. The results are truly stunning.