Claudia’s Love Story
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Aly’s Love Story
Sun, sand, and the Galveston coast made for a perfect combination for our bride Aly. She married her husband, Nic, on March 2th! It was everything she’s dreamed of. Aly’s love story began with the vision of the perfect dress with a beachy yet classy feel, and we think she nailed it!
Carolina De La Cruz’s Story
Swipe Right to View the Memories:
Carolina’s Wedding Dress + Alterations:
Caro chose an exclusive fit and flare wedding dress from Ava’s Bridal Couture by Maggie Sottero that included lace motifs and beading. She designed the added sleeves with matching lace alongside our on-site alterations expert to create her perfect wedding dress. The Ivory over Champagne color gave a timeless, delicate look.
We’ll let Caro tell you about her experience shopping for THE dress:
“Ava’s was the only place I went to and I found my dress during that first appointment! Everything was super easy. The staff was super sweet with me and my family. You were patient and I didn’t feel pressured to make any decisions at any moment. You actually picked this dress out when I wasn’t feeling great in the dresses I had picked from the questionnaire.”
During alterations we added 3/4 sleeves that included the same lace found on her dress. They truly completed Carolina’s beautiful, romantic look. The next step was to take in the dress, so that it’d be a perfect fit, “like a glove.” We also hemmed the length and added a bustle so that Carolina could walk and dance effortlessly throughout the big day!
Here’s how she felt:
“For the alterations, I thought it was going to be overwhelming since I was customizing so much of my dress, but Tammy was amazing during all 3 of my fittings. She walked me through all of the work she did. She created my custom sleeves and they looked so seamless when the dress was complete”
Caro + Carlos’ Wedding Songs:
First Dance:
Joan Sebastian – Eso y Mas
Private Dance:
Chris Stapleton – Joy Of my Life
Noah Reid – Simply The Best (From “Schitt’s Creek”)
Important songs:
Andy Mineo – Candy Rain
Dierks Bentley – Woman, Amen
Reyli Barba – Amor del Bueno
Carolina’s Client Testimonial:
My experience with Ava’s was absolutely perfect and stress free. Being able to communicate with you from even before my first appointment was amazing. And having that constant stream of communication with you and Tammy was super helpful in keeping me informed throughout the process.
Carolina + Carlos’ Dream Team:
Venue: @springsvenue @springsvenuerockwall
Dress: @Avasbridalcouture
Videographer/Photographer: @stinkinsweetproductions
Florist: @sbblooms
Hair: @absolutestrengthstylist
Make-Up: @lizareyes.eyes
Marquee Letters: @damselfly.events
Photo Booth: @capturedco.dfw
Bride: @patheticghost
Groom: @carlos_dlc20
When Should You Schedule Alterations
When Should You Schedule Alterations
Even if you are actively losing inches?
I want to give you guidance on this question. Hear me out! What I recommend goes against what the internet may have taught you or against what seems logical. We have 7,000 square feet which allows us to offer more at no additional charge than we did 17 years ago.
^ Above, is an older vlog explaining “this topic” in an Instagram Live. You can listen podcast style or watch. I do have this question on my list to update for 2024!
When to Start?
If your wedding is June 7th, 2024, start your alterations at Ava’s Bridal as early as 4-6 months early. We started offering a “FREE weight loss check” in 2017 when we moved into our 7,000 square foot salon at 6663 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth Texas. This building is MORE than enough space to house your dress and allow you to start before the crowds of brides who were taught to start 2-3 months prior to their wedding date.
^ Above is a 16 second video of Casey’s dress during alterations! Casey started early to avoid the stress leading up to her destination wedding in January. The holidays encouraged her to start early to avoid the hustle and bustle. Casey scheduled a “Free Weight Loss Check” at her 1st fitting. The sculpting at her waist was taken in more as she lost inches. See the final photo/video of her taking her dress home. Can you see how snatched her waist looks?
What Happens During a “Free Weight Loss Check”?
Tammy (one of the owners and seamstress) and Sue (hello, I’m Sue founder of Ava’s Bridal also a bridal seamstress) leave the seams open so we can make the adjustments without charging you more.
We found over the years, brides who were losing inches would wait 2 or 3 months before their wedding day and be incredibly stressed. Some were told to wait the month of their wedding. Ouch!
This is not the ideal time for you to start on your dress because so much is due the month of your wedding that can really impact your experience on your dress and many times leave you in a mess.
Let’s Look at a Calendar Together
Your wedding is June 7th, 2024, starting end of January or early February is ideal. It’s early enough that the “day of coordination” hasn’t begun and gives you plenty of time to plan a Free Weight Loss Check.
If that seems to early, start end of February, March, etc. As I teach my brides online and in person, you HAVE to trust your own instincts/plans over taking the opinions of others as biblical.
Consider Pre-Booking Your Alterations
We will talk more about what it means to “Pre-Book” your alterations and how it benefits you in the next post. You can also comment “Pre-Book” below and I will send the link directly to you!
Be sure to subscribe to my channel below to be notified of helpful videos related to wedding dress shopping and alterations we post every single week. Much love to you beautiful bride to be!
XOXO,
Sue Scheele
Co-Owner + Bridal Seamstress
@AvasBridalCouture
I cannot say enough about my experience at Ava’s Bridal and their staff! Ava’s Bridal was actually my first appointment for dress shopping and honestly I didn’t plan on going anywhere else after meeting Sue and Tammy. They were all so loving and intentional from the beginning. Sue and Jamaie literally made my dreams come true by picking dresses that they knew I would LOVE after filling out the survey. If you are looking for more than just a wedding dress picking experience and alterations in house, Ava’s Bridal is the place to go!
Shailee Strevy Allcorn’s Story
Swipe Right to View the Memories:
Shailee’s Wedding Dress, Veil + Alterations:
Shailee chose an exclusive sheath lace wedding dress from Ava’s Bridal Couture by Allure Bridals (Couture Collection). Shailee designed the custom bishop sleeves added by our alterations expert on-site for a one of a kind, custom wedding dress. Antique ivory over nude gave a timeless, subtle rich tone to the lace.
We’ll let Shailee tell you how she fell in love with her dress:
“I started off fearful of how I would find ‘the dress’, because I’m not emotional and afraid I wouldn’t feel the moment of emotion if the dress was ‘the one’. I knew I wanted something unique, something I hadn’t seen yet online or in store shopping. I looked for straight line, more geometric patterned lace but with a classy twist. I tried on a dress that I loved the bottom lace pattern of, but the top was too much and ruined the dress for me. It also did not have sleeves (a must). I expressed this to Sue and she pointed out to me that the lace pattern on the bottom of the dress continued all the way up the dress, the top just had another layer of a different lace on it and that it could easily be removed! After this discovery I was so excited I began to see it come together. We tried different sleeve options and when everything was pinned on and fitted I actually cried!”
“I knew I wanted custom sleeves and thought I was dead set on a flowing bat wing or bell sleeve but the more I thought about it I know I’m not very careful and didn’t want to be dragging the sleeves through food and such the day of. I was watching one of Ava’s Bridal’s stories on Instagram and saw a Bishop sleeve being featured and fell in love! Tammy was amazing in helping guide me through the process of designing a sleeve from scratch. I’m bigger in the hips with a small waist and my dress was tight initially in places that I did not find flattering. I was panicking but Sue and Tammy helped ease my mind and she killed it with placing boning in just the right places to make me feel curvy and slim!“
Shailee’s Advice for Future Brides:
Just breathe and trust your stylist, they know what they’re doing! If you like/ don’t like something don’t be afraid to let them know, you never know what tricks they have up their sleeves!
Shailee + Garrett’s Wedding Songs:
Better Together – Luke Combs
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Bridal alterations to sculpt the fit were like icing on the wedding cake! Ava’s Bridal “basic fit” otherwise known as “tailoring” the top of the dress and straps to fit just right on the big day. Bishop sleeves with buttons at the cuffs were added to transform Shailee’s look. She also had the layer with beaded embroidery removed to give a more uniform, clean look; her dress was truly one of a kind! Now, let’s hear about the alterations process through Shailee’s eyes.
Shailee’s Client Testimonial:
From my very first interaction with Sue over the phone, I felt welcomed and supported. I knew this would be hard for me with the loss of my father and wanting something unique; Sue made the process so easy and fun! When we walked into the salon I instantly felt like I had made a friend! She encouraged me to chase my creative ideas and the results were amazing.
Shailee + Garrett’s Dream Team:
Venue: @Thebarnatsparrowcreekranch
Dress: @Avasbridalcouture
Videographer/Photographer: @kenzie.galyeanphotofilm
Florist: @joysflowersgraham
Hair/Make-Up: @kissandmakeupdfw
Caterer: @backhomebakery
Beverage Vendor: @pour__up @aggtown_tea
Bride: @therealslimshailee
Groom: @gallcorn52
Our entire team did not want the dress planning to end with Shailee! From shopping for her wedding dress, personalizing, customizing… we truly got to know Shailee on a deeper level. We are honored to be part of her love story and honoring Dad in the coolest ways with her dress. These moments are so meaningful and unforgettable for us – THANK YOU with all of our hearts for your friendship, joy and laughter. We adore you <3
J’Nae Wakefield’s Story
Swipe Right to View the Memories:
J’Nae’s Wedding Dress, Veil, + Alterations:
J’Nae chose a one of a kind fitted long sleeve ball gown from Ava’s Bridal Couture with illusion lace sleeves and elegant lace motifs, Mallory Dawn by Maggie Sottero! The back of her wedding dress (Mallory Dawn) was as spectacular as the front including a soft illusion plunging V-neckline. Ivory over a nude bodice giving a subtle touch of glam + romance.
J’Nae selected a fingertip length veil at Ava’s with an ivory color and a metallic pencil edge to complete her wedding look. The simplicity of the veil allowed her romantic ball gown to be highlighted while the beaded edge added just the right amount of detail to catch your attention in her bridal portraits. On wedding day, J’Nae left her veil aside to allow for her hair to be curled and flow beautifully as her and Daniel danced into forever at Stoney Ridge Villa.
J’Nae is simply stunning!
Bridal alterations to sculpt the fit were like icing on the wedding cake! Ava’s Bridal did a “skirt change” for J’Nae, by bringing up the skirt to her waist. The beautiful lace sleeves were shortened to the comfortable length. J’Nae didn’t need much, however, chose an American Bustle to convert her train into a reception dress to dance the night away!
Custom Changes + Dress Transformation:
When a dress emergency came up just a month before her wedding, J’Nae brought her dress back to Ava’s. After a tulle replacement and redoing her bustle, she was ready to go as if it had never happened! (Read more in her testimonial below)
J’Nae’s Advice for Future Brides:
Go to Ava’s! Having an idea of the styles you may like is helpful. Being honest about your expectations and wants is a must. Having your friends and family with you to share the experience is a lot of fun! Enjoy every moment.
J’Nae + Daniel’s Wedding Songs:
1st Dance Song: Kiss the Girl by Brent Morgan
J’Nae’s Client Testimonial:
My dress experience with Ava’s was nothing short of outstanding. It started with a phone call with Sue to make sure the dresses they had set out for me to try on were along the lines of what I wanted. Jamaie was so great helping me try on dresses. I chose the very first dress I tried on! Tammy is amazing with alterations. She brought the waist line up, made the shoulder line fit, and shortened the sleeves for me. The dress was perfect. Then, three weeks before my wedding, I had a dress emergency. Our dog, who is scared of storms, was trying to hide from thunder and got into the closet where my dress was. In his panic he tore holes in the back of the dress! I brought the dress to Tammy and she honestly worked a miracle. She replaced the tulle on the back of the dress and you couldn’t even tell it had ever not been perfect. I am so grateful to have my dress experience at Ava’s. The entire team is so good at what they do. They go above and beyond and make you feel so special!
J’Nae + Daniel’s Dream Team:
Venue: @stoneyridgevilla
Dress: @avasbridalcouture
Photographer: @whiteorchid.photo
Videographer: @vibefilmsdfw
Florist: @rafter_jm
Rentals & linens: @royaleventrentalsdfw
Makeup: @eli_rose_beautyco
Hair: @taraspiekerhair
Cake & cupcakes: @amberssweetsntreats
Groom: @thedannywakefield
Catering: Caitlyn’s Catering
Jasmyn Arechiga’s Story
Swipe Right to View the Memories:
Jasmyn’s Wedding Dress, Veil + Alterations:
Jasmyn chose a one of a kind fitted lace wedding dress from Ava’s Bridal Couture with delicate straps and elegant details! The back of her wedding dress was as spectacular as the front including a long train. Ivory over soft blush gave a subtle touch of romance + femininity.
Jasmyn selected a cathedral lace veil at Ava’s with a latte/ivory color combination to complete her wedding look as well as jewels and other accessories! A slight touch of color in the veil richens the ivory lace texture + complimented the ivory/blush wedding dress tones. The long length of the veil magnifies the grandeur of Jasmyn’s walk down the Emerson Venue Chapel isle to her forever person as she takes everyone’s breath away!
Jasmyn takes your breath away!
Bridal alterations to sculpt the fit were like icing on the wedding cake! Ava’s Bridal “hemmed the length” for Jasmyn to appear “floating down the isle” effortlessly. Delicate straps were shortened to the comfortable length. Jasmyn didn’t need much, however, chose an American Bustle to convert her train into a reception dress to dance the night away!
Jasmyn’s Advice for Future Brides:
Breathe and have fun!! This is an opportunity that you cannot get back. You will find your perfect dress! I would also make sure that you only bring people who want the best for you. Lastly, take it all in because it will be over in a blink of an eye!
Jasmyn + David’s Wedding Songs:
Walk down the isle: Come and Behold x Maverick City Music
1st dance: I Get to Love x Ruelle
Last dance: We Dance x Bethel Music
Jasmyn’s Client Testimonial:
I cannot say enough about my experience at Ava’s Bridal and their staff! Ava’s Bridal was actually my first appointment for dress shopping and honestly I didn’t plan on going anywhere else after meeting Sue. They were all so loving and intentional from the beginning. Sue and Jamaie literally made my dreams come true by picking dresses that they knew I would LOVE after filling out the survey. If you are looking for more than just a wedding dress picking experience, Ava’s Bridal is the place to go!
Jasmyn + David’s Dream Team:
Venue: @emersonvenue
Dress: @Avasbridalcouture
Videographer/Photographer: @dringcreative
Florist: @bymsquared
Hair: @bodied.allusions
Makeup: @beautymarkedbyadrienne
Caterer: @urbancrust @steelcitypops
Beverage Vendor: @pour__up @aggtown_tea
Bride: @jasmynkenice
Groom: @david_arechiga10
Groomsmen: @tr3yyy.0g @asanteslater @rayarechigajr @jakeecole1 @der_blanchard @isaiahd31
Bridesmaids: @kennedidanielle @_daisydukes @k4t_1 @kaylenicole.a @gabriellarechiga @luda_krisss
Getaway Car: @dfwvintagecars
Guestbook: @afterthetone.co
Photobooth: @purpleglowphotobooth
How to Measure for a Bridesmaid Dress?
One of your bridesmaids lives out of town or prefers a safe e-visit from home. We gotchu boo!
Whether you plan to shop online, at corporate stores, at locally owned bridal boutiques like Ava’s Bridal Couture in Fort Worth, Texas – I would love to answer any questions you might have about the process.
CLICK HERE FOR Bridal MEASURING VIDEO
CLICK HERE FOR Bridesmaid MEASURING VIDEO
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Tip #1: Fabric Tape Measure vs Construction Tape Measure?
You will need a tape measure like this one.
Tape measures are sold just about everywhere! Amazon, Target, Walmart, JoAnn Fabrics, Micheals, even grocery stores and dollar stores carry them.
Fabric tape measures are flexible to hug the body unlike a construction tape measure.
CLICK HERE TO SEARCH OUR CHANNEL
Tip # 2: Wear Undergarments When Measuring
It’s important to not add bulk to your measurements. Bra and Panty is perfect for measuring.
Even if you are NOT WEARING A BRA in your wedding dress or bridesmaid dress, I recommend wearing a bra for measurements.
Formals have boning and structure in them that lift like a bra. Its important to have the girls measured in a bra for this reason.
Click to SCHEDULE Appointment at Ava’s Bridal!
Measuring Video
*Not valid on alteration services. Limits apply. See bridal stylist for details!
Tip # 3 : Professional Fitting at Avas?
Sure, it would be fabulous if your dress was instock, freshly unboxed or hanging in one of our warehouse partners to quick ship to us with no fees and no stress! This happens more often than not. 🥰
Be prepared for everything to work seamlessly in the first appointment.
You have done your research, invested time into the virtual appointment process…
We won’t be surprised if we accidentally found your dress from the digital preview! Would that blow your mind?
CLICK HERE FOR MOST RECENT VLOG
If I can answer any questions, feel free to comment below or live chat with me on our website! Thank you for watching this week’s Vlog – hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of our stock room, our process and how my role in the virtual space makes the process valuable + organized to reduce stress for brides everywhere!
Text Me: 573-454-1160
XOXO,
Sue
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
ASK QUESTIONS DURING COVID 19
Is 6 Months (or Less) Long Enough to Get a Wedding Dress?
Wedding Dress Shopping can trigger stress for many reasons. Without proper guidance, common mistakes can stand in the way of you and the bridal experience you dreamed of.
Most mistakes are minor and others can lead to tremendous buyer’s remorse, over spending and the fear of missing out.
CLICK HERE FOR MOST RECENT VLOG
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Tip #1: Start Early if Possible!
Let’s start with the #1 question, when should I start shopping for a wedding dress?
We advise a goal of “ordering” 6-9 months prior to your wedding date. (If time allows!)
With this goal in mind, start the process 9-12 months prior to your wedding date (or sooner if possible).
After Covid 19, many brides are feeling greater pressure due to lost time in the salon viewing fabrics, trying dresses on and having the experience with family and friends at Ava’s Bridal.
If you are an August – December 2020 bride, this week’s Vlog is just for you!
CLICK HERE TO SEARCH OUR CHANNEL
Tip # 2: Do Your Research Online
It’s important to know how to research where to shop and what you are searching for! Narrowing down the overwhelming options can save you (and your decision makers) time and stress when looking for perfect wedding dresses in Fort Worth.
1. Schedule a Free Virtual Appointment at Ava’s Bridal!
What could possibly be the ultimate level of “doing your research online” than a virtual appointment?
A: SCHEDULE Appointment at Ava’s Bridal
B: COMPLETE BRIDAL QUIZ for us to review
C: CREATE WISH LIST
D: Digital Dress Preview! *The best part? Invite your decision makers to be part of the online experience without worrying about schedules, taking off work and travel to DFW, Texas. They can watch the replay in their cozies!*
2. After completing the Free version of the Virtual Appointment, talk with your stylist to see if a Premium Virtual Appointment is the right fit?
Upgrade to premium with NO risk!
How is there no risk to upgrade to premium?
*The upgrade deposit is 100% applied to your online or in store product purchase from the list of products and designer brands offered at Ava’s.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LIST OF BRANDS
*Not valid on alteration services. Limits apply. See bridal stylist for details!
Tip # 3 : Assume the Best!
Sure, it would be fabulous if your dress was instock, freshly unboxed or hanging in one of our warehouse partners to quick ship to us with no fees and no stress! This happens more often than not. 🥰
Be prepared for everything to work seamlessly in the first appointment.
You have done your research, invested time into the virtual appointment process…
We won’t be surprised if we accidentally found your dress from the digital preview! Would that blow your mind?
CLICK HERE FOR MOST RECENT VLOG
Tip # 4 : Don’t Get Pressured!
We believe it’s wise to trust your heart when making this important decision. This is less like buying a fancy refrigerator with consumer reports. It’s more like being proposed to, actually! It’s a story and experience you repeat at every happy hour.
Remember when they got down on one knee and your heart was ready to burst? Remember the words starting to blur? All you wanted to do was embrace, kiss proclaim a confident, YES!?
Let’s go back to that feeling as we walk through a few simple questions to be sure you are not being pressured by yourself or anyone else:
Questions to Ask before Saying Yes… 🥰
1. Am I feeling pressure from my stylist for an incentive or fear of the ship dates?
2. Are there other bridal salons I must visit that have an organized process geared for brides with short time frames?
3. Will this bridal salon make the process AFTER saying yes effortless and personalized during a stressful time?
4. If I didn’t say yes to this dress today, how would I feel about this dress being gone tomorrow?
5. If I said yes to the dress tomorrow, would the experience with my friends/loved ones here today be different?
