Emily’s Wedding Dress Preservation in Texas
Who says you need a long engagement?! From “Yes” to “I Do”, bride Emily planned her wedding in just 6 weeks! It helped immensely that she had the perfect wedding gown already waiting for her–her mother’s 1979 wedding dress and that Association member Kite’s Wedding Gown Specialists was able to restore the gown to perfect condition. Read more about her wedding and dress below!
When was your wedding and where did it take place?
We got married on August 29, 2014 at the Inn on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. We probably had the quickest engagement ever–he popped the question on July 9, 2014 and we just decided to schedule the wedding 6 weeks later–luckily we found the perfect venue that was able to accommodate our quick turnaround. The whole planning process was quite an adventure needless to say!
Tell us more about your vintage wedding gown!
My mother originally purchased her gown in Memphis, Tennessee at a shop called Goldsmith’s. The style of the dress was classified as “vintage” for its time (given the style of the 70’s). After my mom’s wedding, her mother (whom we called Gran) insisted on preserving the wedding gown to ensure it’s lasting beauty. She was also a bit of a seamstress and made a few changes to the gown by adding an embroidery of pearls along the sleeves and neckline.
Gran passed away earlier this year, but I know she was smiling down from Heaven when I decided to wear my mother’s gown. The only changes I had to make with the dress was to remove the sleeves, some rosettes and alterations to the size of the gown. The dress was in exquisite condition though slightly yellowed, so I decided to have the dress cleaned and restored after the dress was modified. Fun fact; I was with both of my parents when we unwrapped the dress after 35 years. My dad asked my mom to put it on and she was still able to fit into it!
What is your absolute favorite memory from your wedding day?
There were so many amazing moments, but one that comes to mind is the look on my husband’s face during our first look. It was absolutely priceless!
Why did you want to get your gown cleaned and preserved?
I absolutely love and cherish the fact that my grandmother had the foresight to get my mom’s wedding dress preserved. I got the gown cleaned and preserved again after the wedding because I would love to have this as an option for my daughter to wear in 30 years on her wedding day. There is just something so special about a family heirloom gown.
Why did you decide to get your gown cleaned by a member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists?
I had simply Googled “wedding gown preservation specialist” and found Kite’s Wedding Gown Specialists’ website. They had excellent reviews and I was even more convinced because my alterations specialist had referred me to them as well. I trusted Kite’s with my precious vintage wedding gown and they took amazing care of my gown both before and after the wedding!
Photographer credit: Bluefire Photography