Kerry’s Wedding Gown Preservation in Connecticut
Bride Kerry brought her mother’s 30-year-old wedding dress to Orange Restoration Labs in Orange, Connecticut to be restored for her wedding in Chicago this past summer. Not only did she have the gown restored, but she also had it redesigned and modernized while still retaining it’s vintage elegance. Read more about her heirloom dress and wedding in our Q&A below!
When was your wedding and where did it take place?
We got married on August 23, 2014 at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Lincoln Park and the reception was at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago, IL.
Tell us more about your heirloom wedding gown!
After shopping for gowns with my mom and future mother-in-law, I had my favorite gowns narrowed down to two options. I noticed that one had similar detailing to my mom’s dress so just for fun, I tried on her 1983 dress and it fit like a glove! I knew right then and there that I wanted to wear the gown, but it needed some work. So my mom and I brought it to Orange Restoration Labs for a full gown restoration (because it had yellowed over the years) and cleaning.
Once the gown was restored, I wanted it to be redesigned for a more modern look. I found a couture dressmaker in Chicago, Alva Graciano Tailors and after meeting with them and discussing our options to redesign and modernize the dress, I was sold; it would be a vintage one-of-a-kind dress and family heirloom.
What is your absolute favorite memory from your wedding day?
My favorite memory is when my dad gave me away at the altar. My dad and husband-to-be hugged, my dad kissed me on the cheek and we all had tears of joy in our eyes and smiles on our faces. It was the start of an exceptional day!
Why did you want to get your gown cleaned and preserved?
After the incredible experience of getting to restore and redesign my mother’s wedding dress, I decided to get my gown cleaned and preserved after the wedding because I would love to have it as an option for my future daughter or daughter-in-law. It is a truly timeless design with beautiful details that won’t go out of style as long as it’s properly preserved.
Why did you decide to get your gown cleaned by a member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists?
We found Orange Restoration Labs the first time around as a leading expert in all things wedding gowns in the CT area, so knew we could trust them with the restoration of my mom’s 30 year old wedding dress. After they did a spectacular job on the restoration, it wasn’t even a question of whether or not I would bring it back to them to clean and preserve my vintage wedding gown after the wedding! They did an amazing job once again and I know the dress will last at least another 30+ years!
Photographer Credit: Michelle Lytle