57. Behind the Seams of Angela’s Custom Wedding Dress

What happens when you take floral design to the next level? Kevin Miller, president of Stem Event Design in Metro Detroit, has built a business turning weddings, showers, birthdays, and corporate events into fully immersive works of art!From hanging lamps and French country fringe to refined garden parties and themed dinners, Kevin shares how he creates atmosphere from floor to ceiling, and why your next event should be as personal as your favorite outfit.We cover how to work seamlessly with planners, where to splurge for maximum impact, and why trends are overrated when you’re designing from the heart!In this episode:The best time to bring in a designer for your wedding or special eventHow to make birthdays, showers, and intimate dinners unforgettableWhy fashion trends often show up in florals and event stylingBehind-the-scenes “save the day” stories from high-pressure installsConnect with Kevin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemeventdesignWebsite: stemeventdesign.comIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

My sister, Angela, just got married recently, and I thought it would be the perfect time to show you everything about how to preserve your wedding dress! Preserving your gown essentially means cleaning and boxing up your gown nicely after the wedding!In this episode, I walk you through the full process of using a wedding dress preservation kit—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. If you're unsure how to properly store your gown after your wedding, or you're helping a friend or family member do it while they're on their honeymoon, this is a great resource to pass along!I demonstrate the step-by-step process using my sister Angela’s wedding dress, including how to assemble the kit, prep the gown, and safely ship it to the Wedding Gown Preservation Company. I also share tips on proper long-term storage and why ordering your kit sooner rather than later makes a difference.Whether you're a bride, a family member, or a vendor helping with post-wedding logistics, this episode is your go-to guide.Mentioned:Preservation kits available at sarahkolis.com/shop (or purchase at a discount at your alterations fitting before the wedding!)See the full process from start to finish, including the final result from my sister Melissa’s gown (Episode 37)Need help or have questions? Send me a DM or reach out via my website!If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of creating my sister Angela’s custom couture wedding gown—from our initial mock dress in December to the final fittings and bridal photo shoot in May! You'll hear about the design decisions, unexpected fabric challenges, and emotional breakthroughs that brought her dream dress to life. Plus, I share details about bridesmaid dresses, our New York fabric hunt, and the purse artistry that went into the veil. This episode captures the full journey of creating a truly personal wedding gown! This is a great one to watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/__rXzNERdm0 Completed gown video from photoshoot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ufmUwXkrHA Connect with the Photoshoot Vendors:Lead Photographer: Penny Ralene Photography2nd Photographer: Astrid Cordier PhotographyVideography: Ten Thirty FilmsMakeup: DN ArtistryHair: Hairpins & HappinessFlorist: The Flower AlleyIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Griselda Mucollari (Ella), Metro Detroit’s go-to wedding and event content creator. With a background in international advertising and a passion for storytelling, Ella captures the candid, emotional, and joy-filled moments to fill the gaps that traditional vendors often miss. We talk about her unique path from corporate America to content creation, how she built a business that blends iPhone footage with intentionality, and why wedding content creators are becoming a highly desired want-to-have vendor for modern couples!In this episode:What a wedding content creator actually does—and how it’s different from formal videographyElla’s journey from global ad campaigns to documenting local love storiesThe rise of iPhone-quality behind-the-scenes content—and why couples love itA full walkthrough of a wedding day from her lens (literally!)Tips for hosting unforgettable events and being the “host with the most”Why thoughtful planning, small details, and genuine moments matter more than perfectionEmerging trends in weddings—from intimate guest lists to restaurant venuesEmotional stories, from first looks to surprise moments with parentsReal talk about pricing, the value of vendor services, and misconceptions around costConnect with Ella:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroit_content_creator/If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In this episode, I'm joined by Gray Ellender of Go With Gray Travel, a luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist who helps couples plan seamless, stress-free trips! Gray shares her unique journey from healthcare to launching her own travel brand and breaks down what it's really like to work with a travel advisor—hint: it's not as expensive as you might think!In this episode:The surprising perks of using a travel advisor (even if you already booked!)The three types of travel planning Gray offersWhy the honeymoon isn’t the time to DIY logisticsHow Gray built a personal brand that connects on a deeper levelHer favorite destinations and most memorable client tripsWhether you’re engaged and planning a honeymoon, or just dreaming of your next getaway, Gray’s insight will open your eyes to what’s possible (and how much easier it can be when you don’t do it alone).Connect with Gray:Website: www.gowithgraytravel.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gowithgraytravel/Email: [email protected] you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

Creating a custom couture wedding gown is more than just designing a dress—it’s about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In this episode, Sarah Kolis takes you behind the scenes of my bridal design process, sharing everything from the initial consultation to the final fitting. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding dress, this episode is for you!I also chat with bride, Ashley Rozek, who struggled to find the perfect gown in stores and chose a custom design route instead. She shares her experience, from choosing fabrics to her pre-wedding photo shoot, and why having a couture gown made all the difference for her special day!If you’re considering a custom wedding gown or just love hearing about the artistry behind couture bridal fashion, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-life bridal stories!In this episode: The step-by-step process of creating a custom wedding dressHow to decide between a store-bought or custom gownWhy mock dress fittings are a crucial part of the processThe importance of high-quality bridal fabrics and how they impact the final lookAshley’s experience with a custom gown and her stunning pre-wedding photo shootIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia McKay, co-owner and venue coordinator of The Oakley, a premier event venue in Holly, Michigan! Alicia shares how she unexpectedly fell into wedding planning after her own wedding and how that journey evolved into running a full-scale family-owned venue on a 40-acre property!We talk about:How Alicia transitioned from graphic designer to venue ownerThe transformation of her in-laws' horse barn into a stunning venueWhat makes The Oakley’s full-weekend experience so uniqueWedding trends we’re both seeing and lovingReal-life sacrifices and joys of working in the wedding industryAlicia also shares her heartfelt philosophy on treating every couple like family and the importance of creating a stress-free, memorable experience.Whether you're planning a wedding, dreaming of starting a venue, or just love hearing women in business share their story—this episode is full of insight and inspiration!Connect with Alicia:Website: www.theoakleyevents.comInstagram: @theoakleyeventsFacebook: @theoakleyweddingsIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

You asked - we answered! In this episode, I sit down with my youngest sister, Melissa, for a fun and lighthearted conversation about her wedding journey, life updates, and all things fashion. We answer listener-submitted questions covering everything from how she met her husband Cam to the special moments on her wedding day, including her first dance song, favorite wedding details, and what it was like being the youngest of four sisters! In this episode:How Melissa and Cam met and their dating journeyChoosing a first dance song and special wedding detailsThe reality of wedding day stress vs. excitementFashion trends, wardrobe favorites, and growing up with sistersLife after the wedding, new hobbies, and future plansIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In this special episode, we continue our bride interview series with three amazing women—Gwen, Kayla, and Rina—who share the real stories behind their wedding days. From intimate destination ceremonies to unique personal touches and unexpected moments, this episode is full of inspiration and heartfelt reflections.Bride Gwen Semrow shares all about her beautiful Playa del Carmen destination wedding, the story behind her dress alterations, and the unforgettable speech from her husband!Bride Kayla Keller is a Traverse City bride who personalized every detail of her wedding, including a surprise musical moment that left her in tears. Plus, the unexpected item she put on her wedding registry!Bride Rina Sistrunk tells us all about how she embraced community support in wedding planning, overcame challenges, and the hilarious moment that set the tone for her big day!Are you a bride who Sarah Kolis has worked with and you want to share your story on the podcast too? We’d love to chat with you! Check your email for booking details or reach out via [email protected] or DM to get scheduled!If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

In this episode, Mimi Rubin joins us to share all the details of her wedding day—from planning the perfect celebration with all their close friends and family, to unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable! We dive into her unique bridal style, including a stunning David’s Bridal gown with custom alterations by Sarah Kolis herself, and the special touches that made her wedding one-of-a-kind—like a live wedding guest painting experience and a sweet wedding favor nod to their dog Charlie!Plus, we bring in her husband, Chad, for a groom’s perspective on wedding planning, the big day jitters, and his best advice for future grooms. We also chat about wedding budgeting, what’s worth the splurge, and what you can skip without regret!Mentioned vendors:Wedding painter: Jenny Paints by Hand @jennypaintsbyhandDJ: Motor City HDj - Brett CumminsPhotographer: Elle Musall from Ellis & Indigo PhotographyIf you have questions for Sarah and her team to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ