Years ago, when my old partner and I named our company  – BLANC HAUTE COUTURE EVENTS – I never intended to give off the impression that we plan fashion events but rather to portray the fact that we create custom events for each couple. To me, the most important part in planning a DREAM wedding is customizing all elements involved to create a true reflection of the bride & groom.

THE DRESS

Most brides are normally more excited about the wedding dress-searching process than anything else. I am the opposite.  I’m definitely more excited about the event-production side of it (and of course about the actual marriage part…lol). Finding a dress has always been secondary.

After visiting 15 stores in NYC and trying on at least 50 dresses, my feelings were confirmed. I really don’t like wedding dresses. On me, that is.

In one of the 15 stores I walked into – Monique L’Huillier – even before entering the bridal section, I spotted this insanely-gorgeous couture one-off dress. The salesperson explained that it was part of their Oscar collection and that it was only $14,000!! So I did the exact opposite of what they tell you not to do on that show: ‘SAY YES TO THE DRESS’ – never try on a dress you cannot afford.  And what happened? I fell head-over-heels. I can’t tell you many details about the dress or post any photos (though I bet Jason is not even reading this blog – he much prefers Angry Birds to reading) but I am SO SO SO excited to reveal it. All I can say is that it involves sequins and gold! Sounds tacky but it is absolutely not!

Side note: I love sequins. When my two besties Nadia & Ritou helped me move in to my condo 6 years ago, they ooh-so-rudely threw away all my sequins tops, tanks, and accessories without my consent. My wedding is my way of getting back at them. 😉

Ok so if you are wondering if I depleted my savings to buy that dress …..Definitely not….C’mon it’s a dress you wear once! But what I did do was bring the inspiration and look n’ feel of the Monique L’Huillier  dress to the most competent wedding dressmaker I know – MELISSA GENTILE. I gained complete confidence in Melissa when she 1) created the most stunning dress for my cousin Chiara (see below) and 2) managed to deal with my very colourful aunt Pina during the process :-0

 

Melissa is seriously talented, extremely detail-driven and has a real eye for what looks good on different body types. I’m very happy that I chose to work with her and I am sooooooo excited to show you all this phenomenal wedding/non-wedding dress!

*** Ladies, if you do not plan on experiencing Melissa Gentile and would rather purchase an existing dress, you will find the most wonderful selection and friendliest faces at WHITE MONTREAL (Irina) and CHRISTIANE BRUNELLE (Lisa).

THE SUIT

Jason is a fashionista and sucker for brands. Hugo Boss & Ralph Lauren are his best friends. About two weeks ago, it finally hit him that he needed to find a suit for our wedding  happening in 30 –ish days. So we paid a visit to a little fella’ called Sandro Battaglia. Sandro is probably the youngest (and most stylish) tailor in town and has been in business for 8 years. Everything is designed and made in house. Like Jason, Sandro has the gift of the gab and he quickly became Jason’s third best friend.

Jason’s suit is literally going to be GORGEOUS. With Sandro’s expertise and flair for beautiful fabrics, we chose a stunning textured velour for his tuxedo jacket, a nice wool for the pants, sexy black satin suspenders and a nice rather large funky bowtie. Hot, hot, hot.

What you will notice throughout my blog posts is that I love working with people and small businesses that are furthest from being a ‘smoke and mirrors’ show. Both Melissa and Sandro emphasize that.  I just love entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft and work their a-ss off for it.

** AN IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT OUR WEDDING:  Our dress code is ‘Be black, Be White, Be Gold….Be Bold’ (that’s my mom’s line). Someone wears purple and they will have to turn right back around…lol…..it’s not even a joke, I’m serious. They wear white, I will seriously be the happiest bride. They wear a white velour off-the-shoulder gown or a velvet gold suit and I will love them forever.

TANIA

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MELISSA GENTILE BRIDAL COUTURE: 5303 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S5 – 514.865.7354

BATTAGLIA & ALY – 6515 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3C5 514-940-1008

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