Fourteenth: A Bridal Consultation With Marie
My brides are often amazed by their experience at Headpiece.com. Others have no idea what to expect. This month I thought I would take you along for a bridal consultation or two.
Photo by Photo DH
This year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary at our store location in Pompton Plains, NJ. Over those years, I have designed for over 14,000 brides. Our clients are from all over the country and reaching as far as India and Japan. Many travel great distances to meet while other clients I have never met face-to-face.
Photo by Allison Hanson Photography
Kelsey lives in South Carolina and got married on January 19th in Charleston. She wanted her veil to be the focus against the simple silhouette of her Pronovias gown. Kelsey and I never met. We worked together through phone conversations, texts, emails, and photographs to create the veil of her dreams.
Photo by Alicia Lacey Photography
Fashion blogger, Brittany Tilley, of Tilley’s Threads worked with me in a similar fashion and then posted about her design experience on her blog. She was looking for a soft draping veil edged in delicate French lace.
Many of my clients who come to see us, walk in with an idea in mind and walk out with something they never considered or even saw before. My client, Breeanna, was one such bride. She sent an email— “Looking for a simple veil with rhinestones on the edge, similar to one in picture.”
Breeanna was kind enough to let us share her Headpiece.com experience with you even though she is getting married tomorrow!
“I wasn’t quite ready to look for a veil, but my mom and I were in Macy’s and figured what the heck we might as well look. It was awful! We found just a rack with a mess of veils! I explained what I was looking for and they weren’t able to offer anything even close to what I had in mind. When I found Headpiece.com, I didn’t know an appointment was necessary for a veil. I had the Macy’s rack in mind and just thought I would be shuffling through.”
This photo says it all. Breeanna’s entire entourage wanted to try on a veil and headpiece. They were so much fun to work with and open to other ideas.
“I was with my mom, godmother, and sister-in-law. It was such a fun and exciting day for us. Sharing this memory was something we wanted to document so we asked Marie to take a picture of us. Not only did she take our picture but she styled all four of us in beautiful veils and headpieces. My sister-in-law had a headpiece on that was to die for. Everyone was like OMG you need that! ”
Breeanna came in with her hair styled so I was able to accurately measure the circumference of her headpiece for proper placement on her wedding day. There is no guesswork or estimating when I design a piece. I want it to be perfect and flawless on your wedding day. It is so important that the hairstylist has proper fastening points to place the headpiece with ease.
“I put it on. Mind you I wanted nothing to do with a headpiece—veil only! The headpiece was perfect and changed everything. We ordered the “Brina” headpiece and changed the veil entirely. No more rhinestones! I went with a beautifully shaped plain veil because my headpiece (that I didn’t want) stole the show!”
Breeanna came to pick up her headpiece and veil. She tried it on, and her piece draped precisely how we wanted. Now all that is left to do is take that trip down the aisle tomorrow!
“Marie exceeded my expectations. Getting the veil and headpiece were more fun than dress shopping—and my dress is from Kleinfeld. Marie was so personable, and didn’t make me feel like “just another client.” I felt special and unique!”
I am often asked by my clients, “How do you do it?” My first response is “It’s a gift!” When I look at a garment, a piece of upholstered furniture, a painting or whatever else you can think of, I can to take it apart in my mind and create it from scratch with my own two hands. When I design for my clients, I look at their gown, their hairstyle, their venue and listen to their vision. From there I put the pieces together in my mind to create something beautiful and individual for that particular bride.
Often, I modify existing designs to create a piece that is entirely different than the original. The two photos below demonstrate using our “Grace” headpiece as a basis for a new headpiece design. By changing its direction and adding elements, it is now two completely different designs.
This is our “Grace” headpiece modified and worn as a backpiece with rhinestone draping.
Our “Grace” headpiece can also be styled to be worn in the front of an updo.
This is an amazing side headpiece in the midst of being created by using several different designs.
Danielle chose a side brooch and added draping so it wrapped around her hair.
Some of my clients choose to come for their accessory consultation directly after their hair trial. It is not necessary but helps some brides to visualize better.
Last month, I featured Cassandra’s wedding on our blog. Her bridal consultation was a perfect example of what a bride experiences at Headpiece.com. It all began with a simple email from our Contact button on our website.
I know that brides often have different ideas of Juliet caps, so I asked Cassandra to share her inspiration boards with me.
I always request photos of the gown including the designer name. Cassandra’s consultation has already begun. Now it’s time to meet!
Cassandra reached out with perfect timing. I was in the midst of designing a traditional Juliet cap veil from a piece of vintage lace and point d’esprit.
“When I made my appointment at Headpiece.com, I was interested in Juliet cap inspired veils. Many of the bridal shops didn’t have large veil selections. After speaking to Marie, I learned that Headpiece.com did completely custom work. Marie was in the process of designing a Juliet cap for another bride, so I was interested in being able to try one on in person.”
“The veil I finally went with was a bit different than the one I originally envisioned. The veil Marie was working on had full lace detail around the crown of the head and vintage netting for the cap. I had my dress with me, and when I tried the two together, it was the absolute perfect fit.”
“Marie was so knowledgeable about veil styles and materials. She took the time to explain everything and made the process easy for me. She also examined my dress to get the lace and color just right. Marie really cares about her work, and it shows.”
Photography by Jimmy Chu Photography
“I was so excited when I saw the final veil design. It was exactly what I wanted, and it went absolutely perfectly with my dress. The lace detailing was so beautiful! The craftsmanship at Headpiece.com is truly unmatched.”
the perfect bridal consultation
Reach out! Send us an email or give us a call and let us know what you are dreaming of.
Email pics of your wedding gown along with the designer name, hairstyle ideas, and accessory ideas. Don’t worry if you have no ideas. It is my passion to help you discover your perfect wedding day style.
Come in for your appointment with an open mind and a happy heart. So many of our clients tell us they had no idea how many options could be available at Headpiece.com. I will show you things you’ve never imagined!
I will walk you through color choices and veil lengths by teaching you how to measure your gown so I can accurately design your veil in the length you desire.
Be assured that on your wedding day your accessory designs will be perfect! I think of every detail so you can enjoy every minute in your bridal suite worry free.
Your consultation doesn’t end when your designs are complete. When you pick up, I go over how to care for your headpiece and veil for your walk down the aisle and provide tips on how to properly place your accessories, so they are secure and beautiful!
Next month on the Fourteenth:
The Best Destination Bridal Salon