Wisconsin Bride Fashion Spread

As you can imagine, we were very pleased when several months ago Wisconsin Bride again asked us to provide a bridal gown for their fashion editorial. Even more pleasing was to finally see the results of the European-inspired spread in the new fall/winter issue. We think that they definitely did justice to one of our new favorites, "Vanessa" by LeaAnn Belter. Click on the photo for an enlarged view or better yet, stop in for your free copy! For more Premiere Couture in the press, visit our website's press page, recently rescued from the moth balls!

I love fireworks!

Each year my husband Jay, along with some good friends, gets the genuinely fun but dangerous job of setting off the fireworks at Freedom Fest in Janesville. Our life-long friend, Kirk Overturf, is the man behind the dizzingly spectacular show and it has been a real privilege to watch his love for blowing things up grow from the somewhat disturbing arsenal in the trunk of his car at my wedding seventeen years ago to this hugely popular show that is attended by tens of thousands of people each year. Last night's show was particularly grand and I'm not just saying that because of my obvious bias; applause could be heard everywhere for a full ten minutes after the absolutely ridiculously fantastic grand finale.

**Updated July 2 with photos of the men in action - photo credits to follow
My husband Jay among the flames

Jay and his friend, Freedom Fest's fearless pyro-tech leader, Kirk

More Jay, more explosions

Kirk - bringing joy to thousands by doing what he loves to do - blow things up!



Freedom Fest 2008Rosemary's point of view during the show

Congratulations friends!!

Congratulations to the following businesses for their recent recognition by readers of Wisconsin Bride magazine: Beyond Elegant Events won the distinguished Top of the Tiara, Beauty Blossoms, Juke Box Bandstand, The Wedding Guy were all Best of 2008 and "I Do" Cakes by Betty made the short list of nominees in her category. Congratulations to you all!

Three pretty maids all in a row....

We've finally received our baby dolls from Lynn Lugo and we couldn't be more pleased. They are instantly attention grabbing, infinitely wearable and totally adorable. You must come see for yourself!

Summer Bridal Show

We hope to see you today at the Summer Bridal Show! In order to prepare and participate in this fantastic event we will be closed all day but will be back with normal hours on Thursday!

Planning on making an appointment to shop with us soon? Schedule it at the bridal show and you'll receive a fun, free gift when you visit us!

People you meet along the way

This past Monday and Tuesday I was out of town attending a funeral for a cousin of mine that died last week very unexpectedly. And while the reason for my journey was very sad, much of it was actually truly joyous. I had the extreme pleasure of a road trip with my much-loved older sister and my one-year-old Luke who, as it turns out, is a marvelous traveler. It was wonderful reconnecting with aunts, uncles, cousins and of course, Grandma, even under such somber circumstances. It's impossible not to feel grateful for what I have been given in the light of such a loss.

An unexpected benefit of the trip was meeting a fascinating elderly gentleman who was working at the funeral home. We happened into light-hearted conversation that began with an off-handed reference to one of my favorite authors, Jane Austen, that it turned out, was a favorite of Jack's as well. We both found it refreshing to converse with someone else about Ms. Austen's work and her wonderful vocabulary and ability to weave a complicated story line into an easily appreciated tapestry. Our conversation went on to reveal that Jack himself was an author - though of a very different theme - automobile racing. It turned out that he is the friend of so many famous drivers, many of whom have stayed at his house while visiting the Twin City area. He related one story after another illuminating the very interesting lives of famous people but all the while I couldn't help but wonder if I wasn't in the presence of someone just as special. From his exploits following World War II as part of operations recovering lost aircraft in the deserts of Libya to being at the salt flats in Utah to witness history being made as record-breaking speeds were achieved made each of his tales more and more breathtaking. His demeanor was of total humility, which of course made him even more engaging, and I was most pleased to have had the opportunity to meet such a person at such a time.

I encourage you to search out opportunities for new discovery even at low times of life - maybe especially at life's low moments - as then they will be even more sweet.

Close out sale on Justina McCaffrey

Starting June 2, we are offering all of our Justina McCaffrey samples at 40% off. We're including cleaning so you can rest assured that your gown will be beautiful!

We will be taking new orders for Justina McCaffrey gowns through June 30.

The styles that are still available are (updated September 20, 2008):
Crystalline, Liseaux, Intermezzo, Tina, Kelly, Shanna, Viennese and Violetta.

Sara Gabriel Slide Show

How could you not want to wear one of these designs? As promised, this video is a slide show highlighting Sara Gabriel's exquisite designs as modeled by Erin Nycz and seen by Neil and Calfa, two of the talented photographers at Front Room Photography. The photo shoot can be seen behind the scenes in the short video I posted here earlier.

Meet Sara this weekend! She will be arriving Thursday in the late afternoon and will be available all of Friday and Saturday for personal appointments.

"Giselle " from Lea Ann Belter

Sophisticated and airy, flattering and unique. "Giselle" from Lea Ann Belter is a beautiful silk gazar gown that evokes the glamour of Hollywood and the romance of times gone by.

Sara Gabriel Photo Shoot

There are many bright spots to having a bridal boutique and one of them is the incredible opportunities afforded us by other creative people who also love all things wedding - like our artistic friends at Front Room Photography. Laura and I had this brainstorm to create a video slide show of Sara Gabriel veils and hair accessories before her arrival next week. Neil and Calfa of Front Room and our incredible bride and model Erin made it a reality today. We all met at Front Room's magnificent new studio for a fantastic photo shoot today and the results are spectacular! Once you see the photos you'll completely understand our passion for beautiful veils and accessories - especially those of Sara Gabriel. There's just no denying the romance, drama and sophistication that can be achieved with the well chosen veil artfully captured by a gifted photographer.

You'll have to check back later today or tomorrow to see the slide show,but in the meantime I thought I would share with you a little video I put together - not quite one minute long - of a behind the scenes look at the shoot which in reality took over two and half hours to complete. Enjoy!