I’m excited to introduce as our guest blogger today, the very talented Amy Jo Tatum~ author of the resource site and inspirational wedding blog, Bride Chic.  Amy Jo is also the owner of Bridal Alternatives, a custom wedding dress design studio.

I personally love reading Bride Chic… for her intriguing  writing style and the dresses Amy features are gorgeous, feminine and often times, take me completely out of my box! In Amy’s words… 

“A wedding gown should be comfortable and beautifully lined so the woman wears it like a second skin . . . the whole component moving with her as if it is part of her body.” {love that}

That said, here is Amy Jo answering a bride’s question on customizing her wedding dress…

Question:

I love the top of one dress. It’s perfect for me except the skirt is way off what’s ideal for my proportions. I do, however, like another version of skirt the designer offers on another gown. Is there some way I can exchange these pieces to get what I want?

Answer:

Did you know for an additional price, some manufacturers can customize your gown? Contrary to popular belief, your favorite designer’s sample may not be the only version it comes in. That’s right. If you love the top on one gown and the skirt of another, you may be able to switch them as long as that particular designer/manufacturer does what’s called a “swap” or “change out.” Take into account that the components do have to be from the same designer’s collection for this to work. Designers vary, though. Some may not swap components at all, offering modifications on color, sleeve, or train lengths instead. All the same, this could be the opportunity to make inquiries about adornments they may offer: lace options, embroidery, etc. But be warned. Too many changes and/or additions and suddenly, cha-ching! Keep in mind, too, that designers don’t like to rework their original concept too far off the mark. As one put it, “Jean Harlow’s dress into Marie Antoinette’s is asking just too much …”

Great info… thanks for sharing your expertise with us Amy Jo!

OH… The lovely dress featured here is Amy’s newest dress… an embossed silk chiffon sheath silhouette with silk gauze train/drape combo with small silk rosettes, dappled all over and lined in china silk. Sounds so dreamy… See more of this dress {and more creations} at Amy Jo’s Etsy store. You can also read more about Amy Jo’s inspiration and passion for designing custom dresses on her site at www.AmyJoTatum.com

And, you’ll also find this busy lady guest blogging every Friday at the awesome, Savvy Scoop, One Wed’s bridal blog!

Thanks for visiting! Now… go read and be inspired some more!

Sure, I’m excited about the 7 NEW buds on my orchid plant… that spring is coming… that it’s Friday… but I am {bubbling over!} EXCITED that the good people at BrideTide.com Blog have chosen Truly Engaging to be in their TOP 100 Wedding Blogs {and Twitters} of 2009.

Definitely check out all the wonderful wedding blogs listed {we’re in the Practical category}.

Thanks again Bride Tide

I’m guest blogging over at Wishpot Wedding Blog I hope you’ll check out my featured post on Creative Ways to Pop the Question!

{includes a real wedding proposal story & a little sumthin sumthin that goes like this…}

Planning to pop the question soon?

If you want to make your proposal truly memorable, center it around that which your love loves… What I mean by that is~ make your proposal personal.  Tailor it according to their personality.

Ideas for the extrovert, the introvert, the techy, the scholarly,

and the animal lover…

And when you’re done reading, snoop around Wishpot.com!  Create a wishlist, a registry, find deals, shop til you drop {without leaving home} plus, gain all kinds of inspiration for gifts and fashion…

thanks for reading!

Loving the combination of soft and saturated colors in this Minnesota wedding, featured on Brides.com.  The reception colors revolved around the hydrangeas found in the bride’s bouquet and you’ll soon see how the lovely blue hue of the sash and the oh-so feminine scalloped bodice of her dress is later repeated.

How color -intense and gorgeous are these bouquets that coordinate beautifully with the bold, wine-colored bridesmaid dresses? Stunning!

Although it’s hard to tell in this image, the sash around the cake is in the exact blue of the bride’s sash and the scallop design of course, matches her bodice.  I love how simple, yet elegant this cake is…  as well as the clever continuation of style and theme!

Creating all kinds of drama are these striking floral centerpieces in their antique candelabras… in varying heights. WOW!  Monochromatic table settings with ivory silk tablecloths and chair covers lend elegance and I’m sure, allowed the colors… from the flowers to the meal… to really POP!

Check out the couple’s wedding story~  the groom is a top chef who planned their 2-hour and 5-course tasting menu that included a variety of delicacies and fine wines.

A true culinary experience for many of their guests!  {I know I would have LOVED it… how bout you?}

I get so inspired by all the details and authenticity of each wedding story!  YOU TOO?

ALSO, a big THANK YOU shout out to Brides.com for featuring MagnetStreet Weddings in their

editor’s pick this week!

Images: Meghan Doll Photography