07/23/2026
Sarah & Tim 6.6.26
I love a great “mom gown redesign”! Sarah’s mom Judy wore this gown nearly 40 years ago in August 1988. Made of silk dupioni with an asymmetrical drop skirt and peplum, Sarah was hoping to achieve a “historical princess” redesign. When she said it was “everything that I dreamed of” at delivery, it became a trophy moment of 2026!
For starters we were fortunate that the gown fit (nearly perfectly) and the layer beneath the lace too was the exact same silk as the rest of the gown. Sarah knew she wanted a basque waistline, so I completely disassembled the gown, reattached the skirt at the new higher level, and used the peplum to add the needed length to the skirt now that it was raised up and too short. I had just enough silk left to grant Sarah’s other wish… a straight and banded strapless neckline. Finishing touches were adding some gathered netting under the skirt at the sides of the waist to add volume at the basque waist and replace the buttons along the back.
Added to the challenging endeavor was scheduling fittings with a long distance bride… living in Colorado! Having a head start on the project (Oct 2025) was essential to planning the fittings when Sarah would be home for holidays. But working with Sarah and Judy was always a delight and I’m honored to have been trusted with the ultimate task. You can read her take on the partnership by scrolling to the end of the photos here!
Congratulations to Sarah & Tim, wishing you many wonderful memories and years! 🥂
Photography by michigan wedding photographer 📸
Venue: The Brady Backyard (excellent work Judy!!!)
Sarah Brady Carpenter
