L'atelier Couture Bridal

Fabulous February

2012-01-29T14:54:00.001-06:00

As January is slowly finishing up and February is quickly approaching us I thought that it would be a perfect time to blog about all of the fabulous happenings at l'atelier couture this February!

February 2nd-4th: Cocktails for a Cause

Madeline & my brain child is Cocktails for a Cause! Short cocktail dresses {available in over 20 different colors} & short wedding dresses ranging from $350-$4,000 will be shown in our boutique the 2nd through the 4th! All short dresses will be 10% + 5% of all proceeds will be donated to The American Cancer Society! What better cause to give to then ACS? We love it! Friday evening will be a cocktail party in the boutique to try on & purchase dresses, pick up NELLE handbags, style it up with Penny Larsen Jewelry all while sipping on l'atelier couture's custom cocktail & enjoying sweets from our absolutely favorite: Cocoa & Fig.

RSVP to RSVP@lateliercouturebridal.com

dresses by Chloe & Reese

February 1st & 15th: Bridal Boot Camp

We are SO fortunate to be hosting Bridal Boot Camp at l'atelier again this month. Join us on February 1st for a "bar-less" class from The Barre {new in Wayzata} - Just $10 for a one hour class and the proceeds will be donated to The American Cancer Society. On February 15th we will have Bridal Boot Camp again with a trainer from The Ivy Spa Club! Last time we had her in I honestly thought I was going to die but it turns out it was the best work out of my life!! Call the boutique to pre-register for the classes and pay your 10$!

February 9th-11th: Vera Wang Love Event {trunkshow}

February brings us our favorite time of the year! Time to celebrate love! What better way to celebrate than with Vera Wang? Book your appointment now for Spring 2012 & Our Favorites: Vera Wang Trunk Show! As always when purchasing during a trunk show you will receive 10% off your gown + a fabulous gift valued at $500! <- You'll have to purchase to see what that is... ;)

Harlow by Vera Wang

Hilary by Vera Wang

Hannah by Vera Wang

Holly by Vera Wang

So ladies, whether you are newly-engaged, already our bride or married we'd love to see you at any of our fabulous events!

xx,

Bridal Boot Camp - Tips For Success! by Stacy Nystrom

2012-01-27T09:42:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to have my new fabulous intern Stacy guest blogging today about bridal boot camp [which almost killed me on Wednesday, luckily I survived] - We had a fantastic personal trainer from The Ivy Spa Club at l'atelier couture and she whipped us into shape! She'll be back on February 15th so pre register by calling the boutique today!

In honor of bridal boot camp that started at L’atelier this past Wednesday, I’d thought I’d share some tips I found on how to achieve that ideal physique for the big day! Now remember, these are all tips to stay fit and healthy, not about having the perfect body and going extra lengths to get there because taking a healthy approach to weight can make the difference between being a glowing bride and Bridezilla. Keep this in mind every time you think about skipping a meal to “look better” in your dress; starving yourself doesn't work. So many brides think that crash dieting is the most effective way to lose weight, but when we deprive ourselves of food, we actually shut down our metabolism. Almost all brides that starve themselves before the wedding actually gain more weight after the big day than if they had lost weight in a healthy manner.

So where do we start?

1. Use your wedding as a major advantage- A wedding is a powerful motivator and it can be put to good use to overcome some sloppy eating habits and lack of interest in exercise. Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian in Chicago, encourages people to enlist the help of their fiancés with healthy pre-wedding changes. "Not only will the support make it more likely to get to your wedding day goals, it's also important for life after the honeymoon."

2. Eat!- It is so much better to focus on only eating when you're hungry (when your metabolism is naturally at its highest) and stopping when you're satisfied (your body's way of saying, "I don't need any more calories, I'm nourished"). Also, avoid fatty foods and food items that are rich in sugar and sodium. Avoid sodas and alcohols (aka empty calories) at all costs because they contribute a lot to your weight. Concentrate on eating healthy and stick to vegetables and fruits which keep you full but do not make you fat

3. Exercise is key- Exercising burns unnecessary fat that you may have accumulated over the months before you got engaged. Make sure that you allot an hour or two everyday to exercise. May it be jogging or a total workout, you will be amazed at the results that exercising will have to your figure. If you find yourself getting bored with your usual exercise routine, switch it up! Try swimming, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing or even pole dancing.

4. Drink Plenty of Water-Water helps you clean the insides of your body by removing toxins. When you drink lots of water, especially before and in between meals, you will feel fuller and end up not eating as much. You will also need a lot of water to accompany your new exercise regimen. Aside from helping you lose weight, it will also help clear your skin making you a more beautiful and vibrant bride on your wedding day.

5. Get Enough Zzzzz’s-With all the buzz and excitement that accompanies your imminent wedding, it might be hard to get sleep at night. Not having enough sleep and rest will cause you to get tired during the day and eat more to replenish your tired feeling so make sure that you get enough rest. Getting enough rest will also help keep you healthy and flawless for your big day.

Thanks Stacy for informing us :)

In the mean time, pre register for The Barre class we are holding next Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM -- more details soon to follow!!

Xx,

Save Now

photos from fete de blanc!

2012-01-20T12:24:00.000-06:00

please enjoy some of the pics from fete de blanc...

thank you from the bottom of our little hearts to the amazing vendors that participated in fete de blanc! we could NOT have done it without you! {see our next blog for the list of all vendors}

welcome to l'atelier! {thank you Just Bloomed for the beautiful flowers}

the before... {thank you Apres for the chairs & Instant Request for the lighting! doesn't it look fab?}

backstage

our madeline prepping the dresses

mr. peter langner finalizing the run of show

step & repeat: marcus from www.juut.com - this is the man responsible for our fabulous nails!

runway show

editor of MSP weddings magazine: emily howald introducing mr. peter langner

peter langner speaking

the queen of fashion {AKA} amanda kautt & peter langner

thank you to everyone who attended!

thank you to our amazing interns! you did a wonderful job...hope i wasn't too scary ;-)

peter, amanda, madeline & me!

amanda & peter

I'll be doing a blog of each vendor that participated individually so stay tuned to see who you NEED to use your for your wedding :)

love love love,

the ladies of l'atelier

We're working out for a GREAT cause!

2012-01-19T16:41:00.002-06:00

It's time to ring in the new year by toning up with bridal boot camp {l'atelier couture style} on January 25th! We are SO excited to have an instructor from the IVY SPA CLUB in to teach us a few things about fitness!

The cost is $10 with all proceeds being donated to The American Cancer Society. Bring yourself and a mat and join your favorite l’atelier couture staff as we all get toned up for the busy wedding season!

Be sure to pre-register with payment to hold your spot as there is limited availability. 612.367.8120

xx,

Join Us! We're Rolling out the Red Carpet for...Peter Langner!

2012-01-11T13:21:00.000-06:00

Join us as we roll out the red carpet for the most amazing couturier you'll ever meet: Peter Langner

It's a mere 36 hours away and we are so thrilled for the highly anticipated event fete de blanc at l'atelier couture tomorrow evening and our Open House on January 13th & 14th! One of Peter's largest fashion shows in the United States and the grand reopening of L'atelier Couture now located in Minneapolis, this is sure to be an event you will never forget!

designer Peter Langner

Peter has worked for designers such as Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior & Christian Lacroix after studying at the world-renowned Ecole de la Chambre Sydicale de la Couture Parisienne. In 1991 Peter opened his own Atelier in Rome. Today his designs are in over 70 boutiques around the world. We're thrilled to be one of them!

Scarletti by Peter Langner

Xantia by Peter Langner

I hope you will enjoy a series of blogs covering this event starting today and ending on Sunday! We are SO fortunate to be working with the best in the industry for our fete tomorrow evening. Scrumptious Sweets from Cocoa and Fig , Flowers & Decor from our lovely lady Jackie Just at Just Bloomed, Fantastic Invites, Save the Dates & Paper Additions from Antoinette at Paperista. And the list does not stop there. For an inside look of everyone you should be using for your wedding stay tuned to our blog.

You will get a sneak peak of pictures and videos from the event, of the vendors you love and the chance to meet THE Peter Langner if you attend our Open House!

Hope to see you here!

xx,

Bella Bridesmaid - MSP

2011-12-29T12:25:00.001-06:00

I am beyond thrilled to blog today about one of my favorite additions to the bridal world in Minnesota. A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting with Briana Griffiths just a few days after she opened the newest Bella Bridesmaid right in Excelsior!

{bridesmaids by Monique Lhuillier}

A quick snippet on why I adore Bella Bridesmaid: Bella Bridesmaid is a concept that was born in 2000 as a store that to put simply was a collection for the "modern" bridesmaid. They only sold bridesmaid dresses and sometimes stepped into bridal alternatives. Bella grew and now there are almost 40 Bellas all over the United States. Each store is owned individually but all of the owners work closely together so if you are a bride with 10 different bridesmaids in 10 different states you MUST go to a Bella Bridesmaid because they'll help you coordinate everything! More than likely there is a Bella close to each one of your bridesmaids.

{bridesmaids by Lula Kate}

Because our boutique focuses solely on the bride it is so refreshing to refer all of our brides to someone that has the ability to give the bridesmaids 100% of her attention.

SO without further adieu, please meet Brianna Griffiths - owner of Bella Bridesmaid Minneapolis

Christina: What made you decide to go into the wedding industry?

Briana: I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to own a boutique. As a little girl I used to set up every room in the house like a store and have my family members play as customers! I worked various sales positions when I lived in Chicago, but the last couple years I was there I worked part time managing a small accessory boutique. I loved everything about it and that's when I decided to start pursuing my dream! One of my good friends visited the Bella Bridesmaid in K.C and told me about franchise opportunities that were available. Minnesota did not yet have a Bella so I jumped on the opportunity!

{bridesmaids by Jenny Yoo}

Christina: Not necessarily to show favoritism, but who is your favorite designer to work with so far?

Briana: I have had a great experience with all of the designers so far! I think it helps that we have such great relationships with all of them. So much so that actually a few of them have come to Bella Bridesmaid wanting to do exclusive lines! Coren Moore's customer service is amazing! Lula Kate is one of my personal favorites, I just love the versatility of the line!

{bridesmaids by Lula Kate}

Christina: What is your favorite part of owning Bella?

Briana: Getting to know my brides and bridesmaids on a personal level. I know that planning a wedding can be stressful so I want to make their experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible! The support and close bond I have with all of the other Bellas has been amazing as well. It's like a big family! I am very lucky to be doing what I love.

Stay tuned, Briana is sending me some exclusive pics of the brand new boutique in the next few weeks and a trunk show schedule! Many fabulous dresses will be arriving weekly to her boutique as well.

Call Briana to schedule an appointment today at (952) 474-5086

Thank you Briana for letting me introduce to you to the fabulous bride's l'atelier is privileged to work with! Congratulations on your new adventure and I wish you much success. Cheers!

xx,

Bridal Boot Camp

2011-12-26T10:55:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season for Resolutions & at l'atelier we are jumping into the new year with gusto!

We have decided to offer our fabulous brides {and their pals} an opportunity to work out with the best the Twin Cities has to offer in the comfort of the l'atelier couture boutique! We are partnering with fitness clubs to bring you work outs you have never tried before in a convenient location.

Bring yourself, a mat and $10 to join your favorite l'atelier staff as we all get toned up for the busy wedding season!

Join us! Our very first workout will be on:

January 28th at 6:00 PM

We will be having a true boot camp with a personal trainer from The Ivy Fitness Club in Downtown Minneapolis

All proceeds will be donated to The American Cancer Society in correlation with our upcoming event: Cocktails for a Cure on February 3rd! {more details to come soon}

Please RSVP to:

RSVP@lateliercouturebridal.com

or call us to save your spot!

xx,

the ladies of l'atelier

Designer Highlight: Peter Langner

2011-12-09T15:10:00.012-06:00

Happy Friday!!

It's hard to believe that we are almost halfway through December! Where has the time gone? I'll tell you, at the boutique it has gone to planning our five upcoming trunk shows, a fantastic surprise happening in January (details to come) and first ever charity event in February!

{details to come on all of those...}

And since we just wrapped up with one of our favorite designer's trunk shows: Peter Langner I thought it would be only appropriate to highlight him today!

Happy Planning!

xx,

Meet Taylor!

2011-11-25T09:03:00.004-06:00

Hopefully everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

As promised, with a new week it's time to meet another member of l'atelier's staff! Taylor is our newest addition and we are thrilled to have her from Houston, Texas! She's a fellow southerner like me so I'm especially excited to have her on board.

Without further adieu, meet Taylor!

C: Tell us about your bridal background & how long you have been at l’atelier?

T: I have always loved bridal fashion. It’s a total fantasy. I got totally wrapped up in it when I got married in 2009 and bought my gown from l’atelier. After spending 6 months looking for “the dress” and trying on probably around 100 gowns, Amanda advised me that I should perhaps think about working in bridal fashion. Since it had such a profound impact on me it was my dream to work at l’atelier, but at the time I was living in Dallas, TX. Amanda and I stayed in touch and she let me know of an opening at Warren Barrón Bridal (in my opinion the premiere bridal boutique in Dallas). I got the job and worked for Elle and Cecilia until my husband and I re-located back to Minnesota at the beginning of November. Happily my dream came true and I started working for l’atelier in November.

C: Who is your favorite bridal designer and why?

T: That is a tough question for me. I love Vera Wang; I have a soft spot in my heart for her because I wore her when I got married. I think Vera is very original in her designs; she combines romantic ideas with a little edginess, which is appealing to the modern independent woman. I also love Elizabeth Fillmore; she creates what she loves, in a very organic creative process that is one of a kind. Oscar is just so crisp and lush; he accentuates the beauty of the female form. You cannot help feeling beautiful in his designs. Peter Langner is a master of structure, his gowns are made from beautiful silks and his bodices are so impeccably made it reminds me of the creations from the Paris haute couture houses in the 50’s and 60’s (i.e. Chanel and Givenchy). As a bride you will feel like a vintage movie star.

C: Which designer would you just die to meet and why?

T: Unless a time machine is created soon, I suppose I would have to die in order to have a glass of Champagne with Coco Chanel. She is the original diva of the fashion world. I would just love to hang out with her.

C: What is your favorite part of the job?

T: There is a moment for every bride, where she becomes quiet as I slip her into the gown. As I start to clip her into the dress she notices all the details in the gown, and her excitement overwhelms her and I can’t finish getting the gown on her because she is moving around to see the gown better. Her face lights up as she looks at herself in the mirror. She is beaming and glowing and she is completely comfortable. She may crack a joke, or shed a tear or do nothing at all, but you can see from her smile that she feels beautiful. This is the moment when I know that she has found her wedding gown.

Let me introduce myself...

2011-11-15T16:19:00.013-06:00

Now that we have moved to our new fabulous location in the North Loop neighborhood and we are pretty much settled, I think it is time that we took a moment to re-introduce ourselves! We were SO lucky to have amazing photographer Liz Banfield come do a special photo shoot for the ladies of l'atelier last week!

Meet Christina!

M: Tell us about your bridal background & how long you've been at l'atelier...

C: Well, I started in bridal almost six years ago in Wisconsin. I have worked at a total of five bridal salons throughout the Midwest and Southeast. After three years of my position as bridal consultant and then bridal and pageant buying in Wisconsin, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina and started in couture bridal! I worked at two different salons in Charleston during my time there and then finally {& most recently} I had the opportunity to move to Minneapolis! So here I am at l'atelier couture as the new store manager. I've been here for almost two months.

M: Who is your favorite bridal designer and why?

C: I think to sell, hands down I would say Vera Wang. However, I absolutely {personally} l-o-v-e Oscar de la Renta! I think there is something so special about a classic silhouette {preferably done in silk faille} and I think Oscar does it best. I also happen to just love his clean lines. At l'atelier an Oscar bride is few and far between and in my opinion that makes his gowns a bit more special...

M: Which designer would you just die to meet and why?

C: Anyone that knows me knows I am a Carolina Herrera girl. Not just the fact that we have the SAME initials but hello, I can't imagine anyone else that embodies such elegance and class. I always say that I would faint right on the spot if I ever met Carolina! She is a true talent.

M: What is your favorite part of working for l'atelier?

C: I love everything about my job! I always have. I love meeting and getting to know my brides, working with amazing fabrics & designers, going to market and I love to see each designer's inspiration come alive in their collection. And, I'm sure you can tell that I love sketches of gowns! I truly have the best job in the world. xoxo

Christina's Favorite - Vera Wang Fall 2012

2011-10-18T10:57:00.003-05:00

If you kept up with me on facebook or twitter, this gown will not come as a surprise to you. My favorite gown from fall market this year was....

"Jacqueline" by Vera Wang -- STUNNING Chantilly lace ballgown with basque waist and french tulle overlay. This gown was absolutely my favorite from her collection. I am proud to say after a week of pushing and prodding we will be adding this gown to our collection come Spring! Who will be my first bride to wear it??

Xx,

Christina

Live from NYC...bridal market

2011-10-17T11:24:00.004-05:00

Is there anything more fantastic than bridal market? I think not.

IF you are a bride & have a twitter account it is probably blowing up by the popular #bridalmarket where everyone is posting pics of their favorite finds this season!

With Amanda away in bridal heaven, she is emailing me pics and I am uploading them live to our twitter & facebook. Please follow us at @LatelierBride for the updates! I will also add more pics on Wednesday for you to swoon over....

{in the mean time here are a few pics for you to enjoy}

Love Love Love Vera Wang!

2011-10-12T15:42:00.017-05:00

{Sketch of "Gemma" by Vera Wang}

So sorry for the delay in blogging! We have had quite a lot going on since the last time we posted. We had a sample sale, moved locations {to a fantastic new space in Minneapolis- stay tuned for pics} and of course Vera Wang blew up this summer's wedding scene again when Kim Kardashian got married! So much to update you on!

Well. As you know, Miss Vera Wang reigns supreme when it comes to dressing celebrity brides. Last summer Chelsea Clinton, Hilary Duff AND Alicia Keys all donned a custom Vera for their special day. This summer Kim Kardashian blew everyone out of the water with three custom wedding dresses by Vera Wang!

The pictures were just released by OK! Magazine...enjoy!

Love love LOVE Vera Wang. Because Vera Wang is housed exclusively with us in Minnesota and neighboring states we pride ourselves on having the most fabulous collection available! Make your appointment today to find the perfect Vera Wang gown for your special day!

Oh! One last thing....

We used to be located in St. Paul, Minnesota. In September we moved to our new space in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

We are now located at:

219 Second Street North, Suite 404

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Hope to have you in soon!

Xx,

Christina

Dazzling Eyes

2011-08-03T13:05:00.002-05:00

A common phrase used at the boutique is "we always want the focus to be on the bride's face". One way to do this is to have amazing makeup, especially the eyes. Recently a bride of ours was raving about getting eyelash extensions. While this is probably the most natural and high end of options for eyelashes, there are many other ways to achieve a similar look. Everything from eyelash tinting, extensions, and fake lashes (individual lashes and full sets) can help to create a dazzling eye. Who doesn't want that? Below are a few different options of what we think are Dazzling Eyes. So, what sort of lashes will you be fluttering on your big day?

Summer Sample Sale

2011-07-27T12:40:00.003-05:00

We here in the boutique are preparing to host our semi-annual sample sale! August 15th-August 20th, mark your calendars! The sale will feature gowns from all of our top-of-the-line designers. Everything from lace to ruffles, satin to taffeta. If you are a bride looking for a steal, you should call us immediately to book your appointment. With the amazing fabrics, styles, shapes and quality, every bride-to-be should come by for this amazing event. Trust us, our sales are normally fantastic, but this sale is truly meant to move the gowns out of our store and into your closet. Shown below are just a few of the gowns included in the event.

Questions? Drop us a line or call and speak to one of our lovely ladies at the store!

info@lateliercouturebridal.com

651-602-9492

Romona Keveza

Amsale

Vera Wang

Oscar De La Renta

Subtle Colors

2011-07-20T12:01:00.003-05:00

Picking make-up for the day of the wedding can sometimes be as strenuous as picking the decor, you want to put your best face forward. While each woman must choose for herself the tones and colors that go best with her skin tone, we want to focus on something more topical, the nail polish!

Shellac, a personal favorite of ours. Many color options, and lasts at least 2 weeks, with no chipping! A great way to get long wear out of your manicure without ruining your nail beds like an acrylic or "fake" nails.

This is "Allure" by Essie, the color that Mrs. Kate Middleton wore on her royal wedding day!

A great way to get your "something blue" in for the day.

The "Best of" bridal best!

2011-07-13T13:05:00.006-05:00

Tonight, our staff is gathering to attend Minnesota Bride Magazine's "Best of" award ceremony. A few months ago wedding vendors from around the state rallied the troops to get nominations to be considered the "Best of" the area. We were fortunate enough with the support of our amazing clients, friends and families to be nominated for both "Best Alterations" and "Best Luxury Bridal Gowns". This evening the top three nominees in each category will attend the award ceremony where one vendor for each group will win the title of "Best of". Please wish us luck! We will do our best to get a staff photo and share with all of you after the event!

And a sincere Thank You to all who voted for L'atelier!

To view all of the nominees, go to www.mnbride.com/best-of

Wedding Shoes.

2011-07-06T11:25:00.006-05:00

Women are known to be quite fond of shoes. So what shoes would a girl pick to wear on the biggest day of her life? Well we have a few suggestions for you. I will say, we are all a fan of colors, or something a bit different than the classic satin ivory, but there are a million options out there for every girl and any style. Plus in most cases you can wear them again!

Also, a side note to the wise: If you are wearing heels and are planning on taking them off for dancing, don't change the heel height. If you go from a heel to a flat, most likely you will be dragging or tripping over your dress hem, giving more opportunity to rip the gown. Instead, opt for flats all day if you cannot bear a heel, or go from a heel to a wedge/platform of the same height!

Valentino Pearl Bow D'Orsay Pump (also available in black)

Christian Louboutin Crystal Covered Pump

(also available in peeptoe, and peeptoe slingback in a variety of color options)

Jimmy Choo Flat

Fendi Bow Pump (available in a variety of colors)

Donna Karen Flats (for the boho bride)

Rainy Day Weddings.

2011-06-22T15:32:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted about how amazing I think a wedding on a rainy day is. Well after a few very bleak weeks here in the Twin Cities, I thought I would share an idea that we at the store think is ADORABLE! ...Drumroll please.... Wellies! Why not wear a wellie or rain boot to combat ruining those sassy pumps (or flats)! With options from patterns, to bows, laces, and wedges, every girl can find a wellie to suit her perfect day. Here are few of my favorites (not just for bridal wear either).

Head Gear

2011-06-15T13:02:00.006-05:00

This isn't your middle school brace-face we are talking about. Everything from amazing floral pieces, to fascinators, traditional veils, crystal embellished clips, and everything in between. A veil can be one of the most timeless elements of a wedding, but they also aren't for everyone. Here are a few of my absolute favorite pieces!

Above headpiece by Sarah Fordham

Above veil by L'atelier Couture

Above piece by Sarah Fordham

Above clip by Penny Larsen

Above piece by Elizabeth Fillmore

Beat the Heat!

2011-06-08T15:38:00.005-05:00

If you live in the midwest, you experienced the sweltering heat yesterday. A whopping 104 degrees! I honestly cannot remember numbers that high since my child hood, I'd say somewhere between 10-15 years ago. For a bride getting ready to say "I do", the idea of spending the afternoon in heat wave is quite unappealing. Here are some adorable and chic ideas to beat that heat for you and your guests at any special soiree...

Umbrellas:
Provide your guests with a fancy parasol or stylish umbrella to block out those sweltering rays! (In the photo featured above, photographer Adrienne Page shows guests at a wedding with their parasols.)

Sunglasses:
While it won't necessarily block out the heat, how cute would it be to give guests a fun pair of sunglasses? Protect those peepers!

Fans:

No, not the type of hand held, battery powered, plastic ones. Give your attendants a more manual option by turning your program into a paper fan on a stick, or decorate the fan with fun facts and photos of yourself and your significant other!

Alterations Season

2011-05-25T13:36:00.003-05:00

The summer is what we call "Alterations Season". This is the time of year when our amazing brides are organizing the final touches of their big day, and we are doing the finishing adjustments to their gowns. While we custom order a dress for each of our clients, and we get as close as possible to their exact measurements, most brides do at least need some minor alterations. Making the gown fit exactly will be the difference between comfort and pain, as well as the difference between a strapless gown that will stay put all night, and a bride that is constantly tugging to keep her dress up. Our seamstress Kathy has been doing couture level gown alterations for over 30 years! As she had altered my own gown, I can say with 110% confidence that she is AMAZING! With alterations season in full swing, we want our brides to know that they are in the best hands, and give a thankful nod to Kathy who is the "dress whisperer".

Short Skirt Anyone?

2011-05-18T11:34:00.004-05:00

With many brides becoming more and more modern everyday, short dresses are trending in the market! Everything from from uber short, floaty and frothy styles, to fitted, knee length sophisticated, to tea length, sweet and simple. Here are a few amazing short options from our designers. But keep in mind that almost any full length gown can be shortened to the bride's desire.

As a bride, would you wear a short dress?

Rainy Days

2011-05-14T11:25:00.005-05:00

With the weather consistently looking so bleek, we decided to make the best of the rain! I adore the rain for a few reasons, first, it reminds me of being in Ireland (AMAZING, DUH!). The second reason I love rain, it brightens colors. Ever notice how lush and saturated colors (especially greens and blues) can get after or during the rain? And the final reason, a rainy wedding day is good luck! According to the "wives tale", rain and the wet of a rain shower would tighten a knot in rope, as in "tying the knot". I am a firm believer of this superstition as it rained on my wedding day. Also, photos of a wedding, engagement, etc are so amazing in a wet and lush setting. Below are a few photos that I think would be fantastic with a bride and groom inserted into the shot!

What do you think about rainy day weddings?

PHOTO obSESSION

2011-05-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

(Photo of Sarah Fordham, by Adrienne Page)

Photography comes in handy in many stages of life. Often it is the key medium that captures life's stages. Weddings, graduations, births, engagements, etc. Pick a life event, and you'll most likely have a photographer. But what make's each photographer special? What sets them apart? And what made you pick a particular photographer for any of your big days? I'm curious as to who people chose and why? Minneapolis is saturated with amazing photographers. In no particular order, here are just a few of our favorites, in addition to photographers our clients have used:

Adrienne Page
Noah Wolf
Laura Ivanova
Liz Banfield
Red Ribbon Studio
Matt Blum
Studio 306
Erica Loeks
Olive Juice Studios

If you are a past or present (or future) bride, let us know who you worked with, why you picked them, and what one of your favorite captured photos was. We would love to know!

Bridal Royalty

2011-05-04T15:13:00.009-05:00

I have to make an obvious post this time around...

So, hows about that royal wedding? While Kate Middleton's dress was the obvious talk of the town, her younger sister, Pippa also made quite an impression on the fashion world. Both of the future queen's dresses came out of the house of the legendary Alexander Mcqueen, designed by Sarah Burton. While Pippa wore Sarah Burton for her ceremony dress, she attended the reception in an emerald green Alice Temerley gown. I adore all of the work of Sarah Burton did for the wedding and cannot wait to see what impact this will have on the fashion and bridal world for years to come. What do you think?!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Something Floral

2011-04-27T12:13:00.002-05:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something... floral? Well we have an idea for you. Why not style your wedding (or any) day look with an amazing silk flower? We have a wide variety of sizes, embellished and simple-sleek flower options. The Minneapolis designer Mahvash is the one to seek out. Designers like Chanel, YSL and Chloe have all used her flowers to finish their looks! Our boutique carries several of her designs. These adornments can be used in the hair, on a dress, with a veil, or even on a clutch. The possibilities are honestly, endless! Contact the boutique to get styled with a Mahvash silk flower!

Spring Time Fresh

2011-04-27T10:47:00.004-05:00

Several new gowns have been arriving in the boutique and we want to share them with you! In order, from Vera Wang we have "Ghilian" and "Georgina", Lela Rose presents us with "The Balcony", and completing the new stock with Peter Langner's "Agrippa". We love these gowns and they provide an amazing range of aesthetics for any bride-to-be or nearly-wed ladies! Let us know you thoughts on the new additions to the store! Which one is your favorite?!

Bridal Market

2011-04-27T10:21:00.004-05:00

Twice yearly the bridal community gets together to view the latest designs from some of the most fantastic designers around. Earlier this month, the Spring 2012 bridal market took place in NYC. Amanda, the store's owner took flight to the big apple to shop collections to acquire the greatest gowns she can find. Here is a sneak peek at our two favorites from market:

Jenny Lee

Oscar De La Renta

WINNER!!!!!

2011-03-28T16:26:00.004-05:00

March 28th. Its time to announce our winner...

First however, I want to just say “thank-you” to all of you who recently started following the blog. I hope you have enjoyed reading thus far and that you continue to follow us into the future. Certainly we would love any feedback or input as to things you would like to see or ways we can improve our blog! Merci!

So without further adieu, congratulations to Alison Prosser (Knoche)! We are so happy to announce you as the winner of 493 Selby’s very first giveaway! For your gift, you will be receiving a fantastic pair of earrings from Meridith Griffin.

The Roma earring features sterling silver wrapped, large vintage Czech chandelier crystals. Valued at $300 these earrings make a statement! Total length on the earrings is approximately 3”.

Alison, if you could please let us know the best method of contact so we can arrange for you to receive the earrings, that would we wonderful! (or swing by the boutique to see what's new!) Thank you, and congratulations again!

PS....Happy Anniversary to US!!

"Just Bowtiful"

2011-03-19T13:32:00.003-05:00

Handbags, everyone has one, most of us "need" one, and almost all of us want one! Why not support local and purchase from Minneapolis/St Paul designer Laura Nelle. Her combination of colors, girly, flirty and classic styles make these accessories perfect for any bride. NELLE creates amazing handbags, clutches, headbands, and belts. Simple and fun they can make the perfect gift for a friend or bridesmaid! Please contact the boutique for information as we are going to be hosting a trunk show for NELLE, March 31st through April 9th.

New Stock

2011-03-17T18:12:00.005-05:00

Here are some fantastic new arrivals to our boutique! Please please let us know what you think, or if you have any questions... more to come once I arrive back in the USA! Until then, visit our Facebook Page for more gown images!

Oscar De La Renta Two-Piece Gown (EXCLUSIVE TO OUR BOUTIQUE)

Peter Langer - Van Der Rohe (OUR PIECE IS THE ONLY ONE WITH AN ORGANZA TOP)

The Back of Peter Langner's Lloyd Wright (OURS IS CUSTOM WITH THE CAP SLEEVE)

Amy Kuschel - Valentine with Vera Wang Grosgrain Sash

Amy Kuschel - Napa with Meridith Griffin Necklace

Magic

2011-03-09T11:22:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to feature this for a while...

Working in the wedding industry, I am feeling like I have become jaded as to what the whole wedding day is about. Jaded to the fact that a wedding and a marriage are magical and are a celebration of love. I have to remind myself not to lose sight of how special a marriage is, and as a reminder for all of our followers, here is a phenomenal short video of model Coco Rocha and her wedding day. Her expression at the end is the best part. The video is magical in every sense of the word.

Remember what love is. Enjoy!

Jewelry Delight

2011-03-02T10:07:00.006-06:00

Penny Larsen and a couple of her fabulous designs!

You need jewelry on your wedding day. There is no question about the fact that jewelry is necessary. With our jewelry event in close view, I had to share some of the fantastic details!

Next weekend, the 10-12th, the boutique will be having a jewelry event. Highlighting the event is Penny Larsen, a local designer who's bridal pieces are exclusive to L'atelier Couture. She will be in the boutique to meet with clients, showcase her amazing work, and even offer custom options for our brides-to-be. This will be an appointment only event, so contact us at the boutique to schedule your time!

Branch Out

2011-02-23T11:25:00.004-06:00

I am obsessed with the idea of DIY decorations for weddings. One in particular that I am loving is the use of tree branches. We use them in several different ways around the boutique from hanging them from the ceiling, to perching in windows and setting in large glass vases.

You can get them cheap or even free. To make them a bit more special you can paint them, or leave them as nature intended for a more organic look. Your options are limitless, use the branches and suspend them from the ceiling, attach them to a wall, create a candelabra, or even cover them with lace! The great thing about using a branch or branches is that they can fit almost any wedding theme if styled appropriately, and furthermore you can use them in your own home as decor after the wedding! Tres chic!

White Glove Service

2011-02-16T11:00:00.004-06:00

[Our bride Debra (Fitterman) Arbit taking photos in her dress, at the boutique.]

This will serve as my finishing post on the series that defines L'atelier Couture. I want to round things out and talk about the L'atelier experience for our brides. Something the with out a doubt sets us apart from other bridal boutiques...

I want to start with our amazing staff. Its a small business and when you come here, its likely you will work with the same person from start to finish, and if by chance our brides do interact with a different person, well there aren't that many to get shuffled between. You are practically guaranteed a familiar face. We have our fantastic owner, Amanda Kautt, head of all things jewelry, paper and office, Madeline, our alterations wizard, aka "the dress whisperer", Kathy, and a stellar sales team that consists of Jesi, and the occasional pop in from Betsy and Meghan. With a roster that small, its easy for our clients to feel like family.

The space where you shop, try your dress on, and do alterations in, is well styled, inviting, and sweet. There are no curtains for doors on the dressing room, and the rooms are large enough for a few members of your closest family and friends to join you. No waiting lines for a spot in front of the only mirror in the show room. For larger groups, we can arrange our furniture so that you can make a grand entrance onto the main floor in front of your family and friends.

We do our best to be there for our brides and make this the best experience of their wedding planning. We can help you with custom options on dresses and jewelry. On occasion we have even found the shoes for the bride. If you are looking for a place to get ready the day of your wedding, L'atelier Couture has served as the dressing spot for brides and their bridal party. With the whole store to yourself its quite picturesque for photos of a woman getting ready to say "I do". For those girls wanting to go the extra mile, we can have the event catered for you and your guests.

L'atelier Couture is all about the bride. Making things special and unique to her and her tastes. The sky is the limit. White glove service is something you can't find at other boutiques. In the end, its the experience that counts.

Bridal Best

2011-02-09T12:36:00.002-06:00

I have to share the Minnesota Bride "Best Of" information...
All of us at the boutique would LOVE your support.

Darkness of Winter

2011-02-02T10:14:00.003-06:00

Baby, it's cold outside.

Winter brings with it many things. Holidays, ice, snowflakes and SAD disorder. This time of the year is particularly harsh with frigid temperatures and no magical holidays in sight. It can be easy to fall into the literal darkness with the lack of sunshine. You could go on a vacation to someplace tropical, but that can be hard with work. We could all start fake baking, but great skin will not be in your far removed future, and fashionistas can't live with that. So my preferred method? Retail therapy. Overall for wither fashions I love to trend to dark colors like black and charcoal grey, welcome to the good type of darkness of winter.

Here are a few of my favorite winter "must haves":

Infinity Faux Fur Scarf
(shown in ivory, I own a similar one in grey from Urban Outfitters)

Chanel "Black Pearl" Nail Polish
(gifted from a fellow trend lover, I can't get enough of this color!)

Black Cape Jacket
(great way to play with proportions, voluminous cape and a skinny pant is gorge!)

Acne Wedge Bootie
(I have yet to own these bad boys, I don't consider my wardrobe complete without them)

Wardrobe Change

2011-01-26T12:29:00.004-06:00

I don't mean the type of change a girl makes when she is going from her 20's to 30's either. I'm speaking in different terms. When a dress can translate from a soft ivory color in a bridal store, to a splash of color on the red carpet. How a gown can be moments from "I do", to when it is seconds from "I'd like to thank..." Quite the transition for a dress. However every year, we see bridal fashions showing up on the red carpet from the exact dress a designer has in their bridal collection, to a re-worked version in a bold jewel tone. With the Golden Globes in hindsight and the Academy Awards around the corner, I wanted to showcase a few of these fashions. Enjoy!

Here is a list of the fashions that relate to us, featuring a few of our FABULOUS designers...

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang
Lea Michelle in Oscar De La Renta
Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham
Julia Stiles in Romona Keveza
Piper Perabo in Oscar De La Renta
Christine Hendricks in Romona Keveza
Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang
Jennifer Love Hewitt in Romona Keveza

Traveling Elegance

2011-01-26T11:27:00.004-06:00

Please excuse my lag in posting. The store was quite busy this past week preparing, hosting, and breaking down a trunk show for Romona Keveza! We received somewhere in the rang of 50-60 dresses from Romona and if we could show a breakdown of all the steps that go into hosting a trunk show, I think our clients would be quite impressed. The beginning process require that all the gowns are checked in, sorted, hung, tagged and looked over for any damages. Followed by a meticulous "pressing" (the professional version of ironing your clothing) to make the gowns look as fresh as possible. I think my favorite part has to be repacking the gowns. Imagine 9 to 11 bridal gowns traveling in a "trunk" the size of your average suitcase. Each gown is also in an individual garment bag. Houdini, Harry Potter and Mary Poppins come to mind. In the end however, its a chance to see amazing gowns that aren't normally available in our store and for brides to see additional options from some of the best designers.

Too bad that none of our trunk shows travel in Louis Vuitton trunks!

The Centerpiece

2011-01-12T16:25:00.003-06:00

After the reintroduction piece I wrote last week, I will be posting a few excerpts to round out and complete the experience of what L'atelier Couture is. This week, I want to focus on the dress.

What L'atelier Couture offers as far as our gowns, is unmatched. When you think of our store, think of the best of the best. This is the Bentley of gown selection. Each and every dress in our store is art. The designers we carry are true craftsmen (and women), from the the custom designed fabrics and the dramatic necklines, to the flattering silhouettes and the tiny blue bow on the inside of your gown (for Peter Langner gowns). All the details have been thought out and edited to create the perfect dress. When the gown is the centerpiece of the occasion, how can you sell yourself short of amazing? The gowns we present don't allow for that to happen. Our owner and our staff make sure of that. The gown is the centerpiece of a wedding. It is the most important garment most women will ever wear. Everyone will see it, most will remember it for years to come, and as a bride, you will look at the photos for a lifetime. Again, why sell yourself short?

We start your shopping experience with the basics, the most amazing gowns we can offer. Buildings don't stand up without a solid foundation. Your dress experience cannot be magical without a dress that is spectacular.

2011-01-05T14:49:00.001-06:00

Happy new year! It’s been a while since we have written a post, and what better way to start off the new year than with a new writer and a bit of a reinvention? To keep with the theme of our reinvention to our blog, I am planning to start out with a reintroduction of what L’atelier Couture is. Following this introduction I will expand with further information about the boutique, what we offer and what our experience can mean for a bride. But don’t fret, in the long term, for all you readers who are already married or aren’t quite ready for that walk down the aisle, I will be focusing on styling, fashion and lifestyle for the everyday person. You won’t have to be on the hunt for the perfect bridal gown to love our blog!

L’atelier Couture. From French to English l’atelier translates to “artists studio” when “couture” is added, for us it becomes a “couture bridal studio”.

From the moment you walk through the doors, the sense of style could be enough to win someone over. Fortunately, Amanda and the staff aim to serve up much more than just style. I can attest to that, I found L’atelier Couture when I was dress shopping myself. The combination of amazing dresses, friendly staff, fabulous decor, and overall vibe are what lead to the spot I sit in currently. I knew that this was a place I wanted to spend time in.

The dress is where things start for our clients. We take pride in going far above and beyond “just the dress”. The process of bridal dress shopping is an enormous part of getting married. It should be the most fun, and exciting experience while planning a wedding. Everything matters in that process. Not just the fact that you get a dress you love, but the finer details, such as an amazing and magical space to shop in. Personalization is key, our staff realize that every person is vastly different and we want to cater to that specific person that walks through the door, because no two clients are the same. All factors from the girl’s wedding venue to the silhouette of the dress she chooses, to the type of fabric the dress is constructed from, to the earrings the girl will wear and the photos she will see for the rest of her life, are important to us. We want to make sure every part of her experience with us, right up until she takes the gown home to say “I do”, is picturesque. We offer an unmatched level of service and expertise to our clients for their experience.

In the coming weeks, I plan to elaborate on every step of our process and the options we give our girls to make sure they leave with a feeling of floating on cloud nine. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions of us, or give feedback, we love it. So, in honor of our former writer, Betsy (who just arrived in Paris yesterday), Au Revoir!

2010-09-15T20:37:00.002-05:00

sometimes inspiration has to come from some place other than what you do for a living. i am constantly looking at bridal gowns, wedding blogs, collages and I am finding that it is all melding together. i need a new idea, something to get the creativity flowing...

it is always worth the price!

2010-06-29T13:02:00.003-05:00

there are few true couturiers left in the fashion world and this video helps you see why you get such an amazing gown!

Photo Shoot

2010-06-21T18:49:00.002-05:00

we love adrienne page and her phenomenal photography. take a peak at her newest blog post and let us know your thoughts!

BUZZ!!!!!!!

2010-06-09T15:02:00.003-05:00

So I have been blessed to have many people promoting the boutique...I wish that every bride would be my bride. I don't always promote myself that well so I appreciate everyone else loving what I do and saying something on my behalf!!! Merci... (also kudos to Laura Nellie of NELLE!! & a past client that I adore for coming and helping Emily find her clutch)

Our New AD!

2010-06-01T15:10:00.007-05:00

I truly wanted to feature a more creative photo for our new AD that will be featured in several magazines but my years of experience have taught me to create something a bit more widely appealing. I adore this gown by Oscar de la Renta and know that someone will think it is perfect for her day!

here are a few other images that I was loving.....

cold and rain...can still make for a beautiful wedding palate

2010-05-11T16:56:00.003-05:00

lots of subtle texture can add so much to your wedding decor and palate. don't be afraid to mix lots of different colors and patterns to add depth to your day. i was feeling blue so i decided to use blue for inspiration today.

Beauty Buzz

2010-05-05T15:29:00.003-05:00

I am always on the hunt for a great up-do and the 'finishing' touches. I am loving this photo of one of my favorite clients who really knew how to dress the part!

Queen of Couture

2010-04-24T09:52:00.002-05:00

metro mag hit it right on the nose with the recent article they did on amanda.... queen of couture!!!! follow the link here to read all about the queen herself!

Feeling the Love Down to Your Soles

2010-04-20T15:39:00.003-05:00

via

hello fabulous! any of these stilettos would polish off your bridal look and would make every girl envious! *sigh*

Spring Sample Sale

2010-04-20T15:13:00.003-05:00

we need to make room for all of the new gowns that amanda is buying for the boutique! you know what that means.....sample sale time!!
april 26th through may 1st will be a week to not miss. gowns even from the newest collections will be up for grabs for a fraction of the price! hurry and make your appointment today!

From Paper to Runway

2010-04-20T14:27:00.017-05:00

"bouquet"

"dinah"

Spring 2011 Favorites

2010-04-20T11:10:00.007-05:00

amanda recently got back from bridal market in new york and made all of us girls at l'atelier drool at what is to come for spring of 2011. the designers put out gowns that will make l'atelier brides knockouts! last night we met to discuss the buy for the store and were overwhelmed with the magnificent choices. you can see each of our favorite gowns from the collections listed below:

madeline's top pick

vera wang

meghan's top pick

oscar de la renta

betsy's top pick

vera wang

sarah's top pick

oscar de la renta

amanda's top pick

oscar de la renta

lexi and beth's top pick

oscar de la renta

Peter Langner's Zanzibar

2010-04-10T12:35:00.001-05:00

peter langner never lets us down! "zanzibar" is to die for.

L'atelier Bride ~ Rebecca

2010-04-08T17:14:00.002-05:00

rebecca wore a gown by vera wang

Bridal Market Week

2010-04-08T16:02:00.003-05:00

amanda is off to new york this week to watch all of the newest bridal runway shows. we cannot wait to hear all about her trip and see her top picks from each designer's collection. safe travels to amanda!

Laura Nelli Trunk Show ~ Nelle Handbags

2010-04-06T14:57:00.003-05:00

we are thrilled to announce our laura nelli trunk show coming in may! if you are an avid blogger you most likely have seen her accessories all over the place. please contact us to set up your appointment.

L'atelier Bride ~ Kristi

2010-04-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

kristi wore an elizabeth fillmore gown

8.08.09

Color Inspiration ~ Pink

2010-04-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

*collages by sarah fordham

Bridal Hits the Red Carpet

2010-03-30T13:06:00.001-05:00

oscar de la renta

L'atelier Bride ~ Christa

2010-03-30T11:34:00.002-05:00

Spring Awakening

2010-03-30T11:09:00.002-05:00

we have a beautiful week of weather upon us and some amazing gowns for amazing prices at our sample sale. why not stop in from your stroll outside and see all of the gowns we to offer! they wont be available for long!

Meet the ladies of l'atelier couture bridal

2010-03-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

a lot of work goes into each and every bride that walks in our door. being the couture destination for the twin cities, there needs to be a staff of passionate, driven, and stylish women at the boutique to make the bride look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. all of the ladies that work at l'atelier couture bridal encompass those qualities and so much more.

each individual has their own personal style and taste which can be distinguished in the short biographies as followed.

who do you find yourself most like?

Meet Meghan Bell Mattice

2010-03-17T12:24:00.002-05:00

Who is your favorite designer? (Does not have to be bridal)

It’s too hard to choose just one!!!!!!! Nanette Lapore, Marc Jacobs, Burberry!

Who is your style icon?

From history….Jackie Kennedy

From TV…..Blair Waldorf

Who is your favorite bridal gown designer at l’atelier couture?

PETER LANGNER….the man is amazing!!! He designs with understated elegance and a modern flare. Each gown has a twist to the design that makes it special, and who doesn’t love that he sews in your “something blue” into every dress!

What is your favorite part of working at l’atelier couture bridal?

I am an event planner by trade, so I not only enjoy working with brides but also love to watch their wedding day plans come to life throughout the bride’s time at the store. The dress helps to shape all the elements of the wedding and it’s wonderful to be part of that decision!

What makes you have a passion for fashion?

Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal”. I love the way fashion helps an individual define themselves and their style! When you can find beauty in a pair of well made shoes, or a beautiful dress…it’s priceless!

What do you do in your spare time?

Work! Travel, read, run, yoga, enjoy the local music scene, spend time with family & friends, and hang out with my husband & kitties.

In a few sentences describe yourself:

"Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain

Everyone who knows me…knows this quote suits me. I am the proud daughter of two wonderful people, who instilled in me as a child to help others and appreciate what you have to offer to the world.I love to be silly and goofy (whether intentional or not) and I love to laugh.

Meet Amanda Kautt

2010-03-17T12:20:00.003-05:00

Who is your favorite designer? (Does not have to be bridal)

Oscar de la Renta – he embodies femininity in everything he creates and it feels like a piece of art when you step into one of his creations

Who is your style icon?

I hope it is not tacky to say Rachel Zoe…I love how she is constantly transforming herself yet has a very indicative style. She knows how to layer texture, design, and color beautifully.

Who is your favorite bridal gown designer that l’atelier couture bridal carries?

Elizabeth Fillmore for a very special reason, I was able to wear one of her gowns for my wedding ‘Gilda’ and wore another one when my husband and I renewed our vows, ‘Avalon’…she is an extremely generous person and so creative. She understands how to be sexy yet subtle at the same time and is true to her style with each gown she creates.

I also adore Peter Langner. He is also a dear friend and is the truest to the couture craft in bridal couture today. I admire anyone who takes the time to create any art authentically.

What is your favorite part of working at l’atelier couture bridal?

Wearing fun clothes to work that show off our personal style and fashion skill but most importantly creating relationships with my clients and taking the time to find the perfect gown for their wedding day and styling them from head to toe!

What makes you have a passion for fashion?

The endless possibilities…and that you can always transform yourself through fashion. You go through so many different stages of life and it is important to express who you are so that it is recognizable to others…

What do you do in your spare time?

Exercise, shop, interior design

In a few sentences describe yourself:

My niece, Lily, recently asked me, “Auntie, why do you always dress so fancy?” I said, “Life’s a party, dress up for it!” She laughed and said she thought so too. I take much of my life and career very seriously so fashion allows me to be more free and expressive and show that you can have fun with everything you do.

Meet Sarah Fordham

2010-03-17T12:18:00.004-05:00

Who is your favorite designer? (Does not have to be bridal.)

Vera Wang? I don't know really. I can't pick just one favorite of anything.

Who is your favorite bridal gown designer that l'atelier couture bridal carries?

I really think it is impossible to have only one, especially when we work so closely with many of our designers...but my favorites usually include Carolina Herrera, Claire Pettibone, and Vera Wang.

What is your favorite part of working at l'atelier couture bridal?

Going to NYC for Market is by far the absolute best part of my job! I admit, this was my ultimate career fantasy which sprouted during high school.

A close second to NYC Bridal Market is the production of the boutique. Pressing dresses is a surprisingly therapeutic task. Our gravity-fed iron is the most amazing iron I've ever used. Also, certain fabrics retain certain smells. (Especially organza.) I love it when all of the sudden steam from my iron releases a scent, and it's like, "Oh! This dress smells like potatoes!" or some random scent. I chuckle to myself down in the lonely studio.

What makes you have a passion for fashion?

This is where I differ from the ladies of l'atelier....I don't have a passion for fashion. I love beautiful things; I love finding the beauty in ordinary things, and I especially love a good piece of art made from fine fabrics, which we like to call wedding gowns. I have a passion for aesthetics and the sociology behind it. Where does the emotional response come from when a woman cries just by looking at herself in a gown? What makes us attracted to certain things more than others?

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? Right...

Well, in addition to spending time with my husband, son, and extended family(which I do all the time!!), I like to be anywhere where there are trees, grass, and plants, and doing pretty much anything.

I recently started designing a jewelry line and am busy learning how to do whatever it is I have to do next! My life is usually crazy busy, and I love it. Most of the time!

Meet Betsy Bennis

2010-03-17T11:37:00.002-05:00

Who is your favorite designer?

Missoni and Giambattista Valli

Who is your style icon?

Jennifer Lopez for so many reasons. Not for her singing or acting capabilities, obviously. I have never seen another woman display so much confidence and beauty. She carries herself with so much elegance and class and knows how to dress for her body. Just the pure epitome of true Hollywood glamour.

Who is your favorite bridal gown designer that l'atelier couture bridal carries?

My favorite gowns are the styles that show off a woman's curves and natural beauty while making them look glamorous and classy. The designers that I feel present this in their collections are Jenny Packham and Carolina Herrera.

What is your favorite part of working at l'atelier couture bridal?

I LOVE being able to see the excitement and overwhelming emotions that occur for the bride when I have helped find her the gown of her dreams. It is a feeling that cannot be put in words. My face hurts from smiling after leaving work many days. I have also noticed smile wrinkles starting to form on the sides of my mouth from smiling so much!! All of the expensive wrinkle creams are worth every cent when you feel the joy that comes with assisting the bride. Super cheesy but so true! Heehee!

What makes you have a passion for fashion?

Fashion has a way of creating such strong emotions and memories and showcasing who you are as an individual. I don't know anything else in the world that has the capability of doing that. Fashion is a form of art that without it I would be a very grumpy lady.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love being with my family and puggle, Bernie. Time spent on the weekend with my friends is also very valuable to me. Naturally, I love to shop too, duh.

In a few sentences describe yourself?

“I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes. I had one thousand and sixty.” ~Imelda Marcos

Meet Madeline Petersen

2010-03-17T11:28:00.001-05:00

Who is your favorite designer? (Does not have to be bridal)

Too many to choose from! Among my favorites are Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Marc Jacobs.

Who is your style icon?

I feel that there are so many people who have been or are in the public eye that have such great style. I personally idealize from the past Marilyn Monroe for her old Hollywood glamour and fearlessness to take fashion to new levels in her era. As well as Jennifer Aniston who seems to have amazing public and private style as a celebrity. Also although she’s fictional I admire Carrie Bradshaw’s style for mixing vintage pieces with luxury labels.

Who is your favorite bridal gown designer that L’atelier couture bridal carries?

Vera Wang

What is your favorite part of working at L’atelier couture bridal?

My favorite part of working at L’atelier couture is the women that I work with. Every day each one of them inspires me with their creativity and enthusiasm. The other favorite part of my job is being able to look at and work with such beautiful gowns, lingerie, and jewelry every day! Also to watch the Brides make these beautiful pieces completely their own in their own personal style with the assistance of their consultant.

What makes you have a passion for fashion?

I love fashion because it is constantly changing and there is always something fresh and new available. I also love that fashion has the ability to let one reinvent their image.

What do you do in your spare time?

Shop! And of course spending time with friends and family as well as reading.

In a few sentences describe yourself:

I was born and raised in Duluth Minnesota and moved to the Twin Cities in 2006 for college. I am a 2009 graduate from the college of Saint Catherine’s with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Business. I have known that I wanted to work in some aspect of fashion ever since I was fourteen and never wavered on my passion. I am thrilled to be working in Bridal Couture and look forward to what the future holds.

L'atelier Bride ~ Jennifer Pedtke Christiannsen

2010-03-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

jennifer wore a gown from vera wang that was amazing! obviously!

9.19.2009

Jewelry Event

2010-03-13T09:41:00.003-06:00

today is the big day for our jewelry event with penny larsen and we are so excited our brides are going to look fabulous!

New Gowns...Divine!

2010-03-11T15:55:00.002-06:00

these beauties just arrived in the store recently...

ulla-maija

angel sanchez

Penny Larsen Trunk Show

2010-03-04T19:41:00.004-06:00

we are getting very excited about our annual penny larsen trunk show coming this weekend. it is an amazing opportunity for our brides to get to meet with such a notable jewelry designer and have her create custom pieces to go with their gown.

come in and visit us to view her collection!

Oscar de la Renta = FABULOUS

2010-02-25T22:19:00.005-06:00

in case you have been hiding under a rock and don't know the fabulousness that is known as oscar

de la renta, you must view the runway show above. yet another reason to come in to our trunk

show this weekend. did we forget to mention fabulous?!

MSP Magazine Stylemakers

2010-02-24T17:31:00.003-06:00

everywhere you look lately you can find something about amanda and her exquisite taste for fashion and how it translates into the boutique.

follow the link here to read the article from mspmagazine

Just an FYI

2010-02-24T17:08:00.005-06:00

most of us already new that vera was a woman of many talents. however, did you know that she also designed olympic gold medalist, evan lysaceck's, costume?!

go vera and go usa!!!

Sneak Peak

2010-02-24T16:42:00.002-06:00

just recently, amanda had a photo shoot for an article that is being written about her. here is a little of the behind the scenes action for you...

check back to see when the issue comes out!!!

The Love Event

2010-02-17T12:31:00.004-06:00

in case you missed our fabulous "love event"......

each bride was given a personalized gift with cake from gateux in it..yum!

brides that ordered their gown at the trunk show celebrated with champagne

just a taste of vera wang trunk show gowns

fab window display

L'atelier Bride ~ Elizabeth

2010-02-10T16:00:00.004-06:00

elizabeth wearing a gown from claire pettibone

so beautiful!!

*please contact l'atelier for elizabeth's vendor information

elizabeth and bill
10.16.09

MSP Bridal Show at the Depot

2010-02-06T10:47:00.003-06:00

if you missed the bridal show in january, this is your chance to have a chance to view highlights from the event! another reason to not miss next year!

click here to see the video!

L'atelier Bride ~ Ingrid

2010-02-03T15:42:00.003-06:00

congrats to our bride ingrid for making it into the newest issue of minnesota bride!

check out the rest of her photos here

ingrid and her groom, jason

7.25.09

photography by bjorn meisner

Oh lala!!!

2010-02-03T14:40:00.003-06:00

valentine's day is almost here and your wedding is too! spice up the night with some sultry lingerie from our designer claire pettibone. even better, it's on sale now through valentine's day weekend.

Oscar de la Renta on The View

2010-02-03T12:38:00.002-06:00

for those of you who missed it, view the clip below of oscar chatting with the ladies on the view.

click here to view!

The Love Event

2010-01-30T12:45:00.004-06:00

february is coming upon us and LOVE is in the air!!! vera wang's 2010 bridal collection ebraces the romantic and whimsy feeling of being in love. valentine's day weekend was the best choice to showcase her collection for that very reason. the love event is already booking up. don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of vera wang....

L'atelier Bride ~ Vanessa

2010-01-30T11:14:00.003-06:00

vanessa and her groom, peter

stunning!

gown and belt: vera wang

hair: h design

make up: morgan kirvida

flowers by pazzobello

photography: kate from perspective studio

gorgeous!!!

"our wedding day was more than i could have ever imagined. i couldn't have done it without l'atelier!" ~ vanessa, l'atelier couture bride

9.12.09

Jenny Lee Trunk Show

2010-01-27T15:40:00.004-06:00

february 4th through february 6th.....

book your appointment before it is too late!!!

Carolina Herrera Gowns at the Golden Globes

2010-01-27T13:53:00.004-06:00

any true fashionista loves watching the red carpet during award season. sure enough, we spotted some of our bridal designers gowns hitting the red carpet for the 2010 golden globes. of course they were worn in a color!

New Art Installed

2010-01-27T13:06:00.005-06:00

last week we had ceramic artist, christa marie, begin the installation of her art at the boutique. it is amazing how artwork can change a space so drastically. the photos below are just documenting the process in the early stages. we will keep posting more as the installation continues and is complete.

before......

after!!!!!!!!!!!!

beautiful!*side note- christa was a bride from l'atelier couture which makes her artwork even more special to the boutique! check out her blog here

Tickled Pink

2010-01-21T18:13:00.004-06:00

want a splash of color for your wedding dress? why not try pink?!! these ladies below look pretty in pink in a variety of hues that the designers have made.

peter langner

elizabeth fillmore

le spose di gio

vera wang

Spring/Summer MSP Wedding Magazine

2010-01-13T14:25:00.003-06:00

run to your nearest barnes and noble and pick up your issue of the newest msp wedding magazine. there is an amazing article about amanda and the boutique in it along with several other editorial spreads featuring l'atelier couture's gowns and accessories!!

Kevin Jonas Married to Danielle Deleasa in Vera Wang Bridal

2010-01-13T14:17:00.001-06:00

too cute!!

Vera Wang Fall 2010 Gown

2010-01-13T12:11:00.003-06:00

*image from town & country weddings

*image from grace ormonde

one of vera wang's newest designs from her fall 2010 bridal collection has been all over the bridal magazines. it makes sense for a gown so beautiful! all that glamour for such an amazing price! please call for pricing and more information on the gown.

Depot Bridal Show 2010

2010-01-13T11:52:00.010-06:00

this past weekend was the annual bridal show at the depot in downtown minneapolis. hundreds of brides attended this event making it a huge success. it also made for some very tired l'atelier girls! :)

lexi, amanda, madeline, katie, and betsy

*note all the starbucks cups. it's what keeps us girls going! :)

amanda made the amazing sign for the space

an angel sanchez and carolina herrera gown to make the space beautiful

ready for all of the brides...

a little backstage action

a pre-fit for one of the models

madeline zipping the oscar de la renta gown on a model

before walking down the runway

model gossip in oscar de la renta gowns

amanda and betsy backstage ready for the quick changes

You Are Cordially Invited......

2010-01-06T17:12:00.003-06:00

come and view some of carolina herrera's newest gowns that have walked down the runway along with some of her older favorites. the gowns are here for a limited time only so make sure you make your appointment before it is too late!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T01:32:00.002-06:00

wishing all of our brides a happy new year!!!!!

Bridal Party 2010

2009-12-29T12:57:00.003-06:00

come see us at the bridal party 2010 on january 10th! we are showcasing several of our amazing gowns in the fashion show. it is going to be spectacular!

for more information and tickets follow the link here

Winter Wonderland Engagement Pictures

2009-12-23T13:04:00.003-06:00

photography by laura ivanov

this engagement photo shoot screams CUTE! this is one of l'atelier couture's brides, kristi. she recently had her engagement photos showcased on the bridal inspiration blog, style me pretty. we are so excited for her!!!

check out the rest of her sweet photos here

Peter Langner Trunk Show

2009-12-23T12:08:00.002-06:00

what better way to start off the new year than with a peter langner trunk show?! january 2nd begins first day of the show and then continues through the 9th. rumor has it that peter just might show up for a portion of the trunk show! call today to make your appointment and for further details on the dates of the designer's visit.

Happy Holidays from l'atelier couture bridal

2009-12-23T11:39:00.005-06:00

all the ladies from l'atelier couture bridal

(a little bit fuzzy!!)

the store looks beautiful decorated for the season

how cute are these lela rose dresses for this time of the year?!

Sample Sale Success! - Aisle File | Mpls.St.Paul Magazine + mspmag.com

2009-12-16T17:26:00.001-06:00

local fashion editor, melissa colgan, recently wrote up an article about her experience shopping with a friend at l'atelier couture bridal. follow the link below to see what melissa had to say:

Sample Sale Success! - Aisle File Mpls.St.Paul Magazine + mspmag.com