Twice a year the Bella Sposa team visits market to bring back cutting edge designs to its stylish Tinley Park location. After much review, the decision to add Essense of Australia to our bridal collection has been made!

Essense of Australia offers a superb fit and couture finishing with specific attention to detail that sets their gowns apart from many other designers. Each gown is meticulously created by an experienced design team that transmits worldwide inspiration into every inch of the design. With customizable options such as a lace up or zip up back, each bride can tailor her gown to reflect her own personal style. Priding itself on this fact, Essense has been around for more than 14 years and has positioned itself as a worldwide leader in bridal fashion.

“The signature of an Essense gown is definitely in the luxurious fabrics and exquisite beading. We use authentic Swarovski Crystals and Diamantes that will give you a magical sparkle.”

To learn more about Essense of Australia please visit http://www.essensedesigns.com.

Bella Sposa is very excited to offer this new line to our brides amongst the already popular and timeless pieces in our collection. At Bella Sposa we work to provide each bride with the newest of fashions in tailored options to offer comfort, support and precision. We strive to present our customers with a full customer service experience, always. Each bride is encouraged to make an appointment with us to view our entire collection with the personal assistance of one of our experienced bridal consultants. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 708.532.2100 or click on the Contact Us option on our website.

-The Bella Sposa Team

Sewing is one of the oldest arts, as early humans were forced to stitch together hides to cover themselves. While clothing was initially designed for protection, ornamental garments quickly became popular in most societies. The domestication of animals led to textiles like wool, while plant based textiles such as cotton and lining have also been made for centuries as well. Most people probably sewed their own garments until they settled in cities, when specialized trades such as baking and sewing started to emerge.

Originally, only wealthy families could afford the services of a seamstress or tailor, while poor families continued to make their own garments. A seamstress could create elaborate garments for social occasions, along with her team of apprentices. Seamstresses also developed new sewing techniques, because of their highly focus and contributed to the development of new fashions. Seamstresses also worked with mending and garment repair.

In the modern era, most people continue to use a seamstress for special occasion like their wedding.

Now most people don’t understand the amount of work that goes into altering a bridal gown .Hours and hours of intricate hand work and machine work goes into the perfect fit .First a gown is taken apart stitch by stitch and very slowly to protect the fabric.  This sometimes can take up to 5 hours alone. Next they take in or let out the gown and depending on the beading, this can take a minimum 4 hours .Then there is the hem, well all I can say about that is layer upon layer each layer is cut, rolled, hem and pressed very time consuming process but with our experienced seamstress it’s done with precision. Last, but not least the bustle, each of which is custom to each dress and each bride.  The bustle is a very important part of the alteration; you don’t want to be dragging around your train for all to step on.

So now you have a little insight into the process of alterations and the amount of work and skills needed to fit a bridal gown.  Do your homework; don’t trust just anybody with your most important garment of your life. Know your seamstress; ask to see her work even get a referral or reference. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.  Especially in alterations, the fit can make or break your day.

Recently I meet a young lady who was being married the following weekend; she came to me on Thursday afternoon with her bridal gown she purchased from a bridal super store and had it altered by a little old lady in her home.  The bride and her mother were in a bit of distress and asked for me to please help them. They were desperate; the dress she waited 8months for was possibly ruined by alterations.  I have never in my career in the bridal business seen a dress so tore up.  Luckily she came to the right place; I was able to fix her dress with no problems by the hands of our very great seamstress, Michela Campione.

Michela is a custom dress maker that has over 50 years experience plus the knowledge she picked up from her home town Nicosia Italy in bridal alterations. Michela has attend three design and alteration schools throughout her life and also did a seven year apprenticeship studying under one of the biggest dress makers in Italy .

Michela is available for custom dress making or alterations thru Bella Sposa or you can contact her direct at 708-349-6069.

                                                                                                                 Wedding Party Etiquette
Standing alongside the bride and groom as they exchange vows on their wedding day is an honor generally bestowed upon close friends and family, known as the wedding party. Flower girls and ring bearers have little responsibilities beyond looking cute for pictures, but bridesmaids and groomsmen have duties to fulfill and expenses for which they pay. It is important to understand what is expected under etiquette guidelines and what is only suggested by recent traditions.
Duties
The key duty of any wedding party member is to lend support to the bride or groom. A bridesmaid should listen to her bride, show or feign interest in wedding planning details, and offer to help with preparations such as assembling favors, addressing invitations, and picking up her own dress. The maid of honor may give a toast if she wishes. Groomsmen should offer emotional support to the groom, as well as help with duties such as picking up guests from the airport and driving guests to the ceremony and reception sites. The best man is expected to give a toast at the reception.

Bridesmaids customarily host the bridal shower and bachelorette party, but according to wedding etiquette expert Emily Post, this is not a required duty. Likewise, groomsmen often throw the groom a bachelor party, but this stems from tradition, not etiquette. If bridesmaids or groomsmen choose to host a party, they have the option of sharing the hosting and planning duties with the engaged couples’ close friends or family members.

Expenses Bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to pay for their travel expenses as well as their attire, including shoes. The bride’s family pays for the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the groom’s family pays for all boutonnieres. Parents of younger bridal party members such as junior bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers are expected to pay for their child’s attire. If the bride wants her bridal party to have their nails, hair, or makeup professionally done, the bride’s family should offer to cover these costs or they should be left optional.

Many bridesmaids will be happy to pay to have their nails done, as manicured nails will last long after the wedding, but some bridesmaids will be offended if they are told they must pay for professional services. Open communication is the key to dealing with these sticky situations of “who pays” when there is no hard rule. It is perfectly acceptable for any member of the wedding party to ask what they will be expected to pay for before they make a commitment to joint the wedding party.
On the wedding day, couples and their bridal party must adhere to etiquette for the day to be a success. This includes proper planning, longtime traditions and good manners.

HAPPY PLANNING!!!!!!!!

Many of you have been following me threw my own wedding planning process.

So we tied the knot April 10^th. It was the most amazing day, the weather was gorgeous the sun was shining and everything seemed to be just perfect.

Being in the bridal business myself, I thought I knew just about everything a bride goes through.  I guess I never realized how much goes into the planning and getting the day off without a hitch.

Thank God we have great parents that help us get through all the planning process and the day.

I owe the biggest thanks to our Dj Ryan from Non-Stop DJ service                   (www.non-stopentertainment.com) . What I did figure out was how important the Dj really is to keep the party in order and the guests having fun.   Joanne and Dennis from Classy Flowers(www.classyflowers.net)  in Tinley Park came down to the venue and set up with the most beautiful center pieces and decorated; the room was just breath taking.  Ray Rita triple r videographer (www.triplervideo.com) and Jolie Images    (http://www.jolieimages.com/) took the time to capture ever single moment possible, it goes by so fast. You definitely need to look back at the things you missed. The South Shore Cultural Center was very accommodating and easy to work with.  Kate Friedlob from catering desserts (773-528-0884) made the cake. Best cake I have ever tasted, exactly what I wanted and at a great price. Our seamstress Michela (708-349-6069) altered 3 dresses for me in one week’s time; they all fit perfect with only one fitting.  Joy and Jenny from Lifetime Fitness Spa (708-675-3224)spent the day with me to do my hair and makeup and any touch ups throughout the night I’m a lucky girl … I felt like a star.

Now some things didn’t go as good as the ones I mentioned above, but at the end of the day you just have to remember why you are there. No matter what goes wrong, your there to marry the love of your life; witnessed by all that loves and cares for you.

So my advice to you all…there will be bumps in the road of marital bliss, but always remember its one day and it goes by so fast, make sure to relax and have fun!

P.S. GO on a honeymoon … you will need it!!!

AS YOU ALL MAY KNOW I AM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TILL MY OWN WEDDING. SO BEING IN SHAPE HAS BECOME A BIG PRIORITY IN MY LIFE.

LAST SPRING I JOINED BOOTY CAMP WITH PATTI, WE HAD A TON OF FUN AND LOST LBS AT THE SAME TIME.

PATTI IS EXCITED TO OFFER BRIDES A BRIDAL BOOTCAMP.  TOGETHER WITH BELLA SPOSA WE WILL BE HOSTING A BRIDAL BOOTCAMP THIS SPRING.

JAMIE

My name is Patti Gaffney.   I’m an AFFA certified Group Exercise Instructor and an AEA certified Aquatic Instructor.

I am employed with Palos Fitness Center in Orland Park and have been teaching a variety of land and water classes for the last seven years.  Outside of the Club, I offer private at-home training for those who prefer personal training.

Last Spring, I launched my 1^st annual Kick Your “Booty” Camp at Swallow Cliff in Palos Hills.  I incorporated the 126 stairs to the top of the hill, the surrounding trails and a strength training circuit for a high-intensity, fat-burning workout.

This spring, I am introducing a class that caters to women, particularly women who are engaged to be married, as well as their bridal party.

Bridal Bootcamp will be a one hour, high-intensity interval workout which will allow you to burn maximum calories and increase your metabolism.

Wedding planning can be extremely stressful, and many brides-to-be have trouble finding time to exercise on a consistent basis.

I am offering Bridal Bootcamp on Sunday mornings at 8am and Thursday evenings at 8:00pm.

Schedule the class into your appointment book just like you would appointments with your DJ or photographer.  Make the time for you, so that you can look and feel your best on your wedding day!

At Bridal Bootcamp, you will have the opportunity to network with other women who are planning a wedding themselves as well as the some of the top vendors in the wedding industry.  From the experts at Capitol Nutrition Center , make-up artists, as well as photographers and DJ’s you’ll have the opportunity to get your questions answered here!

Our first class will be starting mid April………….more information to follow soon!  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Patti Gaffney

Musclemom3@comcast.net
Bella Sposa bridal boutique & formal wear bellasposa@att.net 9524 179th Street Tinley Park, IL 60487 ph.  708.532.2100 fx.  708.532.2106 visit us on the web: www.bellasposaboutique.com

BEST: Never one to conform to fashion trends, Lady Gaga did not disappoint when she arrived to the award show wearing a solar system-inspired ensemble by Giorgio Armani Prive.

‘I am honored to be wearing Armani this evening,’ she said. ‘The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic; they represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist.’

c

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