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The beautiful day-of photographs graciously provided by Readyluck.
All Images Copyright Jacqueline Schlossman/Readyluck

Guest Post by Bride Beth: What do you do when you’re a full-figured bride dreaming of a unique, high-fashion wedding gown… oh, and you don’t want something all-white? If you’re lucky like I was, you find Janice Martin Couture – an absolute gem located in Ardmore, PA just outside of Philadelphia. The moment I met Janice, I knew I had found THE ONE – this woman knows her stuff! As an amateur sewer, I was in awe of the level of craftsmanship that I saw in the bridal gowns, suits and evening dresses hanging in her adorable peach and coral studio.

I knew a few things right away.  As an artist and designer, I knew I wanted something with color!  I wanted lots of texture and something that would evoke a sculptural quality. I also wanted something dramatic and bold, while still flattering to my figure. I have always loved the film “White Christmas” and watched it repeatedly as a child. There is no one more sexy and glamourous than Rosemary Clooney and the black gown she wears in the film to perform “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” is an absolute stunner!

The couture process is fascinating! Janice began by creating a “sloper” out of muslin which basically became a mold of my body. Since we agreed that the gown should have a bustier bodice, Janice created the finished bodice in four-ply silk crepe in a stunning fuchsia color. Once the bodice was complete, we began thinking about the skirt which was to be the “show stopper!” From its humble muslin beginnings, the skirt evolved into a fitted, sexy modified A-line skirt embellished with what we called “floofs” in ivory silk organza fabric.

My favorite addition to the dress was the tulle underskirt that just pops out from the back! Janice and I had both envisioned that the “floofs” would continue around to the back of the dress. During one of our final fittings, Janice thought of raising the back seam of the skirt and incorporating this dramatic addition. This is one of the amazing perks of working with a skilled couture designer that’s just not going to happen with off-the-rack dress shopping! The tulle underskirt completed the gown and went beyond my original vision. It also allowed for a sexy peak at the back of my legs and my really high black heels that were embellished with pink, green and blue flowers.

I felt so beautiful on my wedding day. I had a dress that was absolutely “me” with a unique twist that fit and flattered my body – who could ask for anything more?