Advertise on podcast: Dressing Up with Sarah Kolis

Have you ever wondered what it’s like when a wedding vendor finally becomes the bride herself? Well, this week, Sarah sits down with newlywed Hannah Dice—a teacher by weekday and an invaluable behind-the-scenes wedding assistant on weekends. Hannah has spent years helping photographers and planners keep wedding days running smoothly, solving last-minute problems, calming nerves, and making sure couples never see the chaos happening behind the scenes. Now, after experiencing her own wedding day, Hannah shares what it was like to go from wedding vendor to bride, why she insisted on a first look, how working in the industry shaped every planning decision she made, and the moment she was finally able to relax and simply enjoy marrying her husband, Alex.  Whether you're planning your wedding, work in the industry, or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes wedding stories, this episode is full of practical advice and heartfelt moments. In This Episode:What it's really like working behind the scenes with photographers and planners Why she believes every couple deserves a great support team The benefits of doing a first look Turning her grandmother's diamonds into her wedding band Creating a relaxed wedding day through careful planning The importance of trusting experienced vendors Fun, personal wedding touches that reflected their personalities Life after the wedding and what's next for Hannah and Alex If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah:Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

A custom wedding dress, a surprise reception couch, Costco sheet cake (in addition to a small Bella E Dolce cake!), and enough family opinions to fill an entire seating chart—Angela and Kevin are sharing the full story behind their wedding day one year later! In this episode, Sarah sits down with her sister Angela and brother-in-law Kevin for a funny, nostalgic conversation about their June 2025 wedding and first year of marriage. From venue tours and emotional ceremony moments to newlywed life, they share the real behind-the-scenes stories from planning their wedding at Meadowbrook Country Club!   In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Angela’s custom wedding gown came together from the very beginningThe story behind the detachable train everyone still talks aboutThe most fun part of their wedding planningWhat surprised Kevin most on the actual wedding dayThe role their family played in making the day specialWhy they personally chose not to live together before marriage If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] Connect with Sarah:  Website: https://sarahkolis.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

This week on The Dressing Up Podcast, Sarah sits down with wedding planner Caitlin Bailey of Bunny & June Events and wedding photographer Mikayla Scheibe for a conversation all about the magic of a strong vendor team. From behind-the-scenes wedding day teamwork to building real friendships in the wedding industry, these two share exactly why chemistry between your vendors matters more than couples may realize. Sarah, Caitlin, and Mikayla dive into what actually creates a smooth wedding experience: communication, trust, preparation, and vendors who genuinely care about each other and the couple. Plus, there’s plenty of fashion talk, curly hair tips, emotional grandma fur coat stories, and rapid-fire wedding opinions! If you’re planning a wedding — or just love hearing how beautiful teamwork and friendship can completely elevate an experience — this episode is packed with insight and heart.  In This Episode:The Katie Seabolt wedding recap Building strong vendor relationships before the wedding day Why communication between vendors matters Bridal posing and photography tips Wedding investments that improve the experience The value of coordinators and day-of support Wedding photography turnaround times Couples’ biggest post-wedding regrets Why vendor chemistry impacts the entire wedding day Rapid fire wedding opinions   Connect with Caitlin & Mikayla: Caitlin Bailey — Bunny & June Events: Website: https://www.bunnyandjuneevents.com/ Instagram: @bunnyandjuneevents Mikayla Scheibe Photography: Website: https://mikaylascheibe.com/? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikayla.scheibe/   If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] Connect with Sarah:  Website: https://sarahkolis.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

We’re back with another Real Brides episode! Alexis and Shannon share the real stories behind their wedding days—from meaningful family moments to letting go of perfection and truly enjoying the experience. With two completely different wedding styles, this episode gives a refreshing look at what actually matters when the big day arrives. Alexis shares her July 2025 waterfront wedding at the Roostertail in Detroit, including how she handled extreme heat, why getting ready at her childhood home made the day more meaningful, and the quiet moment she shared with her dad before walking down the aisle. She talks about planning around a holiday weekend, skipping hotel blocks and shuttles, and how small custom details—like sewing a piece of her mom’s dress into her gown—made everything feel all that much more personal! Shannon walks us through her January 2026 winter wedding at St. John’s Resort (the Atrium), where snowfall right before the ceremony created a magical atmosphere. She shares why she skipped traditional bridesmaids, how she hosted a relaxed and joyful getting-ready morning with 20+ friends, and what it looked like to release control during planning. Shannon also opens up about decision fatigue, trusting vendors, and the surprising truth about what actually mattered on her wedding day! Shannon’s makeup artist: Andrea Fontana Beauty: www.andreafontanabeauty.com What you’ll walk away with: How to simplify your wedding day logistics (and what you can skip entirely) Creative ways to make your wedding more personal and meaningful A fresh perspective on bridal parties and getting-ready experiences Why letting go of perfection leads to a better wedding day What truly matters once the day finally arrives If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] Connect with Sarah:  Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

This episode is for every mother stepping into one of life’s most emotional (and sometimes overwhelming) roles—watching your child get married! Whether you’re the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, or just a mom curious about what this season of life looks like, Sarah is sharing a real, honest, and incredibly helpful behind-the-scenes guide to navigating weddings with confidence, style, and grace.  This episode is your go-to resource for everything mothers need to know—from what to wear, to what to say (and what NOT to say!), to how to support your child without adding stress to everyone involved! Sarah’s in-person shopping rec’s in Metro Detroit: Beckers Bridal Outlet in Lansing (BEST option!), Clothing Cove (Milford), Ivory Loft (Fenton), Gina’s Bridal (Milford). A custom dress shopping option is Hana Abboud Bridal in Dearborn, and your bespoke custom couture option is yours truly! Email us at [email protected] if you are interested in a complete custom gown made by Sarah Kolis! (we need a 6+ month timeline for customs) Inside this episode:  What a realistic mother-of-the-bride/groom dress budget actually looks like  Where to shop (both online and in-person) for flattering, modern gowns  Why you shouldn’t over-involve the bride in your dress decisions  How to choose colors, styles, and even whether to wear a train   The truth about alterations, sizing, and avoiding common dress mistakes  Navigating family dynamics, communication, and wedding stress   How to support your child without overstepping (and still feel included)  Budget conversations: who pays for what—and how to handle it gracefully   Hosting responsibilities: bridal showers, rehearsal dinners & expectations  Wedding day do’s and don’ts (including what not to do as a parent)  Meaningful gift ideas and how to create special moments with your child  If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]

What happens when a bridal designer plans her niece’s baby shower? You get a celebration so detailed, so personalized, and so over-the-top—it has guests wondering if they accidentally walked into a wedding. In this solo episode, Sarah shares a heartfelt and joy-filled recap of hosting her youngest sister Melissa’s baby shower—an unforgettable, detail-packed celebration that perfectly blended family, creativity, and elevated event design! Stick around until the end to see a sweet interview with a surprise guest! Sarah walks through every thoughtful detail—from embroidered welcome signage and personalized party favors to a nostalgic “pink juice” lemonade bar inspired by childhood memories. She also shares behind-the-scenes insights into designing her very first custom maternity dress, plus the sweetest surprise: a matching mini dress for her sister’s childhood teddy bear! Photos and Blog Post here: https://sarahkolis.com/my-baby-sister-is-having-a-baby-kolis-baby-shower/ You’ll hear about:  The story behind Sarah’s new custom bridal purses and how to order one  Planning a high-end, deeply personal baby shower experience  Incorporating embroidery and heirloom details into event design  The design process behind a custom maternity dress  Creative, meaningful party elements (like monogrammed favors and childhood-inspired décor)  Collaborating with trusted vendors and family to bring a vision to life  A candid (and hilarious) post-party recap featuring Sarah’s dad’s perspectiveVendors: Couture Maternity Gown: Sarah KolisFlorals: Kaila Adam with The Flower Alley and K.Adam EventsPhotography: Penny with Penny Ralene PhotographyHair: Carleana with Hairpins & HappinessVenue: St. John’s Resort, The Abbey Room If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

Planning your wedding wardrobe is about so much more than just the dress, it's about how you feel throughout every moment of your special day. In this solo episode, Sarah shares her recent experience styling Katie and Nik's gorgeous Shinola Hotel wedding, plus insider tips on the latest bridal trends, custom embroidery options, and the magic of vintage redesigns! Whether you're a bride-to-be, a mother of the bride, or simply love all things fashion and weddings, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and that extra dose of encouragement you need to stay true to yourself throughout the wedding planning journey!   In This Episode, You'll Learn: Current bridal trends: reception dresses, intentional pieces, and the rise of sustainabilityCustom embroidery options: garment bags, purses, sashes, robes, and sentimental giftsHow to transform vintage wedding dresses into rehearsal dinner looks and heirloomsMother of the bride shopping tips (start NOW!) and where to find the best selectionBuilding your complete wedding wardrobe beyond the dressSarah's rapid fire advice: what matters, what doesn't, what's worth splurging on and what to skip If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

When the entire bridal party got food poisoning the night before the wedding, someone had to step it up! That key leader was Megan Kennedy—and that chaotic day launched her entire wedding planning career! In this episode, Sarah sits down with Megan Kennedy, founder of Kennedy Planning Co, for an honest conversation about what really happens behind the scenes in the wedding industry. Megan shares the unfiltered truth about wedding planning, why "timeless" weddings are actually about ignoring trends, and the do's and don'ts of working with a wedding planner.    In This Episode: Why you should contact your dream vendors before you even set a dateThe real difference between day-of coordination and full planning What "timeless" actually means—and why it has nothing to do with Instagram trendsThe viral TikTok mistake that's stressing out wedding parties everywhereWhich classic wedding traditions are quietly disappearingWhy recreating your wedding photos years later might be exactly what you needThe brutal truth about weekend work and why wedding vendors plan their lives a year in advanceMegan's one-word wedding day advice that changes everything: stay present Connect with Megan: Website: https://kennedyplanningco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennedyplanningco/ If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

When Betty Smith saw Sarah's Target bedsheet dress go viral on Instagram, she knew it had to be her wedding dress. Just one tiny problem: she'd never sewn a single stitch in her life… In this episode, Sarah shares one of her all-time favorite podcast conversations with Betty Smith, a UK bride who discovered Sarah's viral Target bedsheet dress on Instagram and knew instantly it was THE dress. There was just one problem: Betty lived in London, had never sewn before, and Target doesn't ship to the UK. What followed was an extraordinary 18-month journey of determination, creativity, and family teamwork that resulted in a stunning handmade wedding gown. From orchestrating an international fabric hunt to secretly sewing in her parents' kitchen while keeping her fiancé completely in the dark, Betty's story is equal parts inspiring and heartwarming. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Betty orchestrated a six-month international mission to get Target bedsheets from the US to LondonWhy Betty decided to teach herself to sew with zero prior experienceThe essential role Betty's mom Emma and family friend Sophie played in transforming their kitchen into a sewing studio and creating a custom-fit gownSewing tips for making a practice dress first, sourcing quality underlining fabrics, and working with semi-custom patternsCreative ways Betty personalized the wedding Betty's refreshing advice on skipping traditions that don't feel authentic and making your wedding truly yoursIf you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

We're back with another Real Brides episode Sarah sits down with Nicole Humbert, Julia Schalk, and Bianca Hessenbruch to hear all about their dream weddings, emotional moments, and the details that made their big days unforgettable! From Greek dancing and champagne sabering mishaps to custom Disney gowns and greenhouse venues, these three women bring completely different perspectives on what makes a wedding truly special! In this episode: Nicole shares her September 2025 wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club, including how she incorporated lace from her grandmother's wedding dress, why she never had that "Say Yes to the Dress" moment until her actual wedding day, and the hilarious story of her maid of honor's champagne sabering attempt during her speech. She also opens up about planning a 220-person Greek wedding while simultaneously renovating a house and buying a new home—and how the unexpected Tigers game fireworks made for stunning rooftop photos! Julia walks us through her meticulously planned October 2024 fall wedding at Cherry Creek Golf Course, how she and her mom DIY enhanced all wedding paper goods. She shares the full story of creating a custom Disney Bridal gown by combining design elements from two different princess dresses, why velvet bridesmaid dresses and envelope liners were non-negotiables, and what it was really like planning her dream Italy honeymoon. Julia also talks about why having a pre-fitting consultation was a MUST and gave her total peace of mind! Bianca describes her fairy-tale October 2025 wedding at Planterra, the stunning greenhouse-style venue in metro Detroit. She opens up about her weight loss journey leading up to the wedding, why scheduling alone time with her husband between the ceremony and reception was one of her best decisions, and how adding structural boning to her strapless gown made her feel secure and beautiful all day long. She also shares practical planning advice for brides considering Planterra! If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]  Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

Planning your dream wedding can feel overwhelming—but what if you had an insider's perspective on how to make it all come together beautifully?  In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jennie Wiegand, owner of Beautiful Day Planning, one of metro Detroit's premier wedding planning companies. With over 17 years in the industry and a team of seven coordinators handling 60-70+ weddings annually, Jennie shares the secrets to creating a stress-free, personalized wedding day! From her unexpected career pivot from the automotive industry to wedding planning during the 2008 recession, to managing emergency situations with grace, Jennie offers honest, practical advice for couples navigating their engagement season! In This Episode, You'll Learn: Jennie’s journey to entrepreneurshipHow trust plays a crucial role between wedding planners, couples, and vendorsCreative ways to personalize your wedding without breaking the budgetWhy first looks have become Jennie's favorite wedding traditionEmergency wedding day tips: from removing goose poop to hiding stains with baby powder!The value of hiring a wedding planner (and Beautiful Day Planning's unique "kickoff meeting" option)How to enjoy your engagement season without feeling overwhelmedBehind-the-scenes stories of what really happens when things go wrong at weddings Connect with Jennie: Website: https://beautifuldayplanning.com/contact Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifuldayplanning_/ Email: [email protected] If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]  Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

We’re back with a special edition of the Real Bride Series. Instead of sitting down with three brides, we paused the series to feature one bride and her mother for a meaningful, full-circle conversation about weddings, family, and the power of thoughtful design! You’ll hear from Sue Cronizer (Mother of the Bride) and Emily Barto (the Bride) as we walk through every layer of their wedding journey—from a custom, couture-level mother-of-the-bride gown to a multi-generation vintage dress redesign worn straight onto the dance floor, and everything in between! In this episode: Sue shares what it was like wearing a completely custom silk satin organza mother-of-the-bride gown, why natural fibers mattered for a California destination wedding, and how a late design change led to the dress she felt the MOST beautiful inEmily walks us through her Carmel Valley wedding, her bold color palette, her unforgettable reception reveal, and why wearing her mom’s (and grandmother’s!) wedding dress as a second look was one of her favorite decisionsTogether, they talk about the often-overlooked importance of the mother-of-the-bride role, honoring family history through vintage redesigns, and why trusting your vendors makes all the difference!Connect with Emily:  Website: https://www.epcfit.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epc_fit/ Her Wedding Photographer: Kelley Williams Her Planner: Cork & Vows  If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected] Connect with Sarah:  Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

Ever wondered what really goes on in a bridal studio? All your burning questions, answered.In this episode, Sarah Kolis answers the real-life, just-for-fun FAQs she hears every single day inside the bridal studio. From the story behind the space itself to her sewing journey, business beginnings, favorite details, and heartfelt moments with brides, this episode is a behind-the-scenes tour you won’t want to miss! In this episode: How a former garage became a private bridal studioThe design inspiration behind the space and its most-asked-about detailsWhat’s upstairs, what that loud noise really is, and how the studio functions day to daySarah’s sewing journey, from childhood to business owner since 2012Making her own wedding dress and her sisters’ gowns from scratchBridal shapewear myths, Day-Of Styling, and bridal tipsLife behind the scenes of alterations, custom gowns, and wedding weekendsWhy fittings are about so much more than just the dress If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]  Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

We’re back for another episode of the Real Bride Series: catching up with past-season brides and hearing how their wedding days actually unfolded, plus the lessons they’re taking with them now that it’s all said and done! In this episode, we sit down with Kimmy Youngman, Jenna Magbitang, and Julia Offner for three mini-interviews full of the fun details, the behind-the-scenes realities, and must-hear bridal advice! In this episode: Kimmy shares the sweetest story of how she and her husband met, the emotional moment she’d relive forever, and the hilarious “unexpected” mishap that proves you can plan everything… and still forget the one thing you actually need Jenna talks about her Fox Hills wedding, her private vows moment she’d relive in a heartbeat, her wedding shoe detail, and why the final weeks before the wedding are truly the most intense and how she stayed calm through it all! Julia goes down in Real Bride history with three vintage redesigns (yes, three!), the emotional meaning behind wearing family dresses from different generations, and the one planning tool she swears every bride needs: the day-of wedding binder! If YOU are a bride that worked with Sarah in any way and would like to be on the podcast, just email us and we will get you scheduled! [email protected] If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to [email protected]   Connect with Sarah:  Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

Three real brides. Three totally different weddings. One episode packed with the honest takeaways brides actually need—what mattered, what surprised them, and what they’d stop stressing about if they could do it again. We’re kicking off the Real Bride Series for winter by catching up with three brides from the past season and hearing how their wedding days truly unfolded—plus the lessons they’re taking with them now that it’s all said and done. In this episode, we sit down with Isabelle O’Neil, Rachel Long, and Natalie Hether for three mini-interviews filled with real-life planning stories, bridal style talk, and the kind of perspective you only get on the other side of the day! If YOU are interested in being on the podcast as well, we would love to have you! Email us at [email protected]!  In this episode: Isabelle shares what it was like planning a Mackinaw City wedding on the water, the fall details she leaned into, and how being a bridal hairstylist shaped her perspective as a brideRachel talks about planning her wedding as a wedding vendor herself, redesigning her mom’s 1990 wedding dress into her own, and how preparation and support allowed her to fully relax and enjoy the dayNatalie brings the unique perspective of being a wedding photographer/videographer turned bride, including her best advice for avoiding social media comparison, plus the sentimental details she incorporated (like her mom’s veil) to make the day feel deeply personal If YOU are a bride that worked with Sarah in any way and would like to be on the podcast, just email us and we will get you scheduled! [email protected] Connect with Isabelle: Website: https://isabelle-oneil-beauty-1.showit.site/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelleoneilbeauty/?hl=en   Connect with Rachel:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choschmo/ Website: https://beautifuldayplanning.com/    Connect with Natalie  Website: https://coffeewithnatalie.com/links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographywithnatalie/ Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ