Jean Showalter Bridal Couture

I had so much fun making this Irish Dance Dress. The use of sequin fabric (which left a trail of sequins are around the house !) was challenging, but worth the effort. Fiona explained what she wanted, then we went shopping together to choose the fabrics. Though it's my first Irish Dance dress, I was pleased with the results, and Fiona looks terrific wearing it !! Good luck with all your performances, Fiona !!!

Beautiful Vintage looking lace gown for Christy. She loved the color and feel of this gown, but wasn't crazy about the halter neckline. So.....I dismantled th...e gown completely, and turned it into a strapless gown. The lace needed to come off along with the beads, to do the alteration work, then put back on to finish it. She looks so lovely in her gown and so happy! Beautiful Bride !! See more

Summer wedding for Katie. She borrowed her gown from a friend, I altered it to fit (basically taking it apart and putting it back together), then put in a lace up back and modesty panel. The lace was just beautiful, and she looks fabulous on her wedding day !

I did NOT fall off the planet, Honestly !! Here it is...October going into November and just now am I coming up for air. This has been an insanely busy Bridal season for me, starting in March with brides getting married almost every weekend, and during the height of the season, 5 brides on one day. August and September were especially clustered with multiple weddings on each weekend. This season has been a "re-work, re-design" flurry. Gowns have been taken completely a...part, to be re-shaped, re-fit, re-designed according to the wishes of the bride. Lots of lace and beadwork- which translates to hundreds of hours of hand stitching and tedious eye strain. Probably need new eyeglasses soon. I'll be posting some photos of my brides, many of which are "in progress" shots, with a smattering of professional shots as they come trickling in to me...you know...waiting on the photographers to finish editing....and brides remembering to share them with me?!? See more

Silk Dupioni Chasuble and Stole I created for Janet Wheelock as a gift from the congregation of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. The design was based on the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary. Debbie Hickson, who was instrumental in the design, was so much help !!

Blush colored tulle wedding gown for Michaela. Perfect color for the Irish beauty !! More photos when she sends them.

I haven't posted on my page for a while, what with the move in February, getting settled, hitting the ground running with tons of wedding gowns to make, and to alter, the fashion show in April, and other things......so I'm posting a few photos of one of my recent brides (Dominique), who purchased her gown, which I subsequently took completely apart so that I could alter it to fit her. It was a huge project, but turned out well, I think. She looked lovely !

Jamie got married today ! This was her final fitting a couple weeks ago. Hemmed her gown, did some adjusting, then made her veil using the same beads off the lace taken off the hem to decorate the veil. She was very happy, and will send professional photos after she receives them. I love a happy bride !!

This is the lace for Betty's wedding gown. She is an older bride, and didn't want to wear a white or ivory gown, so we opted for this blue combination. She loves the colors, it is light weight, and will be comfortable. It has been cut and put together (for the most part) and we will have a fitting tomorrow to decide the sleeve treatment and final fitting in the back.

Just a couple photos (before the professional ones come in) of Erin in her gown on her wedding day. She brought me the gown, which I fit to her, added a black chiffon sash and bow in front, then lengthened the gown using silk duchess satin and chiffon crystal pleating. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos, especially the front of the gown. She said she loved it, and felt great in it. So glad !

My newest project is for Reverend Amanda May. This will be a Chasuble and Stole used in her installation at her new church in San Francisco. The gold lining is Thai silk which is iradescent with hot pink, the overlay is silk chiffon with pinks, greens, golds and blues in a swirl pattern which Amanda feels exemplifies the "Creation". Very excited to be making this beautiful garment for her.