Adorable New Arrival!

This sleek Stella York sheath bridal gown was imagined and handcrafted to provide an exceptional fit. It’s made from breezy Tulle and corded Lace, and features a slimming Diamante beaded Tulle waist belt. The back of this bridal gown zips up under fabric-covered buttons. Inspired by the world’s hottest red carpet trends, this Stella York wedding dress is handcrafted with stunning details that stand the test of time. Moderately priced under $1000.6025_main_detail

 

REAL WEDDINGS ~ AMANDA & SPENCER

Congratulations Amanda & Spencer!

image 3Amanda wore Desdemona from our

exclusive Watters bridal collection.image 2

Her bridal party wore Watters style 397 

in light pink and the groomsmen wore

our Jean Yves style 332 from our

Shades of Grey package.  image 4 image

Essense Trunk Show just added for March!

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TRUNK SHOW

2 DAYS ONLY! FRIDAY & SATURDAY MARCH 27th & 28th

By Appointment only. Request your bridal appointment by following this link.

Our bridal sales consultants will confirm your appointment within 1 business day. Please look for an email from info@mirabridal.com confirming your appointment date/time. Or book your appointment by calling us at 209.338.9333.  Please specify that you are booking for the Essense Trunk Show.

Unforgettable Bridal

Venice organza is artfully draped into this luxurious fit and flare wedding dress, featuring a decadent embroidered bodice with Swarovski crystals and romantic sweetheart neckline. Finished with crystal button over zipper and inner elastic closure.

Drama and Sophistication

Drama and sophistication find perfect balance in this stunning fit and flare wedding dress. Floral lace appliqués adorn the bodice before meeting a swirling tulle and Chic organza skirt. Finished with corset back closure. Book your bridal appointment with Mira Bridal Couture today. Follow this link to request your appointment date and time online.

MAGGIE SOTTERO DESIGNS www.maggiesottero.com

Stunning new arrival to Mira Bridal Couture

Lavish Swarovski crystals adorn a form-fitting bodice in this romantic ballgown, complete with a Soft Shimmer satin skirt and pockets. Finished with optional, dazzling halter, sweetheart neckline and corset closure. Also available with crystal button over zipper and inner corset closure. Book your appointment to try this stunning silhouette on today. Follow this link to request the best bridal appointment date and time for you and we will confirm this within 1 business day.

Strapless version

Halter version, optional lace up corset or zipper back

This stunning gown is also available with a satin skirt.Lavish Swarovski crystals adorn a form-fitting bodice in this romantic ballgown, complete with a Soft Shimmer satin skirt and pockets. Finished with optional, dazzling halter, sweetheart neckline and corset closure. Also available with crystal button over zipper and inner corset closure.

Our Favorite Twist Dress

OUR TWIST DRESS!dessy-twist-wrap-dress-new1631

Endless styles. Perfect for travel & destination weddings. 

An array of colors.  Moderately priced.DessyTwistWrapDress

Register your bridesmaids today!

Follow this link to book an appointment to meet with our consultants to review the styles and colors,register your wedding party names, and we take it from there!

Introducing our new Lux Chiffon Twist Dress!

Maracaine Jersey  with chiffon overlay on the skirt, adding a touch of elegance.

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Classically Designed

Traditional lace and modern romance combine in this gorgeous slim A-line wedding dress, complete with long sleeves adorned in illusion lace. Finished with lace trim hemline and pearl button over zipper closure.

SOTTERO and MIDGLEYwww.sotteroandmidgley.com

Jaw Dropping Gorgeous, New Arrival to Mira Bridal Couture

Swarovski crystals adorn the bodice and dust the shoulders of this romantic A-line wedding dress, accented with a demure illusion back. Soft pleats and classic sweetheart neckline complete the look of this Soft Shimmer Satin gown. Finished with zipper over inner corselette closure.

MAGGIE SOTTERO DESIGNS www.maggiesottero.com

UNVEILED 2014 Model Auditions

Unveiled2014_108[1]

Casting Step 1. Complete the form at this link.

Step 2. Send 2-3 images of yourself to info@bridalcouturemag.com When: Monday January 19, 2015 5:00pm Location: Mira Bridal Couture 1201 J Street, Downtown Modesto

What to expect: Our U N V E I L E D Committee Panel judging your walk, presence, and energy and if you have the look for the stores we are representing. We cannot wait to share this exceptional occasion with you. See you on the runway, UNVEILED Planning Committee

New Year's Resolutions for the Newly Engaged

Who says your New Year's resolutions have to be all about you? In 2015, vow to strengthen the bond between you and your partner and make your marriage that much better by committing to any one or all of these five selfless relationship goals. Happily ever after is, indeed, possible! New-Years-Resolutions-for-CouplesDo the one thing you've been saying no to the most If he's been wanting you to try rock climbing or ballroom dancing lessons all year, and you'd normally rather stick a fork in your eye than accompany him, just suck it up and do it, advises relationship expert and author April Masini. "The fact that he knows you've been saying no repeatedly and you're now doing this solely for him makes it that much better a resolution." After all, the more you're willing to give, the more you'll get in return.

Stop talking smack Constantly rolling your eyes at the mere mention of getting together with his mom? It may not be full-on trash talk, but trust us, it definitely doesn't go unnoticed, notes Masini. "Whether it's his mother, boss, best friend or kids, resolve to be conscious and disciplined in stopping the negative behavior that you think is subtle and he hears and sees loudly and clearly."

Unleash your playful side Feel like you've turned into a total nag as of late? Then it's time to get in touch with your playful side in 2015! "Laughter is not only fuel for your relationship, but it creates a special kind of intimacy and lightens the load of a heavy day," explains licensed psychologist Dr. Shannon Kolakowski, PsyD, author of When Depression Hurts Your Relationship. "Maybe it's watching a silly movie together, giggling over inside jokes or simply building a snowman in the backyard." Life is stressful enough as it is, so resolve to really let go next year and just have fun with your significant other.

Shower him with compliments When you've been with someone for years on end, you tend to focus on all the negatives as opposed to praising the positives. In 2015, try switching it up for a change. If you think he looks hot or you appreciate him helping you out with something, let him know, urges Dr. Kolakowski. "He can never hear it too often."

Become a better listener Communication is the key to relationship success, and if there's one thing we could all work on in the New Year it's our listening skills. "Make a point to wait and hear your partner, then reflect back to them what you heard and ask them if that's what they really meant to convey so that you can get it right," recommends Dr. Gail Satlz, associate professor of psychiatry at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornel School of Medicine and author of The Ripple Effect: How Better Sex Can Lead To a Better Life. "When a partner feels listened to and understood by you they will likely reciprocate and then you will both feel a whole lot closer."

What's your New Year's resolution?

10 Things No One Tells You About Wedding Dress Shopping

There are some things you just don’t find out until you try on a wedding dress yourself. 

 

1. Breakfast actually is the most important meal of the day.  Starting out “hangry” is like shopping suicide. You probably don’t need to wolf down a burger and fries moments before you step into that slinky gown, but make sure you have something to eat before getting started. Trying on gowns is emotionally and physically draining (some dresses weigh twice as much as a puppy!). You may even sweat a little, so fuel up!

2. Choose your companions wisely. Most bridal salons are happy to welcome you and a few guests (not your entire entourage). This is actually a good thing! There’s only room for a couple extra bodies and all that tulle anyway, and you’ll have fewer people weighing in on your decision. Its great to have trusted opinions, but too many and you’ll be paralyzed with fear of making the wrong choice.

3. Wear a touch more make up than usual. Buying a fancy dress is not an everyday occurrence-it’s going to be a tricky decision no matter what. Not to mention the unflattering florescent lighting typical of most fitting rooms. Do yourself a favor and wear a touch more makeup than your usual look (we’re talking some blush and eyeliner) to your appointment. You’ll look more like you will on your wedding day, which will ultimately make it easier to pull the trigger on a gown. Be cautious while trying on those pretty frocks, you don't want to spread your makeup all over either.

4. Be prepared to strip down. Truth: A veritable stranger may catch glimpses of you naked. Most consultants will give you some privacy, but because dresses can be unwieldy or delicate they’ll want to help you in and out of them. Wear undergarments that you don’t mind seeing the light of day (we recommend light-color boy shorts and a strapless bra). If you’re a modest-kind of girl, speak up from the start.

5. Trust your consultant. She may be older than your Mom or still single, but she wouldn’t be doing this if she wasn’t totally qualified. Your consultant knows the dresses and sees hundreds of brides with varying body shapes try them on every day. Make sure you share your wants (lace, a-line, sleeves) but be open to her suggestions—you may end up with one of her picks when its all said and done.

6. A bridal 8 is not a J.Crew 8. Don’t panic. You do not need to enroll in Bridal Boot Camp—wedding gown sizes are not the same as “street” clothes. If you wear an 8 in your favorite summer dress, there’s a good chance you’ll be wearing a 12 or 14 down the aisle. Focus on how great you feel in the dress, not the number on the tag.

7. Try on styles that aren’t “you.” Even if you have your heart set on a mermaid lace gown, or think you can’t wear silk, try on a variety of gowns. You’re only going to do this once and you may surprise yourself by choosing something completely different than the pins on your inspiration board. And try the dress that your mother (or grandmother or mother-in-law-to-be) is just sure is “the one”—she’s been looking forward to this day too. She’ll either see that you were right about the skirt swallowing you whole, or you may shock yourself by actually liking the dress—it’s a win-win.

8. Some “other” bride might be wearing “your” dress. Let’s get real: you’re not the only bride planning a June wedding, so its entirely possible someone else will be trying on “your” dream dress. Or, you may see someone wearing an illusion back gown that you hadn’t considered and want to try it on RIGHT. THIS. MINUTE. Play nice–share the mirrors, pedestals and even the gowns.

9. Don’t just stand there, move around! Sure, there will be moments when you’re standing still at your wedding (like when you say I do). But you’ll also be sitting and mingling and getting down on the dance floor. If you think the dress is a serious contender, take a walk around the salon, sit down, practice your “SHOUT!” technique. You may feel foolish in the moment, but you’ll be glad you gave the gown a test drive when you’re comfortable all day and night.

10. You may not cry.  Maybe emotion will overcome you. Maybe your Mom will get choked up too. But it’s totally okay if no one cries. It doesn’t mean you picked the wrong gown (even if you’re the first to tear at a sappy commercial). Every bride is different so don’t put pressure on yourself to react a certain way. Also, your consultant may not pop a bottle of champagne (some can’t due to liquor laws) like you see on TV. Take your shopping companions out for a celebratory drink instead–you all deserve it!

Bonus: When you’ve found the dress, most salons require you to sign a contract and put down a deposit on the spot (read more about that here). You may have to commit to things like a size and any customizations (adding sleeves, dropping the waist) you and your consultant discussed. Ask about alteration costs, which can add up.

HOLIDAY HOURS

We will be closed Wednesday and Thursday December 24th & 25th and Wednesday & Thursday December 31st & January 1st in observance of the upcoming holidays. We will be open the following days. Please follow this link to schedule your appointment.

Friday December 26th 10 AM - 6 PM

Saturday December 27th 9 AM - 4 PM

Friday January 2nd 10 AM - 6 PM

Saturday January 3rd 9 AM - 4 PM

All other days will be normal business hours.

Wedding Dress Contracts 101

Como-escolher-o-Vestido-de-Noiva

Do you solemnly swear to buy this dress? Before you whip out your wallet and get the gown of your dreams, you’ll have to sign a wedding dress contract (yes, it’s actually a thing -- and a really important one too).

So what is a wedding dress contract? Well, it’s a document you have to sign with the salon before buying a dress. Since they’re making this dress especially for you, it clearly outlines the details of your purchase. It will include the dress style, the color, the size, the delivery date and any alterations to the original design you’re requesting.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to read the fine print, just like you would any other legal document. We’ve seen wedding dress contracts that state the designer can make alterations to your dress without your consent, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you sign over your rights and hand over your money.

Also, double-check all the information on the salon/dressmaker's contract. If it contains incorrect information and you sign it, the fault is yours. You could end up getting the wrong wedding dress (or the wrong size or color) and there will be nothing you can do about it.

Depending on your dress and changes you might make to it, there may be extra charges added to your final amount. This is the time to get all these extras listed with the costs.

When you sign the contract, you’ll also need to leave a deposit for the dress. This can vary: Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, for example, requires a 60 percent deposit to put in the order, and the remaining balance is due when the gown arrives from the designer.

Your contract should include all of the following information (don’t forget to double-check for both spelling and accuracy of details):

The Salon

  • Salon name
  • Address and phone number
  • Names of the consultants who assisted you

The Money

  • Date and time of purchase
  • Total amount
  • Extra charges
  • Amount of deposit
  • Amount still owed
  • Date balance is to be paid
  • How many fittings are included in the price (if any)
  • Cost of each additional fitting
  • Means of payment

The Dress Details

  • Designer name
  • Style number or name
  • Color
  • Size/measurements sent to manufacturer

The Follow-Up

  • Expected delivery date
  • Date of first fitting
  • Name of seamstress/tailor

-- Jennie Ma

The Top 5 Things That Annoy Bridal Shop Consultants

by Jessica Hagy Brides.com

Finding a bride a wedding dress that lives up to a lifetime of expectations is a sort of small miracle. Thankfully, the world is full of talented designers, tailors, and bridal shops that make magic happen on an everyday basis. While all bridal shops will tell you their ultimate goal is to have customers leave with their "perfect" dress in hand, they might also tell you that some brides make the process harder on themselves — and bridal consultants — than it needs to be. To get an insider take on the ultimate bridal shop owner pet peeves, we caught up with Mara Urshel, co-owner of one of the ultimate wedding dress destinations Kleinfeld.Find-the-Perfect-Dress-for-Body-Type

1. Holding on to a preconceived perfection According to Urshel, nothing is more frustrating than "the bride who thinks she already found her dress because she has a photo from a magazine or website. She walks in with a photo that she has been holding onto for years and has her mind set on that dress. 90 percent of brides who come into Kleinfeld saying, 'this is the dress,' end up trying on the dress and being let down. They need to keep an open mind and realize that they are looking at a photo that was most likely re-touched, on a perfect model with the proper hair and makeup."

2. Trying an over-budget dress "just to see" "The worst mistake a bride could make is insisting on trying on a dress she loves when it is over her budget. Do not do it to yourself. Be honest with your bridal consultant and be sure to include alterations and accessories in your budget. Do not look at gowns that are over your budget," Urshel says.

See more:5 Wedding Dress Shopping Blunders

3. Not wearing the right undergarments According to Urshel, your bridal appointment is not the time to go commando. "Please be aware that you will be changing in front of a bridal consultant you have never met before and you must wear underwear. We will not allow you to try on dresses without wearing underwear, it is unsanitary."

4. Shopping prematurely While it may be hard to resist the urge to get a head start, do not "go shopping before you have the ring or a fiancé!" Urshel says. She also suggests waiting until "you have a date or venue because this often dictates the styles of gown you want."

5. Trying to please everyone According to Urshel, it's extremely frustrating when a bride is "looking for validation from everyone in your entourage — they never seem to agree. I suggest shopping with up to three close friends or family members whose opinions you value and trust. Be sure to select guests who have your best interest at heart."

Forget Bridezilla... it's Aunt-zilla!

We have all heard of over-bearing relatives or friends attending a bridal

shopping appointment and causing chaos with their own opinions. Sometimes it is

a close relative, a close friend, and yes, sometimes a mother.....Well, now we

see it via reality TV on last night's episode of RHOBH.

Paris Hilton’s mother could not keep her thoughts to herself as she went

wedding dress shopping with her niece Brooke.

While Brooke’s mother Kim Richards and aunt Kyle Richards got teary-eyed over the

pretty blonde during their shopping trip, Kathy was less accommodating.

23AFA69100000578-2858601-image-72_1417585981056 ‘It’s very pretty, but I don’t see it as the wedding dress,’ she said when she saw

Brooke in her first dress.‘It looks more like black tie.’23AFA51900000578-2858601-image-68_1417585704163Brooke, her mother and aunt looked stunned by the remarks and explained that

the wedding was supposed to be beach-themed.

23AFA6C900000578-2858601-image-73_1417585991764Kathy acknowledged that her niece was unlikely to want anything formal with lace or a high neck,

but would not let her thoughts on the dress go unheard.

Speaking her mind: ‘It’s very pretty, but I don’t see it as the wedding dress,’

Kathy said when she saw Brooke in her first dress. ‘It looks more like black tie’

Critical eye: Paris Hilton’s mother, stood front and center

as she eschewed her opinions on Brooke’s wedding gowns 

‘It’s very pretty but I don’t like it for you,’ she insisted.

‘There’s something that looks like a cocktail waitress.’

If I could send one reminder out there.....

This is the brides day, let her wear what she wants.

Brides, limit the amount of friends and family you want

to take with you. Once you purchase your gown we recommend a

'reveal bridal appointment'. Then you can invite your close friends

and family in to see your gown before your big day.

Shop Mod Shop this Saturday!

Great things happening downtown this weekend. Friday, Mira Bridal Coutures annual White Friday Sale. 11 AM - 4 PM. Saturday, Mod Shop Indie Crafters Market. 6 PM - 10 PM. J St between 10th and 13th St.

Shop over 50 booths featuring local artists selling art, home decor, clothing, jewelry, children's clothes and toys, plants, pottery, vintage finds, and handcrafted foods.

(If you haven't heard of Mod Shop before, consider this Saturday event like ETSY.com, but local, live, and downtown.)

Enjoy food and drink at Deva Cafe, Concetta, and Preservation Coffee.

J St will be bustling with live music, and DJ Crush Congregation at Deva Cafe.

Mira Bridal Couture will be hosting some of our independent designers, artisans,

and alternative crafters. We will also have our oh so popular dress sale.

Ready to wear cocktails dresses $19.99, Formal dresses $29.99.10352194_10152433309412611_5914952296961506079_n