Mia Blog

Fawning Over Rivini!

2012-02-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

Hello, again, beautiful brides! In light of this weekend's fabulous Rivini trunk show, I thought I'd spotlight a few of her gems coming to town. In her new collection, the ever-stylish Rita Vinieris, designer of Rivini, introduced us to some amazingly soft and delicately hughed gowns inspired by modern architecture in motion. The result of all that inspiration? Some stunners in colors like Elderberry and Fawn. Don't they just sound amazing?!

"Honorine"

"Magdalena"

The softness of silk organza meets an amazing structured bodice adorned with French lace in this gorgeous fit and flare gown (left) named "Honorine." The color of the gown is called "fawn," and it is just enough tint to give this elegant gown a modern twist!

"Magdalena" (right) evokes images of a sophisticated greek goddess. She is delicate and feminine, and is shown here in the color "mist." She is beyond lovely-especially when you see the way she moves when worn.

Want to see more? Make your appointment today, and hope we see you this weekend!

We Love Watters! How About You?

2012-02-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

The rumors are true, the latest collection from Watters is coming to Mia this weekend! We are having a trunk show this Friday and Saturday, and appointments are going fast, ladies, so book yours today! Here are just two of the fabulous gowns on their way right now:

Watters "Grace" (photo credit watters.com)

Watters "Greta" *sash sold separately (photo credit watters.com)

If you are looking for a gorgeous gown with amazing details, stunning fit and oh-so couture feel, Watters Bridal is for you! As a phenomenal bonus, Watters' VP, Maria Prince, will be here to help you experience what makes Watters gowns so special.

See you this weekend!

Amsale Trunk Show This Weekend!

2012-01-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

Amsale's new collection wil be arrivingat Mia this week, and we could not be more excited!!! Here is a sneak peak at one of her wearable works of art from the new collection, "Aspen":

The trunk show is this Friday and Saturday, the 27th and 28th, and if you'd like to see this amazing gown, plus many others, please give us a call to set up your appointment for this weekend. Hurry though, spaces are filling quickly. Hope you can join us!

Wedding Feature- Katie & Billy

2012-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

Emily, Co-Owner

Mr. & Mrs. Billy Davis

As you summer brides make your final choices and styling selections, we felt it perfect to feature a sunny and sweet wedding, brimming with thoughtful details. Enjoy & be inspired!

Photography by the talented Amelia Tarbet

http://www.ameliatarbet.com/

Mia bride Katie, and her husband Billy, married on May 7, 2011 in Wimberly, Texas. From the moment she was engaged, Katie knew the beauty of the Texas Hill Country would serve as her wedding muse.

The bridal party on the banks on the Blanco River

Katie’s wore a slim, a-line gown of sweeping organza accented by soutache lace at the hemline and the cascading ruffles at the back of the gown. A delicate French bustle made it absolute perfection for an evening of dancing.

For the bridesmaids, Katie selected a playful, knee length dress with eyelet details at the hem from Nordstrom. A dress they might actually wear again (gasp!). Cowboy boots and vibrant bouquets of handtied wildflowers completed the look.

Inspiration from the rustic romance of the venue, Old Glory Ranch, and the relaxed beauty of the Hill Country, infused every detail of the reception. The celebration began on the covered patio and the evening continued in the chapel hall.

Furry staff served ice cold beverages.

A gorgeous Texas coffee table book
served as a sentimental sign in

Guests recorded favorite wedding moments on
post cards to be mailed to the couple's new home.

Mason jars with the couple's wedding monogram served drinks.

A gorgeous wedding on the perfect, blue sky, summer day.

Congrats again to our bride Katie! It was so wonderful working with you and seeing how your big day came together.

Judd Waddell and The Amazing Lace

2012-01-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

They're here, ladies! Two gorgeous, brand new gowns from the always-fabulous Judd Waddell! We have been awaiting these two lovely ladies' arrival with such anticipation, we just could not wait to share them with you, our beautiful brides. Judd's design philosophy has always been to "notice the woman first, the dress second," and that is definitely evident in these amazing lace gowns. (Pardon the cell phone quality pic!)

The fit and flare silk organza gown has a true sweetheart neckline, warm satin ribbon at the natural waist and beautiful bands of lacework at the hem of the gown. The a-line gown has a sumptuous silk garza skirt finished with a wide swath of french alencon lace, topped off with a fited lace bodice and handmade rosettes on the sash.

Looking for something romantic yet modern? One of these stunners could be yours for the day you say "I Do."

Summer Has Arrived!

2011-12-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

Emily, Co-Owner

Oh sweet brides, don’t be concerned about me! I promise I have my seasons straight! The “Summer” I am referring to is Mia’s latest gown from Amsale's Blue Label Collection. Our sample arrived just last week, an early gift to start our holidays.

The “Blue Label” distinguishes Amsale gowns that have extensive couture work, meaning an overwhelming part of each gown is done by hand. Countless hours go into overseeing and completing every intricate detail that makes these gowns so special and unique. When you wear an Amsale Blue Label on your wedding day, you are truly wearing a one-of-a-kind work of art.

I cannot help but day dream of the aisles “Summer” will walk down and the fabulous brides who will wear it! This calls for an inspiration collage...

A Sweet Treat!

2011-12-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

I love the holidays for the time spent with family, the gifts, the good cheer everywhere you turn, and (I must admit) for the amazing desserts! Sweet treats aren't just for the holidays, though, you can incorporate your love of pastry, candy and cookies on your big day, too! I am not just talking delicious wedding cake either, imagine a delectable dessert table piled high with every kind of tatsty treat imaginable! From the elegant to the comforting, here are a just a few treats showing up at receptions today:

Coke floats: Have vanilla ice cream pre-scooped in tall glasses with cans of coke and fun straws to match your color scheme. Your guests will be glad for sugary pick-me-up to help keep the party going!
Macarons: This chic french delicacy can be made in any flavor (and color) combo you can think of. A lemon macaron with vanilla-lavender buttercream, I DO!
Doughnuts: Thats right! Give your guests something to smile about by serving fresh hot doughnuts or beignets right at your reception. Don't want to do a-la-minute? Give guests a cute bag of two mini doughnuts-the resemblance to wedding bands is deliciously uncanny, and a monogrammed sticker adds that personalized finishing touch.

Cookie Bar: Homemade cookies are hard to beat when it comes to wedding favors. Have different sized and colored bell jars with hand-made labels filled with family recipes like dark chocolate cherry and molasses sugar cookies. Or, give out colorful bags of a few different flavors with the recipes as tags!

Hope you are inspired to create a unique sweet ending to your wedding day!

*Images from Style Me Pretty and Ashley Pepitone Photography

A Perfect Day in Pampa

2011-12-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

Jill, Co-Owner

I received my favorite kind of e-mail this morning – pictures from a Mia bride’s wedding! And, not only did this e-mail contain photos, but an amazing video that I just had to share (click the link below!). Tanna Stowers purchased her Rivini Ryma gown and accessories at Mia while her father was undergoing cancer treatment at MD Anderson here in Houston. As she was choosing her wedding gown she told me that “he has to get better – his first grandbaby is coming and he has to walk me down the aisle.” As you can see from the fantastic video it all happened just as Tanna hoped, prayed and envisioned. Enjoy!

http://vonweddingfilms.com/2011/11/11-11-11-texas-wedding/

Debutante Days at Mia

2011-12-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

Home for the holidays? Presenting next year? Then make some time to find your perfect Deb dress at Mia! Starting on December 22nd, we are taking an entire week to feature exclusive debutante and presention gowns from designers Christos and Amsale! There is something for every deb, from simple silk organza a-lines, to textured, flirty dropped-waist dresses. Here is a peek at one of our favorites:

Image from Christos website

The glistening sequins and hand-pleated organza swirls make this a ballgown to remember!

All Debutantes will not only receive a 10% discount from Decenber 22nd-January 5th, but we'll register your dress as well! Give us a call and book your appointment today.

Making Your Look Your Own

2011-12-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

Here at Mia, we see brides everyday asking us to how to incorporate their personal style into their bridal vision. The best way to do that is by, what else, accessorizing! I am not just talking earrings and a bracelet, I mean a stunning statement necklace and purple petticoat for the fun bride, or a fabulous feather purse for the bride who doesn't want a bouquet! The wonders don't stop there, either. Here are a few more suggestions on how you can customize your wedding-day look.

Belts: A little something at the waist can change the look of your gown dramatically! Consider using a color, or use a wider sash like an Obi-belt to kick up the clean lines of a sleek fit-to-flare.

Brooches: Add a brooch to your bouquet wrap, or show off vintage brooches in your bouquet itself! Add a little bling by fastening one to that amazing detail at your hip in a dropped-waist gown.

Removable Straps/Boleros: If you'd like a little more coverage, your seamstresses to create a bolero, or even removable straps for you. (Keep this in mind when ordering your gown as you may need to purchase fabric!) You could take off the straps and add a sash that picks up your color palette, changing the look of your gown from ceremony to reception instantly!

Hair Accessories: If you choose to have a hair accessory, consider adding your 'something old' to it. Take a piece of your mother's wedding gown or veil and have your seamstress add that into your existing piece. It then becomes something special to can pass down!

The sky is the limit when personalizing your big day, so don't be afraid to make your wedding gown your own!

*All images from Style Me Pretty inspiration boards!

LOOK LIKE A PERFECT 10

2011-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Erin, Stylist

There are only FOUR more days until Mia’s monumental Sunday Sample Sale on December 11^th. So, in the spirit of bridal bargains, here are our Top Ten Tips for finding the perfect Sample Sale Dress:

1. Arrive Early- There are no appointments, so to get the best, you need to be the first.

2. Do Your Homework- Know what type of silhouette looks best on your body. No need to waste your time with trumpet styles if a-line silhouettes flatter your figure best.

3. Recognize a Steal- Make a mental note of the designer’s usual prices so you can spot super savings. A Kenneth Pool ball gown, adorned with Swarovski stones for $2,000? Yes please!

4. Limit Your Entourage- Bring one, most trusted friend or family member. You need to be confident in your decision, not confused by other people’s opinions. It’s about what you want!

5. Be Selective- You will only be able to pull 5 gowns at a time and will have 30 minutes in the dressing room.

6. Stay Open to Possibilities- There are so many possibilities in alterations. Hate the straight across neckline? Have it changed to sweetheart! Need something with no train? Take the extra length off with your hem.

7. Don’t be Afraid of Too Big- Most couture gowns are alterations friendly and can be taken in several sizes to make it perfect for you.

8. Review Your Selection- As samples, the gowns will have some shop wear. Understanding the cleaning and alteration options will make you comfortable with your purchase.

9. Come Ready To Commit- There are no hold or layaway options, so come ready to purchase the gown before another bride spots it.

10. Get Excited- Weddings are expensive. So saving thousands of dollars on your dream dress could also mean there is room in the budget for your dream flowers, or cake, or shoes! The possibilities are endless!

See you at the Sample Sale, Sunday December 11^th!

Baby, It's Cold Out!

2011-11-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Emily: Co-Owner

There is no denying that the "trend" of strapless wedding gowns has staying power! Most brides can understand why when they try on a properly fitted strapless gown. It is simply a stunning look. Elegantly revealing the shoulders and framing the collarbone and face; the complete picture is so graceful and feminine.

But strapless gowns don't offer much of a shield from the winter chill. So what can you do if your big day falls in the upcoming months? Glad you asked, we have some fabulous ideas!

Pashminas & Wraps- Yes, the simple solution for a chilly night on the town is also wonderful for your wedding day. Personalize your look by pinning the wrap into place with a piece of family jewelry, like your grandmother's cameo brooch. We also love the idea of tying in your wedding accent color. Remember, it doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, just the same hues. And think: a luxurious, blush Pashmina? You will definitely use that again!
Family Inspiration- Utilize the fabric from your mother's gown! From lace to organza, almost every wedding gown fabric can be used to create a lovely bolero. Having this created exclusively for you allows complete control on exactly how much coverage you desire. You are also creating a sentimental heirloom to be cherished for years to come!

Fur- We won't address the faux or real debate, but these days it is hard to tell the difference! Whether it's a stole, caplet or cropped jacket, fur provides a look of polished elegance. Take a peek at Donna Salyer's Fabulous Furs it's favorite of Mia's!

Hope you're feeling a little warmer and inspired!

All photos pulled from the amazing inspiration boards on Style Me Pretty created by brides like you!

Mia Bride Featured on Style Me Pretty Texas

2011-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Ashley, Consultant

We love seeing pictures of all our brides' weddings so we can see how everything comes together in the end, and this wedding is just perfect! Emily from Keely Thorne Events did an amazing job, and Callie looked so beautiful and elegant in her Christos Spring Blossom gown from Mia. Don't miss the full gallery on SMP either - trust me! Here's a glimpse of their special day.

Visit the link here.

Congratulations, Callie & Pat!

Silver Star Sample Sale

2011-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Addison, Intern

When it comes to budgets and planning a wedding, brides have started to become very savvy in the way that they spend their money. When thinking of all the aspects that go into weddings it may be hard to think how you are going to get everything accomplished. As a bride, finding your wedding dress will be on the top of your list and when shopping on a budget you may think you don’t have very many options, which is not true at all! Many bridal boutiques have realized this as well as online websites and offer wedding dresses at an affordable price as part of their Sample Sale. Here at Mia for a limited time we are having our Silver Star Sample Sale, these dresses are gently used and in great condition. Feel free to make an appointment or drop in to check out our dresses that are up to 50% off! Also we have posted some of our Sample Sale dresses online at www.smartbrideboutique.com .

Here is a sneak peak of some of the dresses…

Amsale, Liv; Christos, Poeme; Christos, Regina

Rivini, Kendra; Amsale Miri; Kenneth Pool, Marion

Happy Shopping!

More from Mia Bride Madeline's Wedding

2011-11-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Last week Jill shared her experience and some pictures from the wedding of a gorgeous Mia bride and friend, Madeline. And now we have this fab video too! Had to share. Congratulations again, Madeline and Gerry!

Madeline and Gerry's Wedding Story Highlights | A Love Story + SDE from http://vimeo.com/t2production on Vimeo.