After thoroughly researching the best tailors, we were so honored the Kuestin chose us to do the alterations on her bridal gown. We loved working on her dress which featured beautiful hand-appliqued lace, and adding on the jeweled sash. Scroll down to check out the beautiful photos by Rowan Oak Studios, and to read Kuestin’s answers to our questions about her big day.

Before the wedding – tell us a little bit of your love story?

Ken and I met during undergrad and were just friends at first. I went to college in Iowa, and he went to school in Chicago. I don’t think either of us were looking for a long term relationship. A few months after connecting, I went to study abroad in Denmark. To my surprise we continued to stay in touch and ended up talking in some form (text, call, Skype) almost everyday. By the end of my 7 months in Denmark, Ken and I had grown so close and knew we wanted to try and see if we might work together. From the moment I flew back to the US, we had plans to visit each other. It’s almost been 8 years since we started dating.

What was the proposal like?

Ken planned a great night out for us. We went to a cooking class and then to a Second City show. Our first date was dinner and a show at Second City. I didn’t put the two together, even though looking back he was so nervous. By the end of the night, I was so tired and instead of proposing to me on our walk home, we just took a cab, and he decided to try the next day. At this point we had been together for about 5 years. Since the beginning of our relationship he would ask me everyday “will you marry me” and I’d say “no“ (jokingly). The morning after our date night I was getting ready in the bathroom when he asked me if I would marry him. For some reason, without even looking at him, I finally said yes and laughed. He was so nervous he said, “Really?!” And put the ring on my finger (wrong hand) and stormed out of the bathroom. I was shocked.

Tell us a bit about your wedding! Venue, vibe, favorite detail.

Our wedding was at Room 1520 in Fulton Market area. We just wanted it to feel warm, not too formal, and simple. Room 1520 is an all white space, which is beautiful. With help from our florist (Anemone Creative) we brought in lots of flowers, which made the space feel more cozy. My favorite detail was the floral arch we were married under. 

What is one moment of your big day that will last with you forever?

My favorite moment of the wedding has to be when Ken read his vows and just cried the whole time. 

What were your absolute "must haves" when it came to the wedding?

We didn’t have a huge must-haves list. I’d say our they were great food (Feast & Imbibe), photographer (Rowan Oak Studios), and people we love and wanted to share the moment with. 

Tell us about your gown!

I went to a handful of gown shops looking for a dress. The first couple I went with my mom. We found a dress I really liked, but I just wasn’t over the moon for. Then I went to try on dresses with two of my bridesmaids. One shop we went to was Honey Bridal. I knew I wanted to stop in because I used to live right down the street and always looked in the windows and thought the dresses were beautiful. I tried on a few dresses and found the one I wanted to wear for my wedding. It was a modified Rebecca Schoneveld gown (Fleur top with the Sydney skirt). 

What was the biggest surprise to you about the gown purchasing and alterations process?

The biggest surprise when purchasing and altering my gown, was the ease of the process. I really did my research on all of the bridal shops and tailors and think I picked two great places to help me though the process! 

Side note: Also, I never thought of having a dress custom made for me. When I went to Ette Tailor for my bridal alterations I learned more about their custom process and the dresses they’ve made. Looking back, I would have loved to explore that option. 

What was your favorite change we made to the gown?

My favorite change made to the gown was the attachment of the belt I purchased from Honey Bridal (Greta Sash). 

Any other tips for future brides?

Plan some moments you can sneak away from the party and just be together. Ken and I had a few of these throughout our wedding day, and they helped us really enjoy what was happening around us.