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 beginning
• The story behind the detachable train everyone still talks about
• The most fun part of their wedding planning
• What surprised Kevin most on the actual wedding day
• The role their family played in making the day special
• Why 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 perspective

Vendors:

• Couture Maternity Gown: Sarah Kolis
• Florals: Kaila Adam with The Flower Alley and K.Adam Events
• Photography: Penny with Penny Ralene Photography
• Hair: Carleana with Hairpins & Happiness
• Venue: 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 sustainability
• Custom embroidery options: garment bags, purses, sashes, robes, and sentimental gifts
• How to transform vintage wedding dresses into rehearsal dinner looks and heirlooms
• Mother of the bride shopping tips (start NOW!) and where to find the best selection
• Building your complete wedding wardrobe beyond the dress
• Sarah'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 date
• The real difference between day-of coordination and full planning 
• What "timeless" actually means—and why it has nothing to do with Instagram trends
• The viral TikTok mistake that's stressing out wedding parties everywhere
• Which classic wedding traditions are quietly disappearing
• Why recreating your wedding photos years later might be exactly what you need
• The brutal truth about weekend work and why wedding vendors plan their lives a year in advance
• Megan'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 London
• Why Betty decided to teach herself to sew with zero prior experience
• The essential role Betty's mom Emma and family friend Sophie played in transforming their kitchen into a sewing studio and creating a custom-fit gown
• Sewing tips for making a practice dress first, sourcing quality underlining fabrics, and working with semi-custom patterns
• Creative ways Betty personalized the wedding 
• Betty's refreshing advice on skipping traditions that don't feel authentic and making your wedding truly yours

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

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