Dressing Up with Sarah Kolis

Wedding photos might look effortless… but there’s a whole lot happening behind the camera to create those beautiful, candid moments!

In this episode, Sarah sits down with longtime friend and wedding photographer Penny Ralene to talk about what really goes into photographing a wedding. From creating authentic “candid” moments to knowing which traditions are worth keeping, Penny shares her perspective on what makes a wedding gallery truly meaningful!

Sarah and Penny also talk about the weddings they’ve worked on together, the importance of capturing genuine family traditions, why couples should print their photos instead of letting them live forever on a phone, and how to make your wedding day feel personal instead of following a checklist of what you’re “supposed” to do. Plus, Penny shares her favorite wedding-day moments, the trends she loves, the ones she’s over, her best advice for couples, and what she’s learned after 20 years of marriage and years of entrepreneurship. 

In this episode:

• How Penny went from photographing her kids to photographing weddings
• What people misunderstand about candid wedding photos
• Why your photographer is doing much more than simply “clicking a camera”
• Wedding photography trends Penny thinks are on their way out
• Why couples should embrace their own family traditions
• The importance of wedding albums and printing your photos
• First looks vs. aisle reveals
• Penny's advice for making the most of a wedding day
• The importance of representation in wedding fashion and photography
• Penny’s advice for couples searching for their wedding photographer
• Her biggest advice for new entrepreneurs

Connect with Penny: 
Website: https://pennyralenephotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyralenephotography/ 

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 

The best wedding vendors don't just deliver a service; they create an experience couples will remember for the rest of their lives!

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Gabe of Ten Thirty Films to talk about building genuine relationships in the wedding industry, creating meaningful experiences for couples, and making the leap from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. 

If you're a bridal seamstress or wedding professional looking to grow your business, build stronger industry relationships, or create work that feels more personal and meaningful, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what makes a lasting impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why genuine relationships matter more than transactional networking in the wedding industry
• How stepping away from a corporate career can open the door to a more fulfilling path
• Why couples should consider personality and artistic style when choosing wedding vendors
• How supporting other vendors can create a better experience for everyone involved
• Why treating your work as a gift, rather than just a deliverable, can change the way you serve your clients

 
Connect with Gabe: 
Website: https://www.tenthirtyfilms.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenthirtyfilms
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tenthirtyfilms
 
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

Have you ever wondered what it’s like when a wedding vendor finally becomes the bride herself?

Well, this week, Sarah sits down with newlywed Hannah Dice—a teacher by weekday and an invaluable behind-the-scenes wedding assistant on weekends. Hannah has spent years helping photographers and planners keep wedding days running smoothly, solving last-minute problems, calming nerves, and making sure couples never see the chaos happening behind the scenes.

Now, after experiencing her own wedding day, Hannah shares what it was like to go from wedding vendor to bride, why she insisted on a first look, how working in the industry shaped every planning decision she made, and the moment she was finally able to relax and simply enjoy marrying her husband, Alex. 

Whether you're planning your wedding, work in the industry, or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes wedding stories, this episode is full of practical advice and heartfelt moments.

In This Episode:

• What it's really like working behind the scenes with photographers and planners 
• Why she believes every couple deserves a great support team 
• The benefits of doing a first look 
• Turning her grandmother's diamonds into her wedding band 
• Creating a relaxed wedding day through careful planning 
• The importance of trusting experienced vendors 
• Fun, personal wedding touches that reflected their personalities 
• Life after the wedding and what's next for Hannah and Alex

 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

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