[Local Exposure] by Preservation Heart Photography | Alexis Kay Designs, Inc. - Dekalb, IL.|

Alexis Kay Designs, Inc. located in the heart of downtown DeKalb is in the Local Exposure spotlight today.  The shop is a full service bridal boutique featuring designer and custom gowns, accessories, and on-site client design.

Store displays change regularly with various seasonal bridal trends and designs

Owned by mother and daughter team Marissa and Dawn Caltagerone they cover the needs of each bride and ensure every woman has the dress of her dreams.  

Spacious and beautiful conversation area is surrounded by unique gowns and even a few vintage finds

The boutique is bright and spacious, a mix of industrial chic and old Hollywood glam make the space inviting and open to a variety of styles that brides may envision for their day.  Lots of space to bring friend and discuss vision – a bride will not feel rushed visiting Alexis Kay Designs. 

Dawn is the design force, she has been creating handcrafted gowns for over 30 years.  She works on site in the massive space that is the rear of the store.  Her creations are everywhere and I was completely inspired by her neat and well-designed work space.  

The vast design space is Dawn's creative studio.  Here she designs bridal gowns by hand

While I was in she was working on a gown pairing material from a bride’s mother’s dress with a fresh design.  This   customization and attention to detail is what make Dawn’s work unique.  Her design is in high demand and they are currently booked solid until August for new design projects. 

Hand sketched designs and patterns decorate the studio space

A custom design in progress using the bride's mother's gown as inspiration

Marissa manages the front of the store and handles much of the clients ensuring each girl has the dress that matches her wedding vision.  The shop is laid out so that she can get to know each bride and understand the whys behind the gown.  Each walk-in or appointment receives the same outstanding level of service.  She is interested in learning more about each of the clients, and considers the dress selection process a time where she has made many friends. 

Marissa studies the display windows, she is the creative behind the shop design 

Oh, and I have yet to tell you about the gowns!  I was so pleasantly surprised by these gowns from a quality perspective.  I am a lover of fine fabrics and soft, comfortable design – especially on your wedding day.  Alexis Kay features many lines, I especially loved their signature Kenneth Winston line for their vintage silhouettes and incredibly soft laces.

gorgeous dresses by many labels including the amazing work of Kenneth Winston

These gowns are gorgeous and fall beautify on the woman’s figure – they are going to be lovely to photograph.  My mind was spinning with wedding ideas as I browsed the store and shot the dresses.  Budget conscious brides will love these prices and be thankful for the quality crafted gown on their wedding day.

This gown was my favorite ( it was reminiscent to my own wedding gown),  full buttons down the back complete the look

If you are a custom girl and can’t find just what you are looking for, Dawn and Marissa will help your vision come to life.  Schedule a custom design consultation with them and let your dream gown come to life.  When you meet with these ladies they want to treat you like family, understand your day, and help craft the wedding of your dreams.  The custom gown is available to fit a range of budgets and truly gives a bride creative control over her day.  I personally always put quality and amazing materials first when selecting garments, if you agree this is your gown shop. 

Custom designed gown by Dawn, fits like a glove in Old Hollywood style 

Schedule an appointment or stop by:
Alexis Kay Designs, Inc. 
128 E Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL. 60115
(815) 762-6558
alexiskaydesigns@gmail.com
www.alexiskaydesigns.com
 

gorgeous lace details and satin that falls beautifully from the waist - this material was unbelievably soft and luxurious

You will enjoy the wedding dress experience tailor made to you, and when you find that perfect gown – don’t forget to give me a call, I can’t wait to see it on you and shoot your wedding day in your Alexis Kay design. 

[Local Exposure] by Preservation Heart Photography | Meagen Lee Floral - Kirkland, IL

In the first of the weekly Local Exposure series I am so excited to share with you the amazing designs and talent of Meagen Lee of Meagen Lee Floral.  As soon s I saw her work I was swooning and knew I wanted to feature the unique, fresh approach she takes for her bridal clients.  This chica knows flowers - I refuse to ramble on about how amazing she is, just look at the images of her work! 

Amazing bridal bouquet of broaches from a bride's grandmother's collection.  Want to create your own? 
 Meagen suggests a bridal shower gift of a broach from each guest and she can create the custom bouquet.

A piece worth display after the wedding - I love the idea of taking treasures and creating something all your own

Her painstaking details go in to each of her designs and client consultations.  When a bride books her for an event she dedicates the day to her wedding, ensuring that the bride receives personal attention throughout.  It is this level of service that I was so impressed with - above and beyond the drop off of the bouquets and centerpieces her clients needs are focused on throughout the day. 

These centerpiece designs are impressive and unique and span a range of styles and budgetary needs.

While Meagen's designs are custom and beautiful her service and style is very approachable.  She will work with the each brides style and use her twelve years of experience to suggest the best options to fit season, style and budget. 

These gorgeous bouquets are so incredibly beautiful and custom styled they make me want to be married again - three times over!
Love the birds nest bouquet, the burlap and pine cone bouquet, and the peach bouquet that drips vintage charm.

Unique design and unexpected use of even common floral elements are everywhere in her work.  I was surprised around every corner the elements and details she used that could take something simple and create a totally new approach to its use.  

The red roses she has adapted into unusual bouquets and centerpieces - these will turn heads!

Succulent and seashell bouquet - you can take this with you on your destination wedding, or just perfect for a lakeside event.  Please remember to invite me!

You can check out more of Meagen's work and book her through the following info - can't wait to see what you create together. 

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/meagen.leefloral

call her:  (815) 593-0393

or email:  Flowersbymeagenlee@ gmail.com

Textures like crazy in this feathery woodland inspired bouquet - I see forest wedding all over this one!

I know you will enjoy working with Meagen Lee Floral as much as I did - now if I only had an excuse to buy myself some flowers!