bridal
Custom wedding dresses, made in San Diego.
One conversation, one dress. A gown that begins with how you want to feel, built around you over a season of fittings at the atelier on Cedros Avenue.
how it works
Five steps, about four months.
- 1
Conversation
An hour at the atelier: the venue, the hour of day, the way you want to move. Cloth draped on you, sketches made.
- 2
Design and cloth
One direction, refined. Silk, lace, tulle, lamé for evening — or cloth you bring. A written quote and a timeline.
- 3
Toile
A first version in muslin, to set the shape before any precious cloth is cut.
- 4
Fittings
Two or three in the real cloth, a few weeks apart, as the dress takes its final form.
- 5
Finishing
Hand-finished inside and out. A last fitting close to the day; the dress goes home pressed, in its own bag.
Begin eight to twelve months before the wedding. Alterations need their own time at the end.
Questions brides ask
How far ahead should I start a custom wedding dress?
Eight to twelve months before the wedding is comfortable. A gown takes about four months of fittings once the design is set; the rest is breathing room for cloth, travel and alterations.
What does a first appointment involve?
About an hour at the atelier in Solana Beach. You talk about the day, the venue and how you want to feel; Carla drapes cloth on you and sketches. Bring a friend or two, and shoes near the height you will wear.
Can you use my mother's dress, or family lace?
Yes. Reclaimed and heirloom cloth is part of how Carla works — a veil, a bodice, a sleeve, or the whole dress can begin from something you already own.
What does a custom wedding dress cost?
Prices depend on cloth and construction and are quoted in writing after the first appointment. A deposit secures the atelier's time; the balance is due at the final fitting.
I am not in San Diego. Can we work remotely?
The design conversation can happen by video, and measurements can be taken by a local seamstress from Carla's guide. Two fittings in person are still needed for a gown.