Get to Know Romantic Creations: Custom Bridal Gown Salon in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village
Thursday, April 26, 2012
As a bride with your personal flares and fancies, you can have a one of a kind dress to match your one of a kind love story, beautifully stitched around your style and heart with every detail customized to perfection. Nestled in Hillsboro Village, owner of Romantic Creations, Maria Elena strives to reflect your spirit as a bride from beginning to end in the dress design, creating a magical piece specifically fashioned for your unforgettable moment. After talking with Maria, I quickly found that she combines her captivating passion with her years of expertise and joyfully creates the dream dress that you’ve always envisioned yourself wearing. This woman is enchanting, and each of her dresses reflects her sincere love and radiance for the astounding work she does.
Many years ago, we featured Beth and Ravi's wedding and it became our most popular wedding feature of the year, due to the couple's intimate wedding. But one aspect that fellow brides also loved was Beth's custom bridal gown, a Romantic Creations design. We've been a fan of Maria's since then and jumped at the opportunity to learn more about the talented, gracious woman.
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All Photos: Angela Disrud Photography
Can you tell me a little bit about the background of Romantic Creations?
Maria: I have been in the business of customizing wedding dresses here in Nashville for about 26 years. In 1994, I decided to open up my own store (in Hillsboro Village), putting me in retail for 18 years, now. Romantic Creations has been quite popular since I started out here; it spread by word of mouth with little advertisement, so I’ve found that many Nashville brides love the customizing option. I’ve been designing all my life, and it makes me happy to offer my own collection to brides!
How did you come into the business of designing dresses?
Maria: Well, when I was 5 years old, I started making dresses for my dolls, which I still love to do from time to time. Then when I reached 11, I made my first real dress for myself. I continued and began making dresses for my close friends, too. Then, when I was 15, I made my first dress for a bride—she was a friend of mine and I was a bridesmaid. It’s been the only job I’ve had since. Truly, I have a sincere love for making dresses that’s been present from the beginning. In fact, growing up, I often upset people unintentionally when they wanted my company, because all I really wanted to do was sew and make dresses.
Also, I am originally from Colombia, and in South American culture, it’s tradition for a bride to have nearly everything custom made. While that option is exclusive here in American culture, in Colombia, it is simply an aspect of the event. With that said, when I’m creating wedding dresses, I’m fulfilling part of who I am and part of where I come from.
What’s the most important part of the process for you when a bride is having her wedding dress customized?
I walk the bride through everything, and consider doing that the most important part of my business. It’s her day—her dress. From the time that I sketch the design, to selecting the fabric, to adding details, I am developing a trusting relationship with her.
What type of bride is the customized dress option great for? Do you see commonalities amongst the brides you serve?
Maria: All styles of brides come to me for their dream dress; each with their own distinctive fashion seeking the perfect silhouette that flatters both their form and vision for their big day chooses the customized option. A customize designed gown is perfect for brides who want something that no one else has—something that only they will walk down the aisle wearing, uniquely fashioned for their wedding.
About how much time is required in order to create a customized wedding dress?
Maria: Well, that would depend on the style and fabric. I would say that brides come to me anywhere from a year to three months prior to their wedding.
Is there a price range for your wedding dresses?
Maria: My prices range from $1600 to $5,000 with a guarantee you’ll leave Romantic Creations with the perfect dress.
Can you tell me some of your favorite details you’ve use in your customized wedding dresses?
Maria: Naturally, I always love the romantic styles. I love all things lace, and appreciate the finest fabrics from around world. All of my fabrics are high quality; nothing is synthetic. It’s important to me to let brides breathe in their dresses. I can do both traditional and contemporary dresses, but I always love the dreamy look.
Are there some particular things a bride should know when considering having her wedding dress custom made?
Maria: A bride needs to be sure that she is comfortable with the person she is working with and confident about her selection. When I see a bride who is hesitant about having a dress custom made, I always encourage her to wait a bit longer. Also, I advise brides not to come to me too early, because styles and preferences may change; 1 year is usually the soonest that I recommend and, to trust that I can bring their vision of their dream gown to life. Designing is an art form that I love and I feel privileged to be a part of their wedding celebration.
Romantic Creations is located at 2131 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 in Hillsboro Village. Maria can be reached at 615-292-1535.
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Posted on April 26, 2012 |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
