Journal
Wedding Dress Cleaning & Preservation Process | Sun Valley, Idaho
Hey friends, Brittanie with Modern Cottage Bridal & Prom. I want to jump on here really quickly and answer a recent common question. That is: What is the wedding dress cleaning and preservation process like? For starters, there are two different options when it comes to cleaning and preservation. You can bring it to me directly. That’s always an option.

“You can schedule a pickup or drop off, or I can ship you a shipping kit.”
-Britt
You can schedule a pickup or drop off, or I can ship you a shipping kit. With that, you can mark, your stains and ship that out. All shipping is signature required on your wedding gown preservation and cleaning. Once you ship out your gown, the wait time is about six to 10 weeks from there, you can expect to have your gown returned to you, boxed and preserved.

Also, when you open it up, and if you wish to pull it out of the box or look at it, it’s important to wear gloves. The reason being is the oil from your hands can actually stain the dress over time. With preservation, you have to keep that in mind. We always recommend additional storage outside of the cardboard box provided. The box does work fine as long as you have the two boxes around it. I think that would be just fine for storage, but it’s definitely important to get some sort of waterproof box around it. I think that’s important. Aside from that, it’s a pretty simple process. If you have any questions, feel free to visit our contact page and inquire there about wedding gown preservation and cleaning. Or you can text me at 208-696-1155
Best,
Brittanie
-The Bridal Tailor
Winn Homestead | Walla Walla Wine Country

Friends! It is such a different time right now with all the shifting of wedding dates, more elopements, back yard weddings and much more! Regardless, we can still share some of our preferred vendors. Every time we see stunning photos from clients who tied the knot at Winn Homestead we are in awe of the simplicity. The rolling hills, green grass, and detailed landscape paint the colors for beautiful photos. We got the chance to ask the owner of Winn Homestead what their “why” is behind what they do. Here’s what they had to say:
“We host weddings because we love sharing our historic, family homestead with others as they begin writing their own family histories.”
-Kendra

For more info on Winn Homestead and the venue features, please visit their website at: https://www.winnhomestead.com/
Bridgett & Vincent | White Barn Estate | La Grande, Oregon
Hello! Britt here, creator of Modern Cottage. I just loved Bridgett & Vincent’s story and wedding style, I had to share! Bridgett brought the most beautiful Lillian West gown to our cottage for tailoring last year. I loved helping her find the perfect fit. Here’s more about their story:
“We met working at a Shell gas station in college. He proposed on a bike ride with the view of mount Rainier in the background. “
-Bridgett
I love simple love stories like this one! Scroll down below to see more highlights from their special day, and the creative behind the scenes.
Cake by Jane Cole | Tailoring by Modern Cottage Bridal | Gown from Amy’s Bridal | Flowers by Fitzgerald Flowers | Wedding Planner Renetta Prince | Photos by Blackbird Photography
Bridal by Marie | Boise, Idaho | Wedding Dress Shopping
Hi! I got the chance to chat with Susan, the founder of Bridal by Marie located just outside of Boise, Idaho. When asked what her “why” is behind what she does, here’s what she had to say:
“My ‘why’ is to create an environment for my brides and customers that combines extraordinary service and attention to detail with a meaningful personal connection. The relationships I cultivate with my brides keeps me motivated and passionate about the service I provide.”
-Susan
First hand, I have experience tailoring gowns purchased at Bridal by Marie, and I highly recommend them! The quality and accuracy of sizing was great with Stephanie’s dress featured above. Stop by their website to learn more: https://bridalbymarie.com/
Grande View Productions | Wedding Videographer | La Grande, OR
I got the opportunity to interview Chris, the founder of Grande View Productions, a local videographer her in La Grande, Oregon. When asked what his “why” behind his business and what keeps him passionate about videography, this is what he had to say:
“We are passionate about telling people’s love stories & helping them capture their special day to enjoy for years.”
-Chris
Videography truly is a way of telling a story that a photograph can’t do. You can almost relive the day and feel exactly how you felt in that moment with a wedding video. He went on to talk about his passion for both the creative side and technical side of filmmaking. If you are looking for a professional videographer for your Eastern Oregon wedding, we highly recommend Grande View Productions!
“In a wider scope we love every aspect of filmmaking, whether it’s the technical side, artistic side, or getting to know our clients, it’s all a fun adventure!”
-Chris
“All our experiences with Modern Cottage have been wonderful! We look forward to every time we are able to work together, & each time we have the pleasure of filming a dress or suite that has been through the cottage! Brittanie is a delight and we loved filming her vow renewal, as well!”
-Chris
We’ve worked with Grande View Productions first hand on multiple occasions. My vow renewal was one to remember and I will treasure the vidoegraphy performed by Grande View Pro. It was executed with attention to detail, flawless lighting, and editing. They told our love story as I would imagine it. If you have a moment, take a look at more from Grande View Productions: http://www.grandeviewproductions.com/
-Brittanie
The Bridal Tailor
Tux Rentals, Suits, and Timing

Hey, guys, Britt here. Happy Saturday. I am jumping on here really quickly to chat with you guys about the timing of tuxedo rentals and suits.
So if you have a winter event coming up, let’s say let’s say its next weekend and you’re wondering if you can get a tuxedo rental in time or a suit in time for your event. I would recommend placing your or no later than 4 p.m. on Monday during the week of your event. Be sure to stop by to get your measurements & pick out your style before then. By getting that handled before 4 p.m. on Monday helps to avoid any rush shipping. This helps to alleviate timing as well, just in case we need to do alterations. Also, it insures that your tuxedo rental will be here in time by say Wednesday, Thursday the week of your event. We can then do any alterations and adjustments to get you ready for Saturday.

Aside from that, we do have suits and tuxedos available for purchase, and this is a great option if you have multiple formal events coming up.
If you are going to be a wedding guest at several weddings during the summer, having a nice suit jacket on hand that is tailored is a really great go-to. The best thing about ordering from us is that our alterations are complimentary. That’s no extra charge to you for either a tux rental or suit for purchase. Generally speaking, it’s really never too late to order except when we’re down to those last couple of days before the event. At that point we’re really limited on options. We want to make sure we get in to place your order for your event no later than five days before your event. I would say it’s always best to start somewhere around 30 days before your event, just to ensure that we have that sizing available for you. I hope you guys have a great Saturday and I’ll talk to you soon.
-Brittanie
The Bridal Tailor
The Right Timeline for Wedding Dress Alterations
Hey, guys. I am jumping on here really quickly to chat with you guys about what the right timeline looks like for alterations as far as bridal alterations go and for bridesmaid dress alterations or anything non bridal. I do recommend forty five days or more for bridesmaid dresses or non-bridal. If you are less than forty five days, that is not a big deal. Just consider that there will be a thirty five dollar rush feee. As far as bridal gown alterations, if your first fitting starts 90 days or more, that is a great timeline to be on. Three to four months ahead of time before your wedding date allows for plenty of time to work your dress in the mix of things.

Again, if you need to book your first fitting less than 90 days before your wedding date, there will be a rush fee of one hundred dollars. That is just because we’re pushing you to the front of the line. Also, if you book your first fitting 90 days or more before your wedding date, you can get a $75 voucher towards your towards any additional services. So I hope that helps with the timing. Again, you can use the schedule appointment link to schedule fitting online. You don’t have the messages for that. Just use that link and use it at your own convenience. Have an awesome day!

Brittanie
-The Bridal Tailor
What to Bring to Your Tuxedo Rental Meeting | La Grande, Oregon
Hi friends! I am jumping on here really quickly to answer a recent question about what to bring to your tuxedo rental meeting. So the first thing I want to start with is to prep ahead and browse styles on the website. If you visit our tuxedo rental page here, you can look under services and tuxedo rentals. On that page, we have some featured styles.

From there you can also there should be a link on there that goes to Jim’s Formal Wear. On their website, you can look at further styles. You can also use their build a tux app that actually builds a style completely together. You can customize the the vest and tie to whatever color you want to have. Then, beyond that, the next step is to schedule a meeting here.

Once you’re on the calendar, I highly recommend bringing color swatches. So if you don’t have any offhand, and you want to get color swatches that match your bridesmaid dresses or any colors that are within your wedding theme, you can go to the paint section at Walmart or Ace and you can pick out paint swatches there. That’s a great way to match those colors spot on. So I hope you guys have an awesome day! If you guys have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me.
-Brittanie
The Bridal Tailor

Alisha & Kainoa
Lace Wedding Dress with Sleeves and Open Back

When Alisha brought her gown to our little cottage, I was thrilled to help her make her dress as unique as her. She had vision to remove some additional details from the back of her gown to make it an open back lace dress. In addition, she requested to remove the bottom half of the underskirt lining to create an illusion skirt. Along with those aesthetic adjustments and other alterations here and there, we checked off her alterations early.
” Kainoa and I first met at the gym. We were friends and our first “date” was at Stockshow in 2014. He asked me if I could swing dance. I let him twirl me around the dance floor and showed him a thing or two. We danced all night and that is pretty much the spark that created many more dates after that.
-Alisha
He proposed October 2018 at the pumpkin patch in Imbler. We took our son out there and little did I know, him and our Summit had it all planned. I turned around and he was down on one knee with a beautiful shiny ring. I was so excited/emotional that after about 5 minutes Kainoa was all “uh…are you going to say yes or….?” Haha.”
Kianoa had a vision for his look too. Grey suits paired with burgundy accents. I have to say, I think the best dressed of all was Summit, but I might be partial because he’s so stinking cute. I really enjoyed assisting the gentlemen with fittings and helping them fine tune all of the tuxedo rental details.
“I think the funniest part of our wedding was (and still is) the fact that the weather was by far the worst part of the day. It was the WORST day in October and even now, going into November, it’s the worst weather we’ve had yet haha. It was like 90mph winds, down poured all day and it never let up! I had to hide in the luxury bathroom (porta potty) right outside the barn doors before my big entrance! Haha
-Alisha
My friend had to knock on the door and tell me: “you’re up!” As a stand in the pouring rain and wind as they open the barn doors to walk down the aisle. Let’s just say, I think my grand entrance made a statement!“
I might be old school in saying this, but rainy days are good luck on your wedding day. It’s moments like walking in White Barn after hairy weather that are truly a treasure. Scroll down for more sweet images from Alisha & Kainoa’s wedding day.
Best,
Brittanie
-The Bridal Tailor
Creatives:
Venue: White Barn Estate
Photographer: Blackbird Photography
Dress: Brilliant Bridal
Tuxedo Rentals: Modern Cottage Bridal
Flowers: Fitzgerald Flowers
Catering: Local Harvest