Vendor Spotlight - Top Knot Studio

Erica and the Top Knot pups! 

When I first met Erica she was a bubbly bride-to-be.  As I sit down to chat with her today she is an official Sealed With A Kiss bride and trusted Charlottesville wedding professional!  Erica currently owns Top Knot Studio on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, and let me tell you, she is a stylist extraordinaire!  She certainly found her niche even though it wasn’t always her lifelong dream to own a hair studio.

Erica in her Casablanca wedding gown

At sixteen she was known by her family and friends as your go-to girl when you wanted extra-special hair styling.  Years down the road her once hobby developed into a passion when she attended hair styling school in MD where she grew up.  Even after finishing her training she didn’t find herself in the hair industry just yet.  She spent a couple of years working in marketing and one fateful day during her lunch break answered an ad for a salon on Capitol Hill.  She interviewed and was hired on the spot as Salon Manager.  

The Salon she worked for, part of the Bubbles chain, expanded to Barracks Road in Charlottesville as Salon Cielo.  She relocated to Charlottesville where she managed the salon for 4 years.  It was during this time that she realized she loved Charlottesville and wanted to make it her home.  She continued to work at other salons and then decided she truly wanted to own her own studio and opened Top Knot in 2011.

Erica works with brides-to-be often and has great words of advice for marriage as well as wedding day hair.  She advises brides to “know what’s important” on their big day and I can’t agree more.  We went on to discuss that it’s not the little things that matter - it’s about living in the moment on that day and looking forward to all the moments in the future with your new husband.  

In regards to wedding day hair she says that if your budget allows, book your stylist for the entirety of the day.  She says many brides often can’t choose between one or two styles.  Having your stylist for the day allows her to change and touch up your look and also relieves a lot of stress.  We also chatted about the idea of “statement hair” - is this already a thing?  If not, it should be!  Can you imagine having the best of both worlds - elegant ceremony hair and then rockin’ reception hair?  I think we’re onto something.

Erica went on to tell a story about a recent bride.  This particular bride invited Erica to stay and enjoy the wedding even after her job was complete.  She gushed that the bride was incredibly sweet, fun, and made a great impression on her wedding vendors as she really made everyone feel like family.  As wedding professionals, it’s our job to provide our customers with the best product or service possible, but it never feels like a job when your customer treats you as part of their family.  Our customers are truly part of ours too.  They impact our lives and provide us with stories and photos we’ll never forget.  

Lastly, I asked Erica what makes her business unique.  A slight pause later she answers “Me!” and I shouted “YES!”.  She went on to clarify that having her is like having a new friend who cares enough to do anything so you look & feel the MOST beautiful on your special day.  Erica has such a glowing personality and friendly, professional demeanor.  And not to mention, when you visit her salon you also get to visit with her two chihuahua’s Tbeau and Mamacita!  Erica’s story and qualities definitely put her and Top Knot at the top of our most preferred vendors!

Thanks again, Erica!

Jessica

Real SWAK Brides - Congratulations to Megan!

Congratulations!

A big congratulations to Megan who was married this past weekend!

Megan and her sister were walking on the Charlottesville DowntownMall and decided to pop in and have a look at our gowns, not thinking she would try anything on just yet. Her and her sister both gravitated to one particular gown, she tried it on and the rest is history!

Congratulations and best wishes to you both smile emoticon

- Susan, Jessica, Jennie, Susan W & Tori

Did you know?

Did you know that we carry bridal undergarments?  We just received our newest goodies!  Wearing the proper undergarments can make all the difference in the fit of your dress.  Make sure to ask your consultant which type of undergarment will be best for your dress - we're here to make sure everything looks and fits perfectly!

XOXO,

Jessica 

May Special!

Bridal Bling

Looking for ways to add a touch of glitz and glam to your wedding day style? Then we're here to help! Read on to find out a few ways you can add some sparkle and shine to your look.

Blinging up the Dress

If you’re looking to add a little bit of sparkle to your wedding gown, try adding a bridal belt or sash!

Photos Courtesy of Augusta Jones

Belts and sashes can add a little something extra to the look of the dress, and placed correctly they will define the waist and accentuate your overall figure.

Photos Courtesy of Augusta Jones

Belts and sashes come in a variety of colors, designs and patterns, and can have details like lace, pearls, crystals and beading. Try on a few different styles and find one that complements your look best.

Photos Courtesy of Justin Alexander

Blinging up your Hair

Nowadays, there are tons of different hair accessories to bling up your hairstyle the day of the wedding. Below we cover a few of the options available.

Tiaras

A tiara on a bride is a classic image, and the amount of glitz a tiara can offer is perfect for brides who love to shine.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Designs

Photos Courtesy of Richard Designs

Headbands

If a tiara isn’t quite your style, don’t worry! Bridal headbands are a great alternative for brides who don’t want the princess feel of a tiara but still want a bit of glitz in their hair.

Left and Center Photos Courtesy of Laura Jayne; Right Photo Courtesy of Richard Designs

Hair Vines and Hair Ribbons

Hair vines and hair ribbons are increasing in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why!

Photo Courtesy of Ti Adoro Jewelry

While they look quite similar to a headband, these are attached to ribbon rather than metal, giving you more flexibility in where on your head they can be placed, making them extremely versatile!

Left Photo Courtesy of Ti Adoro Jewelry; Right Photo Courtesy of Laura Jayne

Many hair ribbons and vines can also double as a belt, like the hair ribbon pictured below!

Photos Courtesy of Laura Jayne

Hair Combs and Pins

If you’re looking to add only a small touch of bling, try a hair comb or hair pins! They’re a great accent to any hairstyle, especially up-dos!

Photos Courtesy of Laura Jayne

Photos Courtesy of Richard Designs

The Finishing Touches

Finally, don’t forget the easiest way to bling up your wedding day look--with jewelry!

Photos Courtesy of Ti Adoro Jewelry

Photos Courtesy of Ti Adoro Jewelry

Veils, Veils, Veils!

When the time for veil shopping comes around many brides don't know how to start--just like with wedding gowns, veils come in a variety of shapes and styles and it can be difficult to choose the right one. As always, we girls here at Sealed With A Kiss are more than happy to help! Below you'll find our veil guide-- read through it to find out about veil lengths, tiers and more!

Veil Lengths

You'll learn that veils can be made to any particular length you specify, but there are a few standard lengths that you'll likely come across while veil shopping. 

1. Birdcage Veils (also known as face veils)

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Birdcage veils are great for brides looking for a vintage feel on their wedding day. They typically only partially cover the face, and the netting can be adjusted to create the perfect shape around the face and hair. Many birdcage veils also have adornments, such as feathers and brooches, attached to the comb, adding a touch of dazzle to the look. 

2. Shoulder Length

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Shoulder length veils are typically around 36 inches long and fall somewhere around the shoulders. 

3. Elbow Length

           Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Most elbow length veils are 54 inches long and fall somewhere near the elbows and waistline.

4. Fingertip Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Fingertip length veils come to around 72" long, and fall around where your fingertips would if you dropped your arms down at your sides. This is one of the most popular veil lengths.

5. Floor Length

Photo Courtesy of www.charliebrear.com

Floor length veils, also known was ballerina veils, are 102 inches long or so, and stop right at the floor, leaving the gown's train uncovered.

6. Chapel Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Chapel length veils are typically 126 inches long, and are just long enough to cover the train on most wedding gowns. 

7. Cathedral Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Cathedral length veils are usually longer than the train on most wedding gowns, and are 144 inches long.

Veil Blushers and Tiers

Wedding veils come in tiers, which are essentially layers, with the top tier being the shortest length and the bottom tier being the longest length. 

Left Photo: Courtesy of www.laurajaynebridal.com; Right Photo: Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

The top tier of the veil is sometimes worn over the face during the wedding ceremony, and when this is the case it is called a blusher.

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

The blusher usually has the same design, lace or beading as the rest of the veil, as in the picture above, but it can be also be a plain tier, without any sort of embellishment.

Veil Designs

Veils come in a variety of designs, and most of the embellishment is placed on the edge of the veil. The veils can come with a variety of edges, like the lace, beaded and ribbon ones below. 

Left Photo: Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com; Center and Right Photo: Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

The veil can also have a straight edge cut, or a scalloped edge. 

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Veil Colors

Just like wedding gowns, wedding veils come in a variety of colors. The more traditional white, ivory and champagne colored veils are most common, but most designers offer colors like antique, blush and silver. Talk to your consultant or designer about all the available color options to be sure you choose the one that complements your wedding gown best!

  

Veil Fabrics

Most veils will be made of tulle, but take the time to ask about your options! Designers sometimes have multiple tulle options, such as shimmer tulle, or a softer, more delicate mirage tulle, that will slightly change the look and fullness of the veil. You can also find veils made from chiffon and organza, which will alter the translucence of the veil. Try on a few and find out which you like best!

Finding the Perfect Veil

Research different types of veils online and see which styles catch your eye the most, but definitely make a point to visit a bridal salon to see the veils in person. The colors vary by designer, so be sure to bring a swatch of your gown (or the gown itself) to help you decide which color option is most complementary. Keep in mind that the design on the veil doesn't have to match your gown perfectly in order to look good, and try on different designs and styles until you find the right one. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the designs, and if there's something you don't like, feel free to ask about altering the design to your liking. Most importantly, have fun!

Color Me Bridal- 10 Wedding Gowns with Color

Brides today want their wedding gown to encapsulate their personal flair and personality, and often think that a traditional white or ivory dress just isn’t their style--they want to wear some color on their big day! Here are ten gorgeous gowns by the wonderful designers we carry that are perfect for the bride who wants to be fun and unique by adding a splash of color to her wedding gown:

1. Casablanca 2177

                                                                   Photo Courtesy of Casablanca Bridal

While it might be difficult to tell from the picture, this beautiful tulle ballgown is actually in a color called sorbet! It’s a subtle light pink, perfect for the bride who doesn’t want to stray too far from the more traditional white and ivory.

2. Justin Alexander 8596

                                                                                          Photo Courtesy of Justin Alexander

This is a gorgeous vintage trumpet gown with ivory lace over oyster colored lining. The color is flattering on most skin tones and the oyster lining really makes the design on the ivory lace pop.

3. Rembo Styling, "Angelique"

                                               Photo Courtesy of Rembo Stlying

No need to find an accessory to be the ‘something blue’ on your big day if your gown has a touch of blue already! The baby blue slip beneath the ivory vintage lace on this design really makes this gown stand out.

4. Casablanca 2165

                                                                                        Photo Courtesy of Casablanca Bridal

Don’t be fooled by the lightness of the picture! This Casablanca mermaid gown is actually in a light champagne color. It’s the perfect touch of color for a bride who wants something just a little different than the usual white or ivory gown.

5. Justin Alexander 8652

                                                                                           Photo Courtesy of Justin Alexander

This mermaid gown by Justin Alexander is a show-stopping silver and gold. It’s perfect for the bride who wants a touch of old Hollywood glam in her look!

6. Casablanca 2127

                                                                                        Photo Courtesy of Casablanca Bridal

This a-line Casablanca gown has a flattering princess sweetheart neckline and a scalloped lace hem. The fact that it’s in a lovely Capri Blue just makes it even more gorgeous!

7. Justin Alexander 8726

This Justin Alexander ball gown has gorgeous beading on the bodice and on the illusion neck and back. The coffee color of the gown really makes the champagne beading pop!

8. Casablanca 2140

                                                                                       Photo Courtesy of Casablanca Bridal

This mermaid gown is all about the details! It has colored beaded appliques and clusters of shells and crystal beads spread throughout the gown. It also comes in a champagne and ivory for those brides who would prefer a more subtle color of beading and detailing.

9. Rembo Styling, "Sandy"

Photo Courtesy of Rembo Stlying

This Rembo Styling gown is perfect for the bride who wants a flowy and romantic wedding day look. It has satin beige beneath the lace, making the gown a tad darker than the more traditional white or ivory.

10. Modern Trousseau, "Laurel"

For all you brides who love pink, this might be the perfect gown for you! This Modern Trousseau gown has an ombre pink full skirt and a pink flower at the waist. Light and flowy, this gown will definitely make any bride feel like a princess!