We want to introduce this season’s Epiphany Prom – California Style! Prom Models……….

Nikki – Carmel High School

Taylor – Robert Louis Stevenson

Aneila – Carmel High School

Jessica – Mountain View

Sasha – Carmel High School

Monica – Carmel High School

Jo – Robert Louis Stevenson

Vanessa – Scotts Valley

Maddi – Santa Cruz

What a great representation of Northern California High Schools!  Thank you girls for a great job!

What makes a Justin Alexander Collection so special and unique?  Designed by Jose Diaz, the collection is inspired by vintage 1950′s and ’60′s fashion, updated with modern twists making them perfect for today’s brides. We’re in love with the lace, stupendous beading (a must -see up close!), beautiful silks, and the amazing fit and construction.

A Justin Alexander bridal gown has the ability to transform your body.  Our brides are always stunned by how well they look in a JA gown.

We suggest appointments, since dressing room space is limited.  Enjoy appetizers, wine and beverages while shopping for your gown.  For more information, please call us at 831-626-7700 or email info@epiphany-boutique.com.

First, our bride, Crystal.  Crystal chose “Belmont” from the Watters Bridal Collection.  This dress is beyond beautiful.  Hand made “lace” bodice with a full silk taffeta skirt.  We’re known at Epiphany for our superb alterations and customizations and we definitely added some personal touches to Crystal’s gown.  Crystal wanted more sparkle and fullness.  We added the rhinestone belt with a champagne sash and touched up the lace bodice with swarovski rhinestones.  Crinoline under the skirt poufs and a full petticoat were added to the skirt.  We took an already amazing gown and made it perfect for our bride!  We also added a full cathedral length tulle veil, an original Epiphany Bridal design.  Can a bride look more perfect and beautiful?

The bridesmaids and flowergirl all chose short silk dupioni dresses from the Watters Bridesmaids Collection in steel blue. Each girl chose a dress that she loved and looked great on her. The length, color and fabric were what pulled it all together.

We especially love to help our Mothers of the Wedding with their dress selection.  Crystal’s mom wore a tandori taffeta gown from Watters and the groom’s mom selected her dress from our Priscilla of Boston collection.  She then added a coordinating silk shawl from our accessory department.  Both Moms looked beautiful.

Thank you to Crystal and her party for being such a pleasure to work with!  Everyone looks beautiful.

And thank you to Scott Campbell Photography for providing the shots!  Scott’s work can be seen at www.scottcampbellphoto.com.

Prom 2012 is here!

Are you ready?  PROM season is here!

Epiphany Boutique is kicking off the season with a great new collections of dresses and designers.  We wanted to add in our own personal touch with a fantastic photo shoot of Northern California high school girls in some of this year’s hottest styles.  We’ll be introducing the girls one by one and showing off the dresses that they chose to represent Prom 2012 at a slightly later date.

Carmel Beach was the setting for our shoot a few weeks ago. Moss Media Photographers Reggie and Allie took our vision and made it come to life! We’re loving it!

What’s in store for Prom 2012? Lots of soft, beautiful colors (think sky, ocean, nature), sparkle for the glam prom girl, flowing and soft shimmery fabrics as well as some incredible body skimming jerseys.  There is definitely something for everyone and Epiphany will have it all! 

We’re going to be getting new dresses in daily, so shop early to get the dress you really want.  We won’t offer the same dress twice!

Thank you again to Moss Media!  If you are thinking about a senior potrait session, please check them out at:  www.mossmediacarmel.co.  Hair is by Susan Pearson of Carmel. Great styling and updos for weddings and proms, color specialist and incredible cuts are available! Susan can be reached at 831-601-0506.

A very special thank you to Cindy Bittner, whose daughter Niki, is one of our Carmel High School’s models.  Cindy stepped in at the last minute to do all the girl’s makeup. Thank you!!!

Here’s to Prom 2012 and a lifetime of memories that start now!

Niki, Carmel HIgh School

January is one of the busiest months for wedding gown shopping.  We know that many of you got engaged over the holidays – congratulations!  Many more of you who are planning a 2012 wedding may have put off searching for your gown last year and now it’s time to start looking!

As we head off into the weekend, we wanted to give you a few more do’s and don’ts when shopping for your bridal gown and your bridesmaid dresses.

A few months ago, we wrote some tips for wedding gown shopping.  If you didn’t see the blog, you can read it here:  http://epiphany-boutique.com/2011/08/bridal-gown-shopping-top-ten-tips/.

DO call ahead and see if an appointment is needed.  Saturday is the busiest day for most salons.  Appointments are suggested.

DON”T PAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!  We’ve actually heard of unscrupulous store owners who insist on charging a bride to try on dresses. Seriously? If you come across this, shop somewhere else.

DON’T feel rushed into making a decision when selecting a gown. Sometimes stepping out of the store and grabbing a cup of coffee will give you a chance to catch your breath and decide what dress you really love. 

DO bring a pair of heels and a strapless  bra for trying on gowns. Some salons have loaners, but not always.

DO feel free to bring a friend or family member (or both) whose opinion you value and trust.

DO try on different types of gowns: sheaths, trumpet, fit to flare, etc. 

DON”T get locked into a certain shape based on your “body type”. Many brides have been surprised how good they look in a gown with a cut they never thought would work on them.

DO ask if you may take pictures of yourself in the gowns you like.  We encourage brides to see a photograph of themselves in the gowns. It gives you a different perspective than just looking into a mirror. Also, after trying on several gowns, a picture helps you remember which gowns you really liked.

DO realize that it can take 16-20 weeks for a gown to be made and delivered. Allow enough time for your gown’s arrival and 2-3 fittings.  Ideally, your gown order should be placed 6-9 months prior to your wedding date.  Most designers also offer rush deliveries for an additional charge. We want you to have the dress you love, so we do our best to work with all wedding dates.

DO ask if the bridal salon offers alterations and fittings.  A full-service salon will have a professional on hand who will make sure your gown is custom fitted to you. 

DO enjoy the experience and have a great time!

DO feel free to call us with any questions you may have!  We’re here to assist you and make your wedding experience the best it can be!  831-626-7700 or email us at info@epiphany-boutique.com.

Happy Shopping!

Are you looking for a way to glamorize and accessorize your bridal ensemble? Justin Alexander’s newly expanded collection of belts, shrugs and stoles for 2012 is the answer!

We know there is no better way to stylize your gown than with a fabulous beaded belt or a colored silk sash. At Epiphany, we can even change the ribbon color on the beaded belts to totally customize your look. It makes the gown your own! 

If you really want to up the glamour, you can add a beautiful tulle, feather or silk stole.  At Justin Alexander, designer, Jose Diaz knows how to make a bride sparkle!

We have an amazing selection of accessories at Epiphany!  Stop by and take a look.  Or if you are out of state, we ship anywhere for free!  For more information, please call us at 831-62-7700 or email info@epiphany-boutique.com.

One of our most romantic wedding pictures ever!  It’s so exciting when an Epiphany Bride is featured on Style Me Pretty! 

Athena was married last summer (2011) at the Los Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley, CA.  She selected her Watters gown “Patagonia” during an Epiphany trunk show.  Her bridesmaid dresses are from Jasmine’s Belsoie bridemaids collection, here at Epiphany.

Athena’s gown is a gorgeous silk organza accented with lace appliques, beading and floral accents.  Her choice in a soft blush chiffon for the bridesmaids only add to the romantic, vintage feel.  Athena chose a long, catherdral veil, custom designed here at Epiphany. 

You can read Athena’s story at http://www.stylemepretty.com/california-weddings/2012/01/18/los-laureles-lodge-wedding-by-evynn-levalley-photography/.  All photography is by http://www.evynnlevalley.com/.

Here are a few choice pictures showing off the gorgeous bride and her party….

La Sposa by Pronovias presents one amazing collection per year and for 2012, this is the one!  Beginning this Friday, January 20 thru Sunday, January 22, Epiphany Boutique will have over 20 new gowns from the 2012 La Sposa Collection.  Don’t miss it.  If you are planning a late spring or summer wedding, there is still time to order your gown! 

Fashion forward styling with a European flair, incredible fit and construction and beautiful laces, fabrics and beading – this is the 2012 La Sposa Bridal Collection.  La Sposa is new to Epiphany and in just a few short weeks, the feedback from our brides has been fabulous. 

Appointment times are available starting at 11am.  We do suggest reserving your time as dressing room space is limited.  Give us a call at 831-626-7700 or email us at info@epiphany-boutique.com.  All La Sposa gowns ordered during our trunk show event receive 10% off.  As always, Epiphany includes all alterations and a custom veil with each gown.   Hope to see you there!

We have another beautiful Epiphany Bride to share with you today!  Bethany and Jonathan were married this past October in Salinas, CA.  Bethany selected her gown from the WTOO Bridal Collection.  Gown style “Holly” is a ivory silky taffeta.  Originally a crumb catcher neckline, we modified it to a sweetheart neckline.  We also added oatmeal tulle to the floral accent at the waist and designed a matching oatmeal tulle veil. 

Also pictured below is Bethany’s rehearsal dinner dress, style #883 from Wtoo Bridesmaids in a soft buff color crinkle chiffon.  So pretty!

Bethany and her family were such a pleasure to work with.  Thank you Bethany for choosing Epiphany!

And a special thank you to Jessica Velarde Photography for sharing these photos. See her incredible work at www.jessicavelarde.com. 

This past weekend, Epiphany hosted the Watters/Wtoo Spring 2012 Bridal and Bridesmaid Collections Trunk Show.  What a great, fun weekend!

First off, we want to extend our thanks and appreciation to some fabulous people who helped make it all possible.

Thank you to Vanessa, Watters fashion stylist, who flew in from Dallas to work with our brides, their family and friends.  Thanks Vanessa!!

Thank you to Monica Gasperson from TWIGS Floral Design, who provided the most beautiful centerpieces and bridal bouquets for our brides. We highly recommend Monica!  If you are looking for a wedding florist, check out her website at www.twigsfloraldesign.com or call her at 831-915-8715.

Thank you to Monterey Farms Artichokes  for providing the yummiest grilled and seasoned artichoke appetizers!  Delicious!  Check them out at www.montereyfarmsartichokes.com.  We are hooked!

Thank you to all of our Brides and families that attended!  We are so thankful to have so many wonderful brides choose Epiphany Boutique for their gowns and dresses!

And I want to thank  Janie and Angela, Epiphany’s bridal consultants, who worked tirelessly all weekend!  We couldn’t have done it without you!

The Spring 2012 Collection was gorgeous, delicious appetizers and snacks, wine, champagne and mimosas, and beautiful brides….what a great way to spend the weekend!  We even had one bride Skype with her mom while selecting her gown!

Here are some snapshots of the weekend….