





Photos:RuleCreativeCo
Gowns:Wedding&TuxedoConnection
DressDesigner:Allure
HairandMakeupArtistry:TheGlamourRanch
Florals:Wedding&TuxedoConnection
CreativeDirector:MediaHManagement
Models:HeatherPsyckandSamanthaSchreifels


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Photos:RuleCreativeCo
Gowns:Wedding&TuxedoConnection
DressDesigner:Allure
HairandMakeupArtistry:TheGlamourRanch
Florals:Wedding&TuxedoConnection
CreativeDirector:MediaHManagement
Models:HeatherPsyckandSamanthaSchreifels




Located in Central, Minnesota our elegant barn wedding venue sits on 409 acres of rolling hillside We are family owned and deeply value the sacrament of marriage The bonds and love between you, your partner, and your family are meant to be cherished and celebrated.
We've found for all that goes into preparing for this special milestone in your life, it all goes by too fast. That's why we've designed our venue for you to host all the wedding festivities at one location. Our unique 3-day package includes lodging for you and your loved ones to stay on-site for the entire weekend! We'd love to host your dream wedding at The Barn at Stoney Hills!




Contact for a Tour: thebarnatstoneyhills@gmail.com | (320) 630-3098 5392 290th St, Cushing, MN 56443 @thebarnatstoneyhills | www thebarnatstoneyhillsmn com
Photos:RuleCreativeCo Gowns:Wedding&TuxedoConnection,DressDesigner Allure,HairandMakeupArtistry:Liana Birr,Décor:DeesDecorating,Florals:Wedding&TuxedoConnection,CreativeDirector MediaHManagement,Stationer: KatieMurphyDesign,CakeArtist:TwoTenCakes,IceCreamCart:VangstadCreamery,Models MorganandKirbyTeBrake


The moment you slip into "the one" – your dream wedding dress – is pure magic But the journey doesn't end there Most gowns require some adjustments to ensure a flawless, confidence-boosting fit on your special day. Here, we delve into the world of wedding dress alterations with expert advice from Joan Braaten, a seamstress with an impressive 45-year career.
A well-fitting wedding dress isn't just about looking beautiful. It's about feeling confident and comfortable on your wedding day. The right alterations can make all the difference.
Her journey began with a simple sewing class and blossomed into experience working at renowned retailers like Marshall Fields and Macy's, honing her skills in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis She even ventured into the world of couture design, working alongside Pedram Taheri in New Orleans Today, Joan runs her own alterations business, specializing in transforming wedding gowns, prom dresses, and formalwear into garments that hug your curves flawlessly
So, how does the alterations process unfold? Let's take a closer look at Joan's sage advice



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So, what happens after you've said "yes" to the dress? Joan emphasizes the importance of planning ahead. Ideally, schedule your first fitting 2-3 months before your wedding. This timeframe allows for a stress-free experience, but even closer dates can be accommodated if necessary If you haven't found a seamstress yet, your bridal boutique is a great resource for referrals Remember, time management is key, especially during peak wedding season Schedule your appointments early to secure your spot on their calendar
The first fitting sets the stage for a flawless outcome Joan recommends bringing the shoes you'll wear on your wedding day to ensure the hemline is adjusted precisely Even if your dress has a pre-made hem, the shoes play a crucial role Additionally, don't forget to bring the undergarments you plan to wear on your big day Shapewear can subtly alter the way the dress fits, particularly around the hips Plan on spending an hour to an hour and a half for this initial consultation While Joan typically only requires one fitting, some seamstresses may recommend multiple appointments to achieve the ideal silhouette.
"Your wedding dress alterations are an investment in your confidence," says Joan. "By planning ahead and communicating openly with your seamstress, you can ensure a flawless fit that lets you celebrate your love in style."
For brides anticipating weight fluctuations, open communication with your seamstress is essential. If you're actively losing weight, more fittings might be necessary Typically, Joan won't finalize alterations until 2-3 weeks before the wedding to ensure the perfect fit Keep in mind that additional alterations due to weight loss after this point may incur extra charges Honesty about your weight loss goals is key to a smooth alterations process

If you don’t plan on losing weight and typically maintain a constant weight, alterations could be done as far as six months out.
When it comes to alterations themselves, the complexity can vary Simple adjustments like strap alterations are common Most wedding gowns also require a bustle to manage the train for comfortable movement during the reception The style of bustle will depend on the specific silhouette of your dress, ensuring a seamless transition from ceremony to dance floor

By following these tips and collaborating openly with your seamstress, you can ensure your wedding dress becomes a reflection of your personal style and fits you like a dream on your special day







