Explore Wedding Gown Guru Claire Pettibone’s Castle on Beverly

Do you remember the first wedding dress you designed?
“It was named for my friend Kristene and is still part of the collection. It’s a blend of Victorian lace with a slight 1920′s feel, and has tiers of embroidery with a dramatic back.”

What do you tell a bride when you are trying to help her choose the perfect dress?
“We start by talking about her venue, the style and mood she wants for the day. And then to her feelings about her dream gown-lace, sparkle, sleeves, long train, casual or dramatic-there are so many options, so it is a very personal choice. We really get to know our clients and help them find a gown that not only flatters them physically, but touches them emotionally in some way.”

Describe your design process.
“I begin with a point of inspiration, it could be a particular artist’s work, or a mood, or a place, and from there I begin gathering ideas and creating mood boards. Next, I design the embroideries and fabrics. This is quite involved and takes months. When the fabrics arrive, the gowns begin to take shape. I like to combine elements in a way that is vintage inspired, but fresh and a bit unexpected.”

When did you move into “The Castle”?
“Just a year now, and it’s a dream come true! I have always loved this building and one day my husband and I were on our way to lunch when I spotted a “For Lease” sign. We literally stopped the car and called that second! The next day we were touring the space and it all fell into place.”

What is your favorite part about “The Castle?”
“I love the fact that it’s a Historic Landmark and carries with it the history of an artist, Anthony Heinsbergen. The hand painted ceiling, the fact that it looks like a castle…what could be more perfect than for a bride to select her wedding gown in a castle?!”

What do you find to be the most challenging part for a bride when choosing a wedding dress?
“Narrowing it down to ‘the ONE’ is sometimes the hardest part. We all have many aspects to our personalities, and sometimes a bride will like more than one gown for different reasons.”

You also have your own stationary collection, what is a tip to choosing the perfect invite?
“It is the first hint of the style and mood of the wedding, so your invitation should begin to tell the story.”

Tell us about the wedding dress YOU were married in.
“Ha! I didn’t really like it. My husband and I were planning our wedding at the same time as starting our business so, although I considered making my dress, I opted to just buy something quickly off the rack. Now I live vicariously through my brides and design the type of dresses that I wish I had worn.”

· Claire Pettibone [Official Site]
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