We sat down with Pauline Chambers and Susan Keburis, Owners of Sew Stylish Wedding Works, surrounded by an incredible selection of gowns of all styles and sizes. Minutes into our interview, we understood why brides from as far away as Toronto are drawn to these two warm and knowledgeable women. Sew Stylish is found minutes away from London in the heart of Ingersoll, and is known for offering something more than just another retail gown shop.

Pauline and Susan have a personal philosophy that they adhere to day-by-day in the running of their shop, "Wedding gown shopping can be and should be a lot of fun!" Many people over stress and worry about the whole experience but Pauline and Susan try to keep the situation enjoyable and lighthearted. "We do our best to help make choosing your dress as fun and easy as possible... this is one of the most memorable moments of your life and it should be a positive experience."

A family tradition

The evolution of Sew Stylish and the careers of Susan and Pauline were a natural progression. The wedding business and sewing and designing gowns have been part of these women's lives since they were children. Pauline has over twenty years of experience in dress making, with most of her experience focused on wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. She went to Fanshawe College for Fashion Design and has been living and loving her passion ever since. "It's a family tradition for me and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. My mom sewed wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses since I was a child."

It was when the town's only wedding shop closed due to the owner retiring, that Pauline and Susan felt it was their duty to serve the Ingersoll and area community by opening up their own wedding gown shop. Sew Stylish Wedding Works became the combination of Pauline's technical training and Susan's years of hands-on experience.

An expert opinion goes a long way

Whether you know exactly what you're looking for, or haven't a clue where to start, Susan and Pauline recommend starting off simple - try on one dress. "We are there to help you and offer our expertise - we will make recommendations based on how different styles and fabrics suit your body type, and what tones and shades of white, ivory, or champagne would look best with your skin." With so many options for today's bride, an expert opinion is the best offer we've heard! "Through experience and trying on different dresses, seeing what looks good and what doesn't, the brides often end up choosing the dress that we had recommended to them in the first place!"

It's this knowledge base and personal attention that keeps brides from all over coming to Sew Stylish. Dealing with the same people from the first time trying on the dress to the final fitting is not only a rarity, but is a great way to assure a perfect fit. Pauline and Susan do all the alterations themselves and can customize any dress to fit and look just how you want it. The small community mentality that Pauline and Susan have translates into personal service, "We know all the brides in the area! They are our number one priority. We work with them from beginning to end to choose the right dress, order the perfect size and make careful alterations."

Lining the shop with designer gowns

Alfred Angelo, Bridalane, Casablanca, Moonlight, Claudine by Alyce, Impression, DaVinci, Kenneth Winston, Ella Rosa and Venus and are just some of the designer bridal gowns that Pauline and Susan carry. Sew Stylish offers not only bridal gowns in various styles, but also a selection of bridesmaid dresses (including  Bella Formals by Venus, Bill Levkoff, B2, Belsoie, Barijay and Colour by Kenneth Winston), flowergirl dresses, mother of the bride or groom dresses and tuxedos by Collins Formal Wear. They also have all the accessories that you'll need - perfect to avoid the usual driving around town waste of time fiasco. They carry veils, headpieces, tiaras, purses, shoes, jewelery, crinolines and capes (both available for rental). Bras and Spanx undergarments are also in stock for you to complete your look from the inside out.

While most of their business is orders, Sew Stylish also offers off-the-rack sales as well.

How it's done

When you go to try on wedding gowns, Pauline and Susan suggest that you choose your company carefully, "It's best if at least one person comes along to help you in your decisions, but don't make a party of it - it turns into nothing but confusion. Make sure you like and trust the opinion and tastes of the person you bring along." They recommend coming in at least six months, but preferably one year before your wedding date. If you're working with a shorter time frame, they can order your dress in three months, if necessary. There are at least two or three fittings needed to make sure that your dress fits perfectly. Ordering and expert alterations take time.

Alterations at Sew Stylish

Pricing for Sew Stylish's alternations is based on the bride's needs. "The way you look in your dress is as important to us as it is to you." They will do everything to make sure that when you leave the salon with your gown it is absolutely ready to go - altered, spotless, and steamed. There are no hidden charges and all costs are discussed ahead of time so that you know exactly what you're paying for.

Checking them out in person

Sew Stylish is featured each year at many local bridal shows as well as their own event “Girl's Night Out Fashion Gala”. For a closer look at gowns, jewelery, veils, shoes, bags and more, you can visit their Facebook page for upcoming fashion show dates www.facebook.com/sewstylishweddingworks.com

A sampling of prices...

wedding dress: anywhere from $300 to $1700  (average is around $900) | bridesmaids dress: $150 - $250  | bridal alterations $20 - $200| strapless bra: $60 | full torsolette: $110 |

Trend patrol...

"We are doing many more winter weddings lately - it's becoming a big trend. You can take any style, fit or shade of gown and add a wrap or cape - with fur is really cute - and it completes the winter look!"

Capes and wraps are available for rental at Sew Stylish for $75 (full length) or $40 (short capes)

Details, details, details

• It is recommended to first visit Sew Stylish at least 6 months before the wedding, but they can order your dress in 3 months if necessary.

• No appointment is needed – but are appreciated (especially on Saturdays)

• 1/2 of your payment is needed when ordered as a deposit.

• 1/2 of your payment is due when the dress arrives in store

• Alterations are due when you pick up the dress.

• Sew Stylish also does off-the-rack sales as well as orders.

• They carry everything needed for the bride, head to toe... as well as other products such as invitations, mother of bride or groom dresses.

In other words...

"Thank you all very much for helping me find my perfect dress. Thank you for you help in altering my dress and for everything in between." - Lisa

"Thank you for all your help in selecting, and making perfect my gorgeous wedding dress. Many people commented on it - and I certainly loved it! Just wanted to thank you for your great service - I will certainly recommend you to friends." - Beth

"Just wanted to thank you both very much for helping our wedding planning and wedding day to be such a wonderful experience! Thank you again." - Virginia & Jerry

"Thank you for the wonderful job done on my dress. The fit was absolutely perfect. We had a great day. Thank you." - Susi & Jason

"Thank you both for all of your help with my bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses. Everyone looked great and the dresses were beautiful!" - Amanda & Andrew