| The Gown Doctor (since 1982) |
Testimony
"Diana put together my dream dress! She took my mother's dress and my mother-in-law's dress and used her amazing design and tailoring skills to put together one dress. It was so sentimental, sweet, and my dress had an amazing story behind it. And what is even more, you couldn't even tell it was two dresses put together. It looked like the dress had been one dress all along. I got so many compliments about on my dress. I felt confident and amazing. Diana really listened to what I wanted. She even made a custom veil for me at the last minute. I couldn't be happier!"
Diana's Couture & Bridal based on 7 reviews rating at www.yelp.com
Kanya M. - Washington, DC - 8/12/2009
E. F. - Washington, DC - 8/11/2009
Creative, kind, and feisty- Diana builds and rebuilds the most elegant clothing- and gets the job done on time.
Whether you need careful alterations to an antique lace gown, a highly stylized couture gown built from scratch, or you're not sure what to do with the incredible bolt of fabric you brought back from your last trip out of the country- Diana is the woman for your fashion and alteration needs.
After searching for the perfect wedding dress for months, I ended up at Diana's shop with nothing more than three magazine clippings and a dream of a dress that would fit my unusual body type. She has made all of my dreams come true for a price that is fair and reasonable. Diana is able to listen to her clients and produce garments that not only look incredible, but that work perfectly for the shape and size of the individual.
Besides all of the above, Diana is a wonderful person who has earned her reputation among her (sometimes exclusive) clientele over more than 25 years of sewing in the District.
My wedding ended up being one of the best days of my life... and as expected the dress Diana hand built for me was not only comfortable and durable- but people simply could not stop talking about it. Diana was such a lucky find for this picky bride!
12/24/2008
Lori C. - Silver Spring, MD - 7/14/2009
You may message 5 more customers today, and your business may make up to 3 public comments.
Nicole W. - Washington, DC - 6/23/2009
J.A - Washington, DC - 6/20/2009
Diana is incredible!!!! I looked all around for my wedding dress, but kept getting frustrated I couldn't get exactly what I had in mind. Then I found Diana.
We spent an hour or so designing the dress from my ideas and with her fantastic input, and it was ready for the first try-on within a month and a half. Amazing, considering the ready-made shop down the street charged rush fees if you were ordering within 5 months of your wedding.
When I put the dress on for the first time, it fit perfectly and I thought it was just too beautiful for words. I didn't want to take it off. And it's so special to tell people I had the dress made for me. I would recommend Diana to anyone.
Sharon P. - Washington, DC - 6/10/2009
08/20/2008First to Review
P L. - Washington, DC - 2/7/2009
Hi Diana -
Here are pictures of the dresses from the wedding. The dresses looked great! You really made the wedding special. Thank you so much for all your hard work and attention to detail. Please let me know you if you receive this and are able to view the pictures. If not I can send them another way.
Thanks,
Marchelle Bean
May 6, 2009 04:17:17 AM, jacki.lindig wrote:
Diana,
I am writing to say thank you for the wonderful job you did on my dress. I loved it, and everyone though it was just the most spectacular wedding outfit they had seen. It was so special to have a one of a kind dress, and the craftsmanship was really outstanding. Thanks for turning a few pictures into my dream dress.
I have attached a couple of pictures of it from the wedding.
Jacki Lindig
Lisa Kuhn - 2007
Dear Diana,
With apologies for the delay. I am very pleased to enclose several pictures that I thought you might enjoy. I think it is not an exaggeration to say that my wedding dress was a big hit. Both Linda and I received numerous glowing compliments about our dresses. I am indebted to you for all your efforts and wonderful advice to help make my wedding day so special and memorable.
Best wishes
Lisa Kuhn 2007
J.A - November 25th, 2009
Dear Diana,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the incredible wedding dress you made for me. I loved it from the moment of my last fitting and loved wearing it so much on my wedding day!!!! I am grateful for the way you transform my vision into reality and I thought the dress turned out even more beautiful than I could have imagined. I loved wearing it so much. Thank you for the gift you give all us brides to make us feel beautiful on our wedding days.
Gratefully,
November 25th, 2009
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Kelly
Wedding: 09/19/2009
Reviews: 5
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Quality of Service:
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(3.0/5.0)
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Responsiveness:
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(3.0/5.0)
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Professionalism:
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(4.0/5.0)
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Value For Cost:
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(4.0/5.0)
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Flexibility:
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(4.0/5.0)
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Services Used:
Dress & Attire
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RobynS
Wedding: 09/06/2009
Reviews: 5
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Quality of Service:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Responsiveness:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Professionalism:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Value For Cost:
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(4.0/5.0)
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Flexibility:
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(5.0/5.0)
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I had a dress that was literally 4 sizes too big and Diana did an amazing job at taking it in. It was heavy material, beading and pleating on the bust and you couldn't tell anything had been done. I agree she does charge a lot of money but in my case the cost was well worth it since the dress practically had to be remade. I had no problem with my bustle and found her to be very responsive to my calls for appointments. She was also proactive about letting me know when my dress was done (which was earlier than she had originally said) and arranging appointments.
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Services Used:
Dress & Attire
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Heidi
Wedding: 07/11/2009
Reviews: 1
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Quality of Service:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Responsiveness:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Professionalism:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Value For Cost:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Flexibility:
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(5.0/5.0)
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I found a dress that I really liked but did not love. I loved the layers of chiffon that rippled down it like a wedding cake but it was a mermaid cut which I did not care for, and a few sized too big. I took the dress to Diana (the miracle worker) and she agreed to help me. She basically had to unstich each layer, take it in, and rebuild the dress from scratch... all the while she was busy planning, hosting, and sewing for her daughter's wedding making all of the dresses as well as taking care of other customers. Diana is wonder-woman and is creative and fun, but also a perfectionist. My dress was perfect and no one could see all the work Diana had to put into it. If I did anything differently, I would have just gone to Diana initially with my ideas and had her make me a custom dress because her work is fabulous and she gives a fair price. I was also able to get my veil from her. Good Luck and trust me when I say, call her!
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Services Used:
Dress & Attire
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diana
Wedding: 05/23/2009
Reviews: 1
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Quality of Service:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Responsiveness:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Professionalism:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Value For Cost:
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(5.0/5.0)
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Flexibility:
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(5.0/5.0)
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She worked with me to make my dream dress come true. I gave her tons of pictures and she worked her magic to make my ideas come alive. She is truly amazing. Not only did she create my dream dress but also did it within a short period of time. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone.
DM, Fairfax, VA
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Services Used:
Dress & Attire
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Diana's Couture and Bridal is The Best!
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I came to Diana on the recommendation of a dear friend. My friend's wedding was held last June at the Willard Hotel and it was THE social event of the season. I was very impressed by how beautiful and classy my friend looked in her gorgeous gown. When I began shopping for a wedding dress myself later in the fall, my friend shared with me her wonderful experience designing her gown with Diana who made it for her in no time. I needed alterations done to my wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses, so I brought my gown and my attendents, with their dresses in tow, to Diana. We were all shapes and sizes and needed different things done to make our dresses fit just right. She made us all look lovely PLUS she gave me a good rate. One of the things I needed was a bustle. Diana put it in just the way I asked her to and then made sure to show all my bridesmaids how to hook it up for me. I was worried that my dress was so heavy and stiff that it would be nearly impossible to dance in. I aked her ... More »
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I came to Diana on the recommendation of a dear friend. My friend's wedding was held last June at the Willard Hotel and it was THE social event of the season. I was very impressed by how beautiful and classy my friend looked in her gorgeous gown. When I began shopping for a wedding dress myself later in the fall, my friend shared with me her wonderful experience designing her gown with Diana who made it for her in no time. I needed alterations done to my wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses, so I brought my gown and my attendents, with their dresses in tow, to Diana. We were all shapes and sizes and needed different things done to make our dresses fit just right. She made us all look lovely PLUS she gave me a good rate. One of the things I needed was a bustle. Diana put it in just the way I asked her to and then made sure to show all my bridesmaids how to hook it up for me. I was worried that my dress was so heavy and stiff that it would be nearly impossible to dance in. I aked her to explain to me how I could chop the petticoat out after the ceremony. She thought for a while and suggested that she could just cut it off right there while I had the dress on. She thought it would hang better and look softer, so we went for it! Diana was right -- it did look and feel much better and the train held its shape perfectly when I walked down the isle, even without all that netting underneath. People are still commenting on how good my groom and I looked out on the dance floor at our reception. I was so pleased with all that Diana has done for me that I brought my favorite leather jacket to her to be re-lined and I am having her remake my exquisite wedding gown into a cocktail dress. I highly recommend Diana!!!
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She was my wedding dress fairy god-mother!
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I found a dress that I really liked but did not love. I loved the layers of chiffon that rippled down it like a wedding cake but it was a mermaid cut which I did not care for, and a few sized too big. I took the dress to Diana (the miracle worker) and she agreed to help me. She basically had to unstich each layer, take it in, and rebuild the dress from scratch... all the while she was busy planning, hosting, and sewing for her daughter's wedding making all of the dresses as well as taking care of other customers. Diana is wonder-woman and is creative and fun, but also a perfectionist. My dress was perfect and no one could see all the work Diana had to put into it. If I did anything differently, I would have just gone to Diana initially with my ideas and had her make me a custom dress because her work is fabulous and she gives a fair price. I was also able to get my veil from her. I also want to mention that my mother goes to Diana for all of her alterations and has always been ... More »
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I found a dress that I really liked but did not love. I loved the layers of chiffon that rippled down it like a wedding cake but it was a mermaid cut which I did not care for, and a few sized too big. I took the dress to Diana (the miracle worker) and she agreed to help me. She basically had to unstich each layer, take it in, and rebuild the dress from scratch... all the while she was busy planning, hosting, and sewing for her daughter's wedding making all of the dresses as well as taking care of other customers. Diana is wonder-woman and is creative and fun, but also a perfectionist. My dress was perfect and no one could see all the work Diana had to put into it. If I did anything differently, I would have just gone to Diana initially with my ideas and had her make me a custom dress because her work is fabulous and she gives a fair price. I was also able to get my veil from her. I also want to mention that my mother goes to Diana for all of her alterations and has always been impressed and pleased with the work that was done...as was I!
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Four months before my wedding, my now husband and I moved to DC from Atlanta. For the first two months I was here, I would fly back to Atlanta for my dress fittings. That quickly became too much of a hassle and too expensive so, upon several recommendations, I decided to try Diana's Couture and Bridal. Even though I was warned, I admit I was a bit put off by her shop in the beginning but once I saw Diana's work I didn't care if she worked out of an alley!!! My wedding dress was a very expensive couture gown and I had been having my fittings done at the actual flagship store of the designer who made the dress. But the seamstress I had been working with was either afraid or didn't want to take the time to do what needed to be done to make the dress look like it was made for me. After one fitting with Diana, it was like a different dress. I mean, the dress was the same, but she knew exactly where to alter it so that it fit my body like a glove and was extremely... More »
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Four months before my wedding, my now husband and I moved to DC from Atlanta. For the first two months I was here, I would fly back to Atlanta for my dress fittings. That quickly became too much of a hassle and too expensive so, upon several recommendations, I decided to try Diana's Couture and Bridal. My wedding dress was a very expensive couture gown and I had been having my fittings done at the actual flagship store of the designer who made the dress. But the seamstress I had been working with was either afraid or didn't want to take the time to do what needed to be done to make the dress look like it was made for me. After one fitting with Diana, it was like a different dress. I mean, the dress was the same, but she knew exactly where to alter it so that it fit my body like a glove and was extremely flattering and I loved it! Diana was willing to deconstruct the dress and do alterations that most seamstresses won't do. So, because of that, she deserves a premium...although she charge me less than what I had been paying previously for my wedding gown. Diana is not your run-of-the-mill hem your pants seamstress. So if you're looking for cheap and quick, then you might look elsewhere. But if you are looking for someone who truly has an eye and knows women's bodies and how to best flatter them, then Diana is the perfect place for you. I would recommend her to anyone!
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So I have some history here. I grew up in DC and went to highschool in Georgetown (go Visitation!). I passed Diana's Couture on my way to and from school every day. I used to gaze at her shopfront and peer at the gowns and think to myself that one day as a bride, if I could afford to, I would use her services. Well, while I was still in highschool, I was at a garage sale and bought this oversized lavender mermaid-like dress and took it to Diana's one day and she altered it (sequences and all) for my junior prom. This dress went from UGH to AMAZING!!! Well, fast forward to 14 years after my graduation and Diana's Couture is STILL at the same location and NOTHING has changed! Sure, the shop is small and needs some sprucing but when it comes to quality and expertise and resources, Diana's can't be beat! I also looked at the other bridal couture shops in Georgetown and the DC area and while they are clean and pretty, they are also snobby and over-priced. I ... More »
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So I have some history here. I grew up in DC and went to highschool in Georgetown (go Visitation!). I passed Diana's Couture on my way to and from school every day. I used to gaze at her shopfront and peer at the gowns and think to myself that one day as a bride, if I could afford to, I would use her services. Well, while I was still in highschool, I was at a garage sale and bought this oversized lavender mermaid-like dress and took it to Diana's one day and she altered it (sequences and all) for my junior prom. This dress went from UGH to AMAZING!!! Well, fast forward to 14 years after my graduation and Diana's Couture is STILL at the same location and NOTHING has changed! Sure, the shop is small and needs some sprucing but when it comes to quality and expertise and resources, Diana's can't be beat! I also looked at the other bridal couture shops in Georgetown and the DC area and while they are clean and pretty, they are also snobby and over-priced. I was more concerned about customer service, price, and my overall dress than anything else. I am very surprised by the reviews on this page concerning alterations because my dress was one big alteration. I had bought two gowns and came to Diana's to fix the second one only a few weeks before my wedding. The gown had several issues with it and Diana, after taking in my concerns and addressing my wishes, gave me her own professional opinion and everything turned out wonderfully! The dress was COMPLETELY different and it was BEAUTIFUL and FLATTERING and everything I wanted! I mean if you want good advice, go to Diana. If you want someone to cater to your whims regardless of what would look good on you, then go elsewhere. Diana has been in business for a LOOOOONG time and I think that counts for something. She has an honest business and loyal customers and I am really disappointed and sad (I know she would be to because she is extremely attentive to her customers) to see that there are a few dissatisfied people on here. As concerns my once-in-a-lifetime wedding dress experience, Diana really came through! I could not have asked for anything more.
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Four months before my wedding, my now husband and I moved to DC from Atlanta. For the first two months I was here, I would fly back to Atlanta for my dress fittings. That quickly became too much of a hassle and too expensive so, upon several recommendations, I decided to try Diana's Couture and Bridal. Even though I was warned, I admit I was a bit put off by her shop in the beginning but once I saw Diana's work I didn't care if she worked out of an alley!!! My wedding dress was a very expensive couture gown and I had been having my fittings done at the actual flagship store of the designer who made the dress. But the seamstress I had been working with was either afraid or didn't want to take the time to do what needed to be done to make the dress look like it was made for me. After one fitting with Diana, it was like a different dress. I mean, the dress was the same, but she knew exactly where to alter it so that it fit my body like a glove and was extremely... More »
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Four months before my wedding, my now husband and I moved to DC from Atlanta. For the first two months I was here, I would fly back to Atlanta for my dress fittings. That quickly became too much of a hassle and too expensive so, upon several recommendations, I decided to try Diana's Couture and Bridal. Even though I was warned, I admit I was a bit put off by her shop in the beginning but once I saw Diana's work I didn't care if she worked out of an alley!!! My wedding dress was a very expensive couture gown and I had been having my fittings done at the actual flagship store of the designer who made the dress. But the seamstress I had been working with was either afraid or didn't want to take the time to do what needed to be done to make the dress look like it was made for me. After one fitting with Diana, it was like a different dress. I mean, the dress was the same, but she knew exactly where to alter it so that it fit my body like a glove and was extremely flattering and I loved it! Diana was willing to deconstruct the dress and do alterations that most seamstresses won't do. So, because of that, she deserves a premium...although she charge me less than what I had been paying previously for my wedding gown. Diana is not your run-of-the-mill hem your pants seamstress. So if you're looking for cheap and quick, then you might look elsewhere. But if you are looking for someone who truly has an eye and knows women's bodies and how to best flatter them, then Diana is the perfect place for you. I would recommend her to anyone!
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Katy Pennington Ferry - November 2007
I want to thank you very much for making me such a beautiful wedding gown. When I started looking I had an idea in mind but I wasn't finding it anywhere. It was so wonderful when we came into your shop and you told me that you could make the dress I wanted!
My husband who is not a "cryer" cried when he saw me in the dress you had made. I cannot thank you enough for helping me get my dream dress.
Sincerely,
Katy
Heidi Strain - July 2005
I wanted to send you a long overdue "Thank You" for the beautiful alterations you did on my wedding gown last October! When my previous seamstress botched the alterations less than 2 weeks before the wedding, you saved the day! When you were finished with it, the gown looked just gorgeous. I felt like royalty in it! Thanks a million.
Letitia Baldrige
Dear Diana:
Once again, the things you made for me - at great speed - are perfect. I don't know how you do it!
I think Washington is lucky to have you in its midst. You're a combination of great workmanship, wonderful service, and a perfect eye.
Gratefully,
Letitia Baldrige
Suzanne StPierre
Dear Diana
What would I do without your expert alterations and wardrobe advice? You keep my clothes and even me in shape - and always manage to respond to my "rush" requests.
Many, many thanks.
Warm wishes.
Suzanne StPierre
Brandi Brant Jansen
I just wanted to send you a not of thanks for all of your hard work to make my dress so perfect! On my wedding day I felt beautiful because my dress just fit so well! You're a genius!
Sincerely,
Brandi Brant Jansen
Tara Sweeny Capoor - January 2001
I would like to thank you for the wonderful job you did on my wedding dress! It was such a pleasure to work with you - carefree, stress free - and the dress was perfect. Thank you for your care and attention and for making me feel so beautiful!
Best Regards,
Tara Sweeny Capoor
Claire Howard
How can I thank you enough for doing such a beautiful job with Jenny's Junior bridesmaids dresses? They are exquisite! Your efforts are appreciated more than you will ever know. We are so very grateful for all your hard work in our behalf.
God Bless you,
Claire Howard
Tzeitel Hein
First I must tell you that I am still receiving compliments about my dress. I still do not have a photo to send, but I plan to very soon.
Thank you so much for making the dress that I wanted even better! Diana, you areawesome!
Tzeitel
Kate Riddleberger - August 2004
I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful work on my wedding dress - it looked gorgeous on the big day, and of course, received many many compliments! At the end of the night, I did not want to take it off, so Mark and I sat around in our hotel room and drank some wine, dress on. Hope you like the picture enclosed. Best wishes for continued success and for the lovely children you're helping.
Fondly,
Kate
Heidi - November 1992
Thank you again for making our dress so beautiful! I especially loved my gown. Really, Diana, thank you for your truly gorgeous work. Enjoy the pictures I tried to give you one picture from all angles.
Love,
Heidi
Emma
Diana,
Thank you for creating such a stunning gown for my wedding. It's so beautiful. Vera Wang has nothing on you! I looked beautiful! We would also like to thank you for the cookbook. We've been using it a lot. It's so popular that some of my friends requested as Christmas gifts.
Love,
Emma and Niclas
Michelle Winsor - January 2003
Thank you so very much for all the artistry and hard work you put into my bridesmaid dresses! The design, color, and fit was perfect on everyone and they really did set the tone for the whole wedding.
Also, thank you for doing what no other seamstress could do - make my wedding dress really fit me! I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Us Washingtonian women are so lucky to have you. You are so incredibly talented in everything you do - from your couture and bridal designs to your cookbooks and charity work. You are an inspiration to us all.
Enclosed are some photos of my wedding for you. Don't the girls look fabulous? Apparently, Baltimore Magazine thinks so because we're going to be in the February 2003 Wedding issue. Enjoy and thanks again for everything.
Love,
Michelle Windsor
Vivian Gumbara
Dear Diana,
I'm so sorry that this thank you is so late. I wanted to thank you for helping me with my wedding dress alterations last September. It ended up fitting wonderfully. Those last minute changes were definitely worth it!
I also wanted to thank you for the Vietnamese Cookbook. I've tried several recipes and my husband loves it all! I even made the Cha Gio - they were definitely more work than I expected but were a favorite for everyone1 Thank you again for everything. I hope you are doing well in this new year. I've included a few photos from the wedding.
All the best,
Vivian Gumbara
Barbara Starrett for Rachel's wedding- January 1997
Dear Diana,
I just wanted to tell you that Rachel had a glorious wedding, 75 degree sunny on January 4th, no less! She was a truly radiant, lovely, elegant bride. Her dress (my dress) was once again a "hit." People who had also attended Denise's wedding in 1995 could not believe Rachel has now wearing it. They began calling it "the magic dress." I, of course, told them you were the Magician. I can't wait for our next wedding. No engagement yet, but with two more daughter, I can confidently say "See you soon." Many thanks, Diana.
Barbara Starrett
Julie Dukes - 1997
Dear Diana
You always come to the rescue when I need you. I don't buy clothes off the rack anymore. I can just show you a picture and you duplicate it. You're amazing. You've seen me go from a size 2-4 to maternity and very big and you still work magic and make the perfect clothes for me. Thank you so much for all your help. I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of me in the fall after I lose my tummy, so we can work out some new clothes to cheer me up.
You're the best!
Julie Dukes
Sharon Feingold
Diana,
I don't know if words can describe how grateful I am to you. I came in one week before my brother's wedding with a practically ruined dress and thought there was nothing anyone could do to fix it. Your willingness to fix my dress in such a short time period will forever be appreciated. You have such a great eye for how something should fit as well as what is fashionable. I got so many compliments on my dress though it was so modest. Diana, you have turned a disaster into a success story. Thank you for everything. I hope you have a wonderful vacation and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely
Sharon Feingold
Carole Schiffman
Dear Diana,
A smashing hit! You are the BEST! Made like it was molded to my body! Thank you again and again for being flexible under stress and for sharing your talent to my day special.
My very best regards
Carole Schiffman
Robyn - July 2000
To Diana,
With deepest appreciation for your exceptional talent, enthusiasm and good cheer. The dress you made for me is exquisite and I look forward to giving you a full account of the festivities.
Fondly,
Robyn
Nell Boyce
Dear Diana,
I have been meaning to send you a photo since I married on September 3rd, 2000. Sorry for the delay. It fit great. When one of my mother's bridesmaids saw me in my mother's dress, she began weeping. After 40 years, the dress still look great. Thanks for your hard work.
Nell Boyce
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