I randomly came across an ad for Tessa Kim a few weeks ago while clicking through some of my favorite wedding blogs. Featured in this particular ad was a stunning model, calling to mind the beauty of a mythical fairy, wearing a headpiece that I only could have dreamed of being around back when I was married.
Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not an old “fuddy duddy.” I was married in 2001. However, times have changed a lot over the last ten years. The wedding industry has evolved for the better. Couples are more interested in keepsakes and heirlooms and DIY projects–making their weddings highly personalized and exceptionally memorable than they were in the past. Wedding and engagement photography has also evolved, capturing the essence of each man and woman as they really are instead of with stuffy formal wedding portraits (like mine). One look at my Wedding Story Writer blog and you’ll see what I mean.
Back to Tessa Kim…once I saw this ad, featuring her headpiece Flower Halo Fern, I knew I had to speak to her on the phone. I find it fascinating to learn what inspires designers’ creativity. Where does Tessa’s spark come from? Basically the same place as where my own spark burns. The lack of something she really wanted for her wedding but could not locate.
While planning her own low-budget wedding, she knew she wanted something unusual – not off the rack – but could not find what she was looking for in any boutique. She went to many bridal stores but inevitably came back empty-handed. During our conversation, Tessa told me she was always on the crafty side as a teenager, grew up with a love for the fine arts and was a hair stylist until recently. She loves working with her hands, creating beautiful things for other people to enjoy. Therefore after her search for the perfect headpiece ended in nothing, Tessa Kim decided to take matters into her own hands. Literally. She wanted to create her own headpiece.
It was a major success in her own wedding, which started a serious thinking process…if she had such a hard time finding unique bridal wear, there must be other women out there in the same predicament. Tessa Kim formed her bridal wear design business not long afterwards and these delicate beauties were born.
If I were a bride, I would be torn when faced with the decision on which piece to purchase from the Tessa Kim Collection. Knowing me, I would have at least two dresses for my wedding, which would equate also to two headpieces. Actually, now that I think about it, I did have two dresses for my wedding. I just never had time to get the second dress altered. I would have picked a birdcage veil and that bright mustard yellow flower fascinator. The wow-factor is out of this world with that one!
The birdcage veils sell well, but her flower clips are one of most popular purchases, and they can be made from all colors of the rainbow. Many women buy the birdcage veils for events other than weddings, such as for Halloween, gala events, or New Year’s Eve parties. She loves to see photos of her customers wearing these creations, and we love to see them on her Facebook page.
Because of popularity, Tessa Kim has recently acquired a new, larger office and work space. She is in the process of hiring employees to help her make these masterpieces. Located in Seattle, WA, her office space is close-to-home, allowing her to walk to work every day, which is truly a bonus for her.
If you are engaged and have yet to purchase your headpiece, you’ve got to take a moment to head on over to the Tessa Kim Collection online before buying one off of the rack. Your headpiece will pack a punch (if you choose) or be a subtle feminine floral addition to your dress.
Oh, and you can thank me later.
