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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I don’t know much about the business of weddings, but after raising four daughters who have all married, I’d say it is every bride’s hope to make her wedding day a unique experience that will long be remembered.
So, what is it exactly that makes the day unique? Well, there are many aspects—the food, the decorations, the event itself. But I think most brides will say it’s the dress that makes the difference. And Laurie Haluska of Ogden will certainly agree. After all, Laurie, through her Haluska Design Company and years of experience as a Hollywood costumer, creates perhaps some of the most unique bridal gowns using designs of Renaissance, medieval and other historic styling.
As a child, Laurie aspired to create Cinderella-like ball gowns. As she grew older, she gained a love for costuming history and later graduated cum laude from New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. It was 20 years ago that she began designing costumes and contracting them to Hollywood films, made-for-TV movies, ballroom dance competitions and stunt shows at amusement parks. She created costumes for movie characters such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and real-life performers, including the Dixie Chicks. In 1989, she received an Emmy honor for outstanding costuming for the TV movie “Pancho Barnes.”
Most of Laurie’s business is costume design. But she recently decided to focus on something new—that of making women look beautiful—whether they be brides, bridesmaids or simply guests at period events. Using her costume design skills, Laurie creates her gowns by constructing them with many period details. Skirts and bodices, for example, are often constructed as separate items. Zippers are not used unless the year of influence is from the early 20th century. And finishing touches such as rhinestones or iridescent glitter are applied by hand.
Laurie told me that when she creates a gown, she focuses on trying to express what her clients hope to communicate. Well, Laurie certainly seems to know what works. From just her Web site at haluskadesign.com and a few ads, her dresses have already sold to clients across the country. She soon plans to market them to stores nationwide, which will delight brides across the country who hope to make their weddings unlike any others.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
