A bride in a custom gold silk gown walking with her groom

Sacramento · Est. 1983

And the Bride wore gold

Custom bridal gowns and couture, cut and sewn for one woman at a time.

The Atelier

Every gown begins as a sketch and ends in a fitting room.

Carole Kenney Design came to life in 1983, specializing in Bridal and Couture.

As the proprietor, Carole Kenney prides herself on the personal level of service each of her clients receive — from the initial sketch to the exacting finishing touches on each garment. Her ability to highlight personal style is a definite factor in her continued success.

Because each gown is custom made, the portfolio is a reflection of individual personality and personal style. The bride's own vision comes first — it is not unusual for her to arrive with as many as ten "looks" competing for that special place. Body type, the season, where the wedding will be held, the overall feeling of the day and the budget all shape a gown that truly enhances the particular bride wearing it.

Alongside the bridal work sits couture: the mother of the bride, or the professional woman who wants to make a dramatic entrance in a very sophisticated way. Sometimes it is the simple treatment of a hemline, the cut of a collar, a button and where it is placed. Often it is the fabric alone — an incredible artistic expression, especially one imported from a design house in Europe.

Bride in a custom Carole Kenney Design gown by a window Detail of lace on a custom bridal gown

Portfolio

Bridal & Couture

A selection of gowns made at the studio. Each one was designed for the woman wearing it in the photograph.

Full back view of a custom bridal gown
Bride and groom, back view of the gown
Front beadwork on a custom bridal bodice
Back detail of a custom bridal gown
Black and white photograph of a gown from behind
Mother of the bride in a custom silk faille gown
Mother's custom gown was created using gorgeous silk faille.
Bride with her bridesmaids
Confetti thrown over the couple after the ceremony
The couple dancing
Bride and groom together
Mother of the bride ensemble in teal
Couture for the mother of the bride — available in 150 dyed-to-match colours.
Hand-beaded crystal neckline in sea greens and blues

Masterfully applied, the hand-beaded crystal neckline was created in sea greens and blues with clear highlights.

What it costs

Honest numbers, before you come in.

Fabrics play an enormous part in the final cost of a gown, and so does how much of it there is — a full skirt with a cathedral train takes twice the fabric of an A-line with a slight sweep. CKD carries plenty of quality fabrics at more reasonable prices.

Custom bridal gownMinimum, designed exclusively for you
from $2,500
Average gown, with boned foundationThe most common commission
$3,300
Design & construction labourBase — increases for bias cut, lace work, beadwork, boning and multi-layers
$2,000 base
Studio labour rateAlterations billed at $65/hour
$75 / hour

Alterations on a gown you already own

Carole offers a complimentary consultation for a firm estimate on the work to be done.

Hemming
from $200
Bustle
from $125
Final gown pressing
from $125
Redesign a neckline
from $100
Take in bodice at side seams
from $100
Bust cup adjustmentWith boning and lace, from $260
from $175

If your gown is multi-layered, or has boning, lace or beadwork, the above prices will increase. Each couture piece created at CKD is priced individually.

Praises

In their words.

"Carole is an engineering marvel. I couldn't have done without her while Pete and I were in Sacramento."

Gayle Wilson, former First Lady of California

"Thank you for the incredible lengths you went to, in order to create the right dress for me. I felt wonderful and comfortable the whole time."

Cyrette Beauchamp

"A happy Bride makes an even happier Mother of the Bride. Thanks again for your expert dedication to your art and for making sure your clients are satisfied. You have a remarkable talent."

Carolyn Lucich

"You worked so very hard for us, to make our dreams come true. You are very easy to work with and you know what is elegant and beautiful. Everyone commented on the Bridesmaid dresses as well as my Mother of the Bride outfit."

Stelene Galaxidas

"It is great to be a beautiful bride."

The Studio

Come in for a consultation.

Bridal work is booked well ahead — the earlier you start, the more the gown can become exactly what you pictured. Call the studio and Carole will find you a time.

Call 916.482.2083
Studio
4219 Lusk Drive
Sacramento, CA 95864
Telephone
916.482.2083
Fax
916.359.8961
Appointments
By arrangement — please call first