Hello, I'm Ariana
Master Bridal Seamstress
Dress Fairy Godmother
Dress Designer Gown Reinventor Custom Veil Maker
Bring your dress dreams to life with the perfect fit!
From bridal alterations to custom gowns and accessories, I can help bring your dress dreams to life. My clients call me the dress fairy godmother because my studio is where the magic happens for you.
My approach to fitting is to offer a space where your body is never wrong. Regardless of your shape, size, or age, I can help you feel amazing on your big day.
Come and see me in my professional studio building. I am licensed and insured.
My Services
I offer many different services – ranging from simple alterations to total wedding dress rebuilds to full custom gowns and accessories. I bring to the table over 20 years of fitting and sewing experience across many different body types. Your body is amazing just the way it is – we will tame that dress to fit your perfect! When your dress fits you, you feel confident and excited to take on the world!
All sizes, shapes, and ages are welcome in my studio.
Bridal Alterations and Customization
Bridal sewing is my specialty and my passion. Below are just a few of my services. Pricing is is very individual but my average bride spends between $600 and $1200 in services. I offer free consultations and quotes making it easy to figure out your costs with me. I personalize every service according to your needs, your dress, and your body.
- Hemming
- Alterations for Fit – Bust, Waist, Hip, Straps, and more
- Adding or modifying corsetry and boning for structure
- Adding Sleeves on any style
- Modesty build ups for any style
- Resizing dresses
- Custom Lace and Beading
- Raising waistline
- Adding an overskirt, tulle layers, glitter, etc.
- So much more!
Vintage Gown Remakes and Gown Reinvention
I adore vintage and retro gowns and love gown remakes or gown reinventions. I am happy to provide all of the services needed for a gown remakes. I can alter your family gown to fit you or we can remake the gown into something modern!
- Gown Remake / Gown Reinvention
- Cleaning Services for Vintage Gowns
- Alter gowns to fit you – keeping original design
- Remake gowns to suit a more modern style
- Using parts of a vintage or retro gown to integrate into a veil, robe, accessory, or on your modern dress
- Remake gowns into flower girl dresses, first communion dresses or baptismal gowns
- So much more!
Custom Veils, Accessories, and Gowns
I would be honored to create a one of a kind veil, accessory, or even a full gown for you.
- Full custom veils on any length and style
- Custom accessories – such bridal capes, bolero, gloves, and more
- Adding lace to a purchased veil, robe, or other item
- Full custom gowns made to measure for your body
- So much more!
Dress Cleaning, Restoration, and Preservation
Do you have a dirty gown that needs cleaned? Vintage or modern, I offer cleaning services for you. My process is hand washing using museum style procedures and on methods. Dresses are hand washed by me and never sent out so you can ensure your gown is safe in my hands. I specialize in cleaning vintage gowns and textiles using methods safe for these fragile fabrics – including silk gowns,
- Modern Gown Cleaning
- Vintage Gown Cleaning
- Stain removal of all kinds
- Whitening yellowed and discolored gowns
- Steaming and preparation for showing gowns during a reception or event
- So much more!
My Work
I can't wait to work with you!
Consultations are free. Make your appointment today.
Schedule a Consultation
I am currently accepting brides for 2026 wedding dates. I am fully booked for 2025 wedding dates. Please book early as my calendar fills very quickly – especially for May, September, and October. The best time to book is as soon as you order your dress!
I do not take mens alterations. I only take MOB/MOG/Maid of Honor for brides working with me when booked ahead. If you would like to reserve space for your MOB, MOG, or Made of Honor please let me know in your form.
My Location and Studio
My studio is located in a private office building in Columbia, IL – just 15 minutes from the South County area of St. Louis, MO.
My studio features a 950 sq foot space designed specially for brides with a spacious fitting room large enough and space for several guests. I have a secure and private parking area in front of my building.
Fittings and consultations are by appointment only
Monday – Thursday from 5pm – 9pm and Saturday 9AM – 4PM.
Special day or time accommodations are available. Text to request.
Email: [email protected]
Text/Call: 618-514-0634
For rush/emergency, text me as soon as possible.
My Story
Hi, my name is Ariana Bauer and I am your dress fairy godmother.
My story starts long ago as a little girl who fell in love with fashion before I could even read. I learned to sew at the age of 6 from my amazing and talented grandmother. Her specialty was bridal and pageant. She had passion for beadwork and heirloom techniques. I spent my young life learning with her and many mentors to follow. From couture sewing with Susan Kahlje to a remote classes at Hand & Lock in London, I have spent years studying the fine art of couture sewing and patternmaking.
I have a personal passion for textiles and sewing that has never faltered. I adore historical fashion and have crafted complex fashion from many different eras in time. I process fiber myself to spin yarn, knit, crochet, dye textiles, and weave. Textiles and sewing is not a job – it is a passion.
My passion is said to be contagious by my clients. When you come to my studio you will have a warm welcome. You will be in a space where body positivity is the highest priority, where the dress is always the problem – NOT YOU! I understand that our bodies change – life happens. It’s ok. You deserve to look beautiful on your special day no matter what the circumstances.
When you work with me, there are never problems, only solutions.
I am a mom of two amazing teenage boys who have taught me patience. I have been many sizes myself, I understand life happens and sometimes you don’t lose that 20 pounds. I am here to tell you it’s ok and you look amazing and so will your dress!
My focus is always on fit. You will get the opportunity working with me to have several fittings, to make sure your dress is just the way you want it. I have worked brides and people in all shapes, ages, and sizes.
The best way to get to know me is to just text me. I would love to talk to you and learn your story. I would love to help make your special day magical!