I’m back in Paris, my last night in France, and lately have had weddings on the brain. It’s likely because I have several friends all getting married in the coming months, and I’ve been getting plenty of requests from eager brides-to-be about vendors I would recommend.

Having just gotten married in January, I can happily say that one of the best experiences I had during the planning process was finding The Dress. As a fashion editor and style-conscious bride, the whole process of looking for a gown was exciting, emotional, and inspiring all at once. (There’s good reason that an entire reality show based around the drama of finding a wedding gown exists. If you have yet to see an episode of “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC, you’re missing out!)

Thankfully, after visiting at least half a dozen boutiques throughout the Bay Area, I decided on Amy Kuschel Bride, a San Francisco designer whose expert team knows how to make the potentially stressful process, from deciding on that all important silhouette, to the last-minute fittings days before the big day, an easy and fun process.

Unlike ready-to-wear shops, Amy Kuschel specializes in modern couture gowns. A bride is able to choose from among many different silhouettes offered each season, and then customize the look with options for fit, fabrics and embellishments.

For instance, I chose a trumpet silhouette, which was cut on the bias out of a rich duchess silk satin and crafted in-house at the Union Square atelier specifically to my measurements. I then had a hand in the design by adding a chapel length train, a subtle sweetheart neckline, and a beaded and sequined metallic satin sash to create my own look.

For brides who love fashion and are searching for that personalized experience, be sure to visit Kuschel’s downtown boutique. You can see how my dress turned out here, in photos shot by the lovely Christina Hernandez of Nightingale Photography, on Amy Kuschel’s blog.