A Photographer’s Big Day and the Perfect Fit

Where does a wedding photographer go when it’s her turn to walk down the aisle? For Loretta Holte, a beloved Rockford, IL photographer known for capturing timeless family memories, the answer was simple—Tad More Tailoring.

After years of photographing weddings, babies, and children with her signature mix of warmth and creativity, Loretta found herself preparing for her own wedding in 2024. She had chosen a stunning mermaid-style wedding gown, but like many brides, she needed expert alterations to make it fit her body flawlessly. That’s where our team at Tad More stepped in.


Who Is Loretta Holte?

If you live in Rockford, you may already know Loretta and her business Loretta Holte Photography. She’s built her reputation over nearly nine years as a professional photographer specializing in:

  • Weddings – capturing the joy and energy of each couple’s big day.

  • Babies and children – documenting milestones with patience and artistry.

  • Family portraits – freezing everyday love into timeless keepsakes.

As a mother herself, Loretta understands the importance of cherishing fleeting moments. That same passion and eye for detail is what made her a perfect fit for Tad More Tailoring’s own mission: helping people feel comfortable, confident, and radiant through clothing that truly fits.


The Wedding Dress: A Mermaid Gown That Needed Perfecting

Loretta’s gown was a classic mermaid silhouette—hugging her curves before flowing into a dramatic skirt. This style is gorgeous but requires precise tailoring to achieve the right balance of comfort and elegance.

At Tad More Tailoring, our bridal experts:

  • Adjusted the gown to fit Loretta’s natural shape without restricting movement.

  • Reinforced delicate seams for durability through a night of dancing and celebration.

  • Ensured every detail—from zipper placement to hem length—was polished to perfection.

The result? A dress that looked like it was designed for her body alone.

Loretta Holte Alterations at Tad More

A Client and a Friend

Our relationship with this talented bride began when she first came to Tad More Tailoring for her wedding dress alterations. She entrusted us with perfecting her mermaid gown, and during the process, we learned about her experience as a professional photographer. Over the years, Tad More Tailoring has hired her as a photographer for several of our events. We’ve always admired her professionalism, creativity, and ability to make people feel at ease in front of the camera.

What started as helping her feel confident on her wedding day has since grown into a wonderful ongoing partnership—one where we’ve had the honor of supporting each other’s work and celebrating milestones together.

That first experience left a lasting impression—not just on us, but on her as well. Here’s what she shared about working with Tad More Tailoring:

“I absolutely love Tad More Tailoring! My first experience with them was when I needed my wedding dress altered, and I was treated with the utmost delicacy and kindness. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. When I receive excellent service, especially from locally-owned businesses, I become a loyal customer. Tad More Tailoring has earned my trust for all my alterations.”


Why Brides Choose Tad More Tailoring

Every bride deserves a dress that fits like a dream. Here’s why brides in Rockford and beyond trust Tad More Tailoring with their wedding dress alterations:

  • Expertise with every gown style – mermaid, ballgown, sheath, A-line, and more.

  • Personalized fittings – we listen carefully to each bride’s vision and comfort.

  • Sustainable practices – we recycle fabrics and minimize waste, keeping fashion eco-friendly.

  • Stress-free process – clear communication, transparent pricing, and reliable turnaround times.

For brides like Loretta, these qualities made all the difference.


Sustainable Fashion with Heart

Loretta also highlighted another reason she recommends us: our commitment to sustainability.

At Tad More Tailoring, we believe in improving the fashion industry “one stitch at a time.” That means:

  • Recycling fabric scraps whenever possible.

  • Offering creative upcycling options to extend the life of garments.

  • Educating our community about sustainable wardrobe practices.

This mission aligns with Loretta’s own values as both a mother and an artist who celebrates life’s precious details.


The Impact of a Perfect Alteration

When Loretta walked down the aisle in her perfectly tailored mermaid gown, she wasn’t just wearing a dress—she was wearing confidence, comfort, and joy.

That’s the power of great alterations:

  • You feel more present in the moment.

  • You can dance, laugh, and celebrate without worrying about your clothes.

  • You know your look reflects your true self.

And that’s what Tad More Tailoring is all about.


FAQs About Wedding Dress Alterations

How far in advance should I book my wedding dress alterations?
We recommend booking your first fitting at least 2–3 months before your wedding to allow time for multiple adjustments if needed.

Can Tad More Tailoring work with any dress style?
Yes! From mermaid gowns to ball gowns, we specialize in altering all silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments.

Do you only serve Rockford brides?
No. While we’re proudly based in Rockford, IL, we also offer nationwide mail-in alterations for brides who can’t visit in person.


Celebrate Your Own Story with Tad More Tailoring

Loretta’s story is just one of many. Whether you’re a bride, groom, bridesmaid, or proud parent, your clothes should fit you perfectly. At Tad More Tailoring, we make sure they do—so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your outfit.

📅 Ready to start your wedding alterations journey?
Book your appointment today at Tad More Tailoring.

Because every love story deserves a perfect fit.

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