PHOTOS BY CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Regan Schultz shows designs, from left, by Tamara Catz, Nicole Miller and Adele Wechsler, ranging in price from $595 to $3,495.

Wedding coordinator helps brides find their special gown

Regan Schultz didn't intend to go as far as dressing brides when she started Modern Pacific Weddings, but while helping brides coordinate and customize their weddings, she often heard them complain about being unable to find the right gowns.

Schultz listened and over the past few months started bringing in designer gowns by the likes of Miller, Jules Bly, Adele Wechsler, Maui's Tamara Catz, and Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, an instant hit for every "princess" of a bride. Select gowns will be featured during the "Muse" fashion event Saturday at thirtyninehotel.

The dresses are lighter and more fluid than traditional gowns, making them easier to wear.

"The Nicole Miller gowns have a silk lining underneath so they're comfortable to wear on the big day," said Schultz. "They're more casual for those who really are not looking for the typical full wedding gown, and may be wanting something more suitable for beach weddings."

The simple styling also makes the dresses easy to shorten and wear after the wedding. The same goes for Miller's bridesmaid dresses, which can easily be re-purposed as cocktail dresses, while embellished and embroidered island styles by Catz can go anywhere.

Gowns generally range from $600 to $3,800; bridesmaids' dresses, from $210 to $400.

"I don't want it to seem stuffy or intimidating," Schultz said. "I want everyone to feel they can come in, no matter what their price range, and try things on."

It's important to note that dresses on view are samples, so brides cannot expect to pick something off the rack days before their wedding. Schultz recommends coming in at least two months in advance to order a gown.

"Depending on the season, we can sometimes have a gown here in two weeks, but you don't want to risk that."

Schultz gravitated to wedding planning after helping her mother with corporate parties for the family business in Colorado. "My mom's really into making every party totally spectacular, so I think I got that from her."

Friends convinced her to start the business after she helped plan their weddings. "I find I love the beauty of all the elements -- the stationery, the flowers, the table settings -- and how it's built around this special time."

Although adding gowns to her repertoire adds another layer of difficulty to her work, Schultz says she's glad to assist.

"I love it when a bride comes in and is so happy when she says, 'I found my dress!' "