Meet Ashley Kelsey, Founder & Bridal Tailor

Before there were wedding gowns, there were Barbie clothes made from my older sister’s clothing and socks (much to her dismay). Barbie needed an evening gown. Ken needed a sweater vest. I had ideas.

Eventually, that creativity found its way into my own wardrobe, and thrift stores became my playground. A funky blazer, a pair of gaucho pants, an interesting fabric—if I loved it, the size on the tag wasn’t going to stop me. I could alter it, reshape it, and make it uniquely mine.

That love for sewing led me to Portland Fashion Institute in 2015, followed by Kennesaw State University, where I earned my BAT in Apparel & Textiles in 2018. Along the way, I began working professionally in alterations in 2016. My first industry position at a bridal store introduced me to the intricate world of wedding gowns, and I was hooked. The construction, the delicate details, the challenge of getting the fit just right—I loved all of it.

In March 2018, I opened Alabaster Bridal Alterations with a vision of creating a more personal, detail-focused bridal alterations experience. Today, from our Marietta studio, I specialize in everything from hemming and bustles to intricate lacework and custom gown modifications.

Every wedding gown brings something different to my workroom, and that’s part of what I love most. Have your eye on a different neckline? Dreaming of sleeves? Let’s talk. I love exploring what’s possible and figuring out how to bring your vision to life.

You bring the gown and your ideas. I’ll bring the pins, an honest opinion, and the excitement of someone who still thinks making clothes fit beautifully is a pretty fantastic way to spend the day.

I found my way to Alabaster Bridal Alterations after a journey through luxury retail, nonprofit work, and customer-focused roles. After graduating from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in Public Relations, I discovered my passion for exceptional service, boutique experiences, and making people feel genuinely cared for.

From luxury jewelry and wedding coordination to beauty brands, I've always been drawn to creative and intentional environments which made Alabaster feel like a natural fit. I manage client experience, outreach, and many of the little details that happen before and after your bridal fitting. Most of all, I love getting to know our brides and their loved ones and helping make the wedding dress alterations experience feel a little more personal and a lot less stressful.