"IT's THE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST.....THE SECOND TIME AROUND.!

Santina had one week off vacation time and was on a mission to find her dress for her wedding early September, 2011.   Her fiance, Jesse unexpectedly proposed and Santina was blown over.."I have to plan my wedding!!!"   We met that week, and I pulled out 3 dresses that I thought were style..and bingo...dress #3 was the one by "Allure" and "YES TO THE DRESS" was the word!   OFF to Alterations and were were rolling!

I had the pleasure of attending their wedding , and I have to say..Jesse and Santina made a stunning couple, and she looked gorgeous!   Congratulations to Jesse and Santina..I was thrilled to share your special day!

Jesse and Santina's Testimonial tells it all:

Thank you for making my wife look absolutely fabulous on our Wedding Day!  Ladies, this is the best place to shop for Bridal....that's a fact!  The owner has a lot of patience and a fabulous sense of style and flair. We were very happy with our experience!

Thank you,

Jesse and Santina



 I want to add a special "Thank you" for Michael Troutman of DMT Images on his fine photography on his Portrait of the Bride and Groom!

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO DISCOVER TRUE LOVE AFTER AGE 50!

It's is never too late to find true love after age 50!  Sandy and Jim are perfect examples.  Both were members with the singing group in the late 1960's "UP with PEOPLE" and traveled all over singing songs of enlightenment all over the United States..and more.  Dating in their early youth, fate brought them to different paths, meeting again at an "UP with People Reunion" 30 plus years later..and they started dating..which let to wonderful relationship!  Living in Southern California, Sandy bought her Wedding dress by Rina Di Montella at Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique.  I had the pleasure of meeting her fiance' Jim, and they make a beautiful couple and I knew they were meant to be together!  They were married in Southern California early October, 2011.  Congratulations to Sandy and Jim, and may you share many happy years together!

Sandy's Testimonial of her shopping experience at our store is:

"Cathy...thank you for helping me find "The One!" your selection made it easy!
  

'I found such warmth, knowledge and care in you! I felt you really wanted to help me create the magic on such a remarkable day. You were patient and had an eye for selecting gowns that suited my style and the ambience in which I was getting married. Because of your careful selections, I didn't have to try on too many before finding the perfect gown! And you were right! The proof is in the pictures!

Thank you Sandy for your Testimonial and selecting our store for the most special dress for your Wedding Day! 

Something to Look Forward To, A Testimonial For a Wedding to Take Place in the Near Future

Once I found out I was engaged I immediately knew I wanted to buy my wedding gown from Cathy. She came highly recommended by friends who have also purchased their gown from her. As son as I walked in I was greeted with such welcoming feelings and felt the personal touch that all brides need to feel special. I described what I had in mind, and in minutes the fitting room was filled with at least nine gowns. I most appreciated how Cathy analyzed my body type and picked out dresses that would flatter me the most. The gown I decided to go with was purely picked out by Cathy. In fact, she had emailed me about the dress, and knew I would love it before I even had a chance to see it. Once I laid eyes on the gown I fell in love... this was the dress I want to be married in.
I can't thank her enough for all her attention and dedication to making sure I was happy. I have recommended her to other upcoming brides and I know they will be thrilled to meet her, and to see her vast selection of gowns.
She will always be a special part of my wedding day.
-Tiffani

You Had Me At Hello, A Testimonial in Which the First Dress Was It!

My daughter, Maryrose, recently got married, and purchased her wedding dress, and Bridemaid's dresses through Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique.  On the day of our appointment, Cathy greeted us, and made our large group feel very welcomed, and comfortable.  Cathy had pulled out about four dresses based on her knowledge of what my daughter would like (prior to our appointment, Cathy communicated with my daughter to get a sense of Maryrose's style, and sent her pictures of dresses to get an idea of the look Maryrose was going for).

Maryrose tried on three gowns, and purchased the first dress she tried on, which was absolutely stunning.

As a mother, of course I think my daughter made the most beautiful bride, but what thrilled me even most was the fact that my daughter was so in love with her dress, she couldn't wait to share it with everyone, especially her Prince!

I have to say thank you to Cathy for her expertise, and her knowledge in knowing what dress is the perfect fit!

I would encourage everyone in the area, and out of the area, to shop at her Bridal Boutique.  Her collection is of such outstanding quality and beauty for Bridal, Bridesmaids, and Social occasion dresses.

Sincerely,

Fran

Sheer Brilliance, A Testimonial from the Land Down Under

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for not only your divine dress but your superb  help and encouragement during my recent Australian wedding, As you already know I made the HUGE mistake of ordering a dress online. What showed up was nothing like the pictures; it was ill fitting, totally different fabric than was promised. so after a good few hours in tears I came to the conclusion I had wasted my money and there was no way I was wearing this monstrosity. I had spoken to our marriage celebrant Heather Thiele (another god send) who had recommended Collezione Fortuna. Obviously I was cautious about buying overseas again but once I started communicating with this fashion expert I knew I was in safe hand.  She spent hours sending me pictures, emailing designs, and after a few days I had found my perfect dress! Cathy had done it! She listened to what I wanted, took into account that I was a tall skinny thing who had a slight idea of what I imagined myself to look like, But this woman looked at my photos and she came up with the most perfect stunning dress I have ever seen, The price was also very nice and because she knew I had wasted so much money already she kindly looked after me there as well.

As promised my stunning dress arrived in perfect condition exactly like the pictures and exactly what was described only better! Being an Australian Bride I knew that NO-One would have anything similar to what I had so that made me feel even more special.

Walking down the aisle to marry the man I knew I would always love was the best day of my life. I heard the gasp of delight as guests -- even strangers (beach wedding strangers always stop & look) commented on how stunning my dress was, One stranger came up to me and said “ I am sorry I don’t know you but every weekend I watch weddings here on the beach and in the 18 years I have lived here I have never seen a more stunning bride- your dress is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen". I cannot recommend this Cathy and Collezione Fortuna highly enough. I would 100 % recommend purchasing your gown from this magical woman and for all you overseas buyers do not be scared this was the best decision apart from agreeing to marry my now husband I have ever made.

I will also be purchasing all my special events gowns from Cathy because I know I will always get the best quality the best service and best dress possible.

Thank you for helping me create a memory that will last a life time.

Best Wishes,

Rachael Faraj

Bridal Trends Spring 2012

It's no surprise that when it comes to all things fashion, the US is usually, unfortunately, at least two years behind the European trendsetters. But the latest trend rolling in from across the pond was well worth the wait! Ladies and gentlemen, the latest style for bridal couture  going forward is (drum roll, please): pale pale pastel wedding gowns! Yes, that's right, NOT white wedding gowns! 

As young people are waiting longer and longer to tie the knot, and brides are getting married in their late 20's and early 30's, the traditional white or ivory wedding gowns are no longer the only hues thought of as traditional and acceptable. Another great reason to go with a pale pastel color for the big day: this might not be a bride's first marriage, and wearing a colored dress may feel more appropriate.

Alas, if a bride is to go the traditional route and wear a white or ivory gown, we will not see the as much "bling" as we have seen before. No, the days of bejeweled gowns may have passed for now, but there is an element of fabulousness that comes in an entirely different form. We are talking serious amount of lace, ruffles, beads, feathers, and gorgeous fabrics such as taffeta, organza, and satin.

The venue, location, and budget for the big day all greatly effect what a bride will choose to wear for her wedding, but no matter what she chooses as her special dress, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of options in color or style for the modern bride.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST BRIDAL "BLACK FRIDAY" SALES EVENT AT 

COLLEZIONE FORTUNA!

This sale will take place on Friday 11/25/2011 from 11am-6pm, Saturday 11/26/2011 from 11am-6pm, and Sunday 11/27/2011 from 11:3-4pm.

THE FIRST 10 BRIDES TO MAKE A PURCHASE ON THEIR BRIDAL GOWN DURING THIS SALE WILL RECEIVE $125.00 OFF THEIR BRIDAL GOWN!

*This special offer is limited to in-stock items only* 

We will be giving a SURPRISE GIFT as a

our way of saying "THANK YOU" for shopping with us.

An additional discount of 10% will be given at time of purchase for those purchases made with CASH. No checks or credit cards payments will qualify for the additional discount.

This special sale also applies to  dresses for Mothers of the Occasion and Evening Dresses in stock at regular prices.

*Special orders and sale items are not eligible for these special offers*

Call to schedule your appointment today!

831.626.1287

Buongiorno!

Welcome to the fabulous new blog of Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique, the most lovely of bridal destination shopping venues on the Monterey Peninsula! We are located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, nestled perfectly in a European-style courtyard called the Su Vecino Courtyard. We offer beautiful gowns for many different occasions: cocktail dresses for that swanky dinner party you've got planned, couture wedding gowns for the bride who wants to sparkle and glow on her special day, as well as a beautiful selection of bridesmaids dresses and elegant ensembles for the mothers of the bride and groom. If you've got a special, glamorous engagement to attend, Collezione Fortuna is your dream come true for all things gorgeous and fashionable.
Follow us here on our new blog as we keep you up to date on all the latest news in the bridal and special occasion world!

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Grazie,
CF