Ericka Engelman

I had a very limited selection of dresses to choose from because I was set on getting a long-​sleeved gown with some spice. So, when I found a long-​sleeved all lace Israeli-​designed (Berta Bridal) dress that was almost what I wanted (but still needed a lot tweaking), I knew I needed to find an amazing seamstress.
I started to research the alterations recommendations that the bridal boutique suggested, but they had ~3.5 stars with some scary reviews. Then I asked my wedding planner if she knew of anyone and she immediately responded with Ericka’s contact info. She gave her a glowing review, but I was hesitant because I live in Redwood City and she’s out of Salinas. Nevertheless, I contacted Ericka and told her what I was thinking and wanted to get her perspective. She was very thorough and patient throughout the entire process. I’ve posted the photos below of Ericka’s work, which included replacing all of the lace/​appliqué along the neckline and back of the dress with a completely different lace, changing the belled sleeves to a fitted style with buttons, removing the strap along the top of the back of the dress and replacing it with a strap along my lower back, buttons down the entire back of the dress, and the normal hemming and fitting of the sleeves.
I am an EXTREMELY picky person that focuses on the most unnecessary of details. I also don’t work well with sales-​y people that try to convince me that I’ll like something that I’m on the fence about. Ericka understood my neurosis, and — even though she provided me with many suggestions and her honest opinion — she wanted to make sure I was happy. I mean, how many seamstresses would drive to my hotel (from Salinas to Carmel) the afternoon before the wedding to add some more lace to the dress? All of my married bridesmaids were floored when she showed up and got right to work.
Ericka also designed and made my cathedral length veil… I seriously wish I could wear it every day.
If you are questionable at all about who you should choose as a seamstress, I can’t tell you enough that your search should end with Ericka. She is worth her weight in gold.

Ericka creates beautiful designs, knows her craft, & is a true professional. I am the first to admit that I was not the easiest client; I bought a dress from Ericka in 2010 but didn’t end up wearing it until 2013, so we worked together for 3 years! During this time Ericka deconstructed & reconstructed the dress into my dream wedding dress. Her craftsmanship was impeccable, it was fitted to a tee, & I didn’t know I could be so in love with a bustle. Thanks again, Ericka, for your patience, care, & creating my dream wedding dress!

Erika fitted and altered my wedding dress and I could not have been happier with her work — she did such a beautiful job! I went to her by recommendation of my wedding planner. Erika was flawless in her execution, and she was a joy to work with (she often stayed past her closing hour to accommodate my schedule, as I was coming down from San Francisco). She also held my mom’s dresses for the wedding weekend a month prior to the wedding, and steamed them on the wedding day.
I would recommend Erika to anyone getting married in the area — she is wonderfully talented!

Love her styles, love the fabrics, love her! I modeled for Ericka in SF and her collection is incredible. She has such attention to detail. I’d suggest her to anyone!

Love this place. She altered my wedding dress (referral from my best friend) and I have taken everything to her since. They are so helpful and professional. She makes beautiful designs that she has on display in her store.