When I met Tosca Clark, she was working for Peggy Andrews at Unique Bride and had just started coordinating weddings. As her own business took off, she left her job at the bridal salon and took along her experience with bridal couture, a big plus for her brides. Over the years, Tosca's Productions has become one of the acclaimed wedding coordination businesses in the Greater Bay Area. Her expertise was sought after, and Tosca was asked to speak at conventions and business meetings. I, too, trusted her immensely and asked her to be in charge of writing an edition of my guide books, By Recommendation Only.

When Peggy wanted to retire, she couldn't think of a more qualified person to take over her business. On January 1, 2008, Tosca took ownership of The Unique Bride. Now it is just the opposite -- Tosca brings are wedding planning experience to the salon. She knows what brides prefer, and takes the time of day and the venue into consideration. She senses the bride's comfort level and knows how they will look at the end of the event.

Her selection ranges from elegantly traditional to uniquely cutting edge. Her reputation for sophisticated elegance and her understanding of fashion attract the discriminating bride with a sense of style. The unique look carries over to Tosca's large debutante business.

Full of energy, Tosca has already held several trunk shows this year and hasn't wasted any time getting exclusive rights to designers Jenny Lee and James Clifford. She added items such as foundations for the dresses, several lines of shoes, and exquisite accessories and veils. Three longtime, expert seamstresses are onsite to alter dresses in a short time. Attractive robes are placed in the changing rooms for your comfort. Several plain and beaded sleeves can show how a gown can be custom made. Larger brides will find a few larger sizes in different cuts, so they can actually see themselves in a dress.

Tosca's staff takes superior care of their customers. They are passionate about their gowns and go the extra mile to serve the savvy bride with discriminating taste. "Many become friends by the time the wedding rolls around. It isn't surprising when brides ask our consultants to be guests at their wedding," Tosca told me.

It takes about half a year from the initial consultation to the final pickup of the gown, which is pressed and carefully preserved in white, non-woven, breathable garment bags with golden imprint. Each purchase is accompanied by a small gift.