I truly cannot say enough about my experience with Tutu and Ninos Tailoring. I honestly almost cried at my final fitting because I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and relief.
Three weeks before my wedding, the tailor I had trusted completely backed out after keeping my dress for weeks. She told me my gown was too complicated, would take over 8 weeks to alter, and would cost more than $1,000 because of the intricate beading and construction. She said it would practically have to be reconstructed.
I panicked.
I spent an entire day driving around Orange County visiting several highly-rated alteration shops, and every single one told me some version of the same thing: it was too difficult, the beading would have to be compromised, the train might need to change, or it would cost an outrageous amount. By the time I walked into Ninos, I was emotionally exhausted and expecting another "no."
The shop itself is very unassuming, tucked away in an older office building. I'll admit I was skeptical. After visiting large, well-known shops with multiple seamstresses, I didn't think this little tailor shop would be the one to save my wedding dress.
I have never been happier to be wrong.
From the moment I met Tutu and her husband, they made me feel welcome. They are one of the sweetest couples I've ever met. Tutu immediately noticed how stressed I was. She closed the blinds for privacy, turned the AC up because I was sweating from anxiety, and simply let me breathe.
Then she confidently looked at my dress and said she could do it.
Not only could she do it--she could do ALL of it.
She took my waist in 4 inches, altered my bust so it fit perfectly, hemmed SEVEN layers of dress, added a bustle, resized my detachable sleeves, added buttons to hold them in place, and worked around intricate beading that every other shop acted like was impossible.
Her price?
$600.
After being quoted over $1,000 and told it couldn't realistically be done, I honestly wanted to hug her.
I'll admit, I was still nervous. Every time I repeated what the other shops had warned me about, Tutu would simply smile, wave her hand, and say, "It's okay. I got it." She never dismissed my fears--only the negativity. Her confidence was incredibly comforting.
Then she somehow completed everything in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.
I dropped my dress off on a Friday. She wanted me back by Tuesday. I ended up going Thursday, less than a week later, and my dress already fit like an absolute glove. I only requested one tiny adjustment in the bust, and a few days later it was completely finished.
When I picked it up, I cried.
My bust had originally been several sizes too large, and I was convinced there was no way to make it look natural without reconstructing the dress. Tutu worked literal magic. There was no gaping, no awkward pulling, and no visible evidence of the alterations. It looked like the dress had been custom made for me.
She also preserved the beautiful train that everyone else wanted to compromise. She even gave me FOUR different alteration options, carefully explained the pros and cons of each, and helped me choose what would look best. She genuinely cared about doing the job the right way--not the easiest way.
On my wedding day I received so many compliments on how perfectly my dress fit.
Before I left, she also took the time to show me exactly how to fasten the bustle, put on my sleeves correctly, and care for the dress so nothing would get damaged. That level of care meant so much.
I almost didn't come here because I saw one negative bridal review. I obviously can't speak to someone else's experience, but mine could not have been more different. I brought in a $4,000 wedding gown that multiple professionals considered nearly impossible, and Tutu handled it with incredible skill, kindness, patience, and professionalism.
Every time I visited, the shop was busy. I saw sheriff uniforms, men's clothing, everyday alterations, and multiple wedding dresses waiting to be worked on. It's obvious people trust her.
I'm writing this review because, when I was in complete wedding panic, I desperately wished another bride had shared a story like mine.
If you're reading this while stressed, overwhelmed, or wondering if your dress can be saved, please go see Tutu.
When I dropped my dress off, I told my family, "This is either going to be the biggest diamond in the rough or I just paid to have my wedding dress destroyed."
I'm so thankful to say it was absolutely the diamond in the rough.
Thank you, Tutu. You didn't just alter my dress--you genuinely made my wedding day possible. Your kindness calmed me during one of the most stressful moments of wedding planning, and your talent exceeded every expectation I had. I will recommend Ninos to every bride, friend, and family member I know. read more