This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on February 19th with Star of  TLC’s Something Borrowed Something New Sam Saboura.  The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Sam Saboura has made his mark as a top stylist and as television’s original makeover authority. He believes that style should be approachable, unintimidating, and easy to understand—as much for the real person as for the high-profile celebrity.

He launched his professional career as the personal shopper at the famed Fred Segal, LA’s most exclusive specialty store. For several years, he remained Hollywood’s best-kept secret, dressing many of the world’s most visible stars—including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt—who came to rely on his extraordinary eye and impeccable sense of style.

In 2003, Saboura joined the cast of ABC’s Extreme Makeover. As the host of this international hit series, he led an elite team of professionals who transformed the looks—and lives—of individuals throughout the country.

His latest venture is hosting TLC’s hit wedding show Something Borrowed, Something New, the latest addition to the network’s bridal lineup and an overnight success. The show addresses the classic wedding dilemma: should the bride wear a beloved family heirloom or buy a new dress that fits her own sense of style? Saboura takes the bride shopping for the contemporary gown of her dreams, and she ultimately must make the highly emotional choice between borrowed and new. “This is the most important dress a woman will ever wear,” states Saboura, “so the pressure and excitement are sky high. My job is to help the bride look and feel like the ultimate version of herself…to give her that spectacular red-carpet moment every woman should have on her wedding day.”

Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday nights at 10/9c on TLC.

 

Q1:  How did you know that you had a passion for style ?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I knew from a young age that I was fascinated with fashion and style. My mom was very stylish and chic.  She had great taste, so I was always surrounded by beautiful things. I would say style was a natural thing for me, and a way to express myself and my creativity.

 

Q2: What was it like to be the host of ABC’s hit series #ExtremeMakeover? 

Answer:

Sam Saboura: It was amazing! It was my first job on camera. I got to help real people look and feel special, so fulfilling. It was also one of the hardest jobs ever. I learned so much and it set the tone for the rest of my career. I was so lucky to have that experience.

@TOJEvents Why was it the hardest job?

Sam Saboura: Long hours and tons of work, Reality TV was new then so it was challenging, lots of lessons. It was like school!

 

 

You have dressed many of the world’s most visible stars—including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt. 

Q3: How did you become the host of Something Borrowed, Something New on @TLC?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I had already done a show a few years back for TLC, so I was thrilled when they called me in for #SBSN. They had shot a pilot presentation and when it went series they asked me to come in for the stylist role. I have lots of experience with bridal and I’m obsessed with wedding gowns so it was a perfect fit.

 

 

Q4: How does a bride decide whether to wear a beloved family heirloom or buy a new dress that fits her own sense of style?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: It’s a very tough decision almost every time and so emotional for them. What you see on #sbsn is real. No one expected it to be emotional and moving and that’s why I think everyone loves the show so much. The dress is a very emotional component of the wedding and adding mom and her dress makes it more so.

 

Q5: How do you decide if the refining a beloved family heirloom is the right choice for the bride?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: There is always pressure from the family once the idea comes up but the decision is the bride’s and mom’s. @kellynishimoto has the harder job because there is already an emotional connection to the dress. She has to go easy on the dress for the moms and totally reimagine it for the bride, it’s tough!

 

Q6: How do you find brides for Something Borrowed, Something New on @TLC?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: They submit themselves to @TLC somethingborrowedcasting@gmail.com we are casting season 3 right now! We love great dresses and great stories. Big personalities are always fun too and make for a great show.

 

Q7:  What are some of your favorite bridal gown trends this year?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: Loving lace still. I love sleeves cap and long & dramatic backs. I love a shot of color like pale pink. I’ve been feeling column gowns lately and straighter styles, the back of the dress is very important. The shorter dresses are great for the right affair and I love all the floral elements and embellishments.

 

Q8: What tips do you have for brides trying to find that perfect gown?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: Have a game plan but be open to something unexpected. Never have tunnel vision try something out of your comfort zone or the opposite of what you think you want you may be surprised. Only bring 1 or 2 people along who support you and stay true to yourself, it’s your dress and your day.

 

Q9: How did you get TV networks interested in having you as a host?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I keep myself on camera in some way, plus I have lots of real hands on experience so I’m not just a host. I take general meetings to stay in the network’s eye and try to keep my brand relevant. Often they will come to us when they have something that suits my experience, I have been lucky that way.

 

Q10: What tips do you have for wedding pros that would like to host or be featured on TV?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I think social media is a hugely important tool. You MUST have a strong presence on SM experience helps. You should shoot webisodes and build your brand so people can access you and see your talent. Being in NY or LA certainly helps too–I’m not going to lie, but with SM everyone is closer nowadays.

 

Q11: How do you think the 86th Academy Awards in March will inspire bridal fashion this year?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I think brides love to look at the stars and the red carpet for trends that can inspire their big day. Every bride should feel that special and have that same moment and feeling the stars do at the Oscars. It’s a great place to look and be inspired but be realistic about how the trends can apply to you.

 

You have written a book called: Sam Saboura’s Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies

Q12: What tips do you have for wedding pros on what they should wear when they meet with their brides or clients?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: Your clothing makes a first impression and in our world you should always look crisp and like a pro. If you take your look seriously others will take you seriously and they will trust you more readily. Look great but keep it about your client. Don’t compete with them it’s their day not yours.

 

Q13: How should wedding pros find their personal style for meeting clients and working on the day of the wedding?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I collect images of looks I love or have a feeling about and then revisit them when I need a new idea. You should look clean and confident, strong. Always add something personal that becomes your signature.

 

Q14: How do you handle your social media on a weekly basis?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I collect all my images, ideas and articles every Sunday and then post them throughout the week. It’s very time consuming but inspiring and fun, so I’m always learning and growing my repertoire.

 

Q15: Do you have any events or interesting projects coming up?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: Yes! We are about to start shooting Season 3 of #SBSN which is very exciting. I’m proud of how it’s doing. I am continuing to contribute for The Today Show which is fun and consulting for a local fashion company. I have some other fun projects you’ll be hearing about soon, just don’t want to jinx anything.

 

Q16: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I hope everyone had fun and learned something! I love connecting with new people and sharing my work. We’re casting Season 3 of #SBSN on @tlc right now! Please visit http://tlc.com/casting  for more and send us your brides!! Thank you to @weddingmarket for having me for your live chat!! So much fun today xoxox #weddingmarket #sbsn

 

 

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @SweetestEvents_  What happens to the “Something Borrowed Dress if the Bride does not pick it?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : We give them back to the bride but only after the wedding has occured! So no temptation to wear it.

 

2. @MariellOnline  What advice do you have for brides dealing w/ family pressure, re: the dress or anything else?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : Its the brides day! Everyone should always keep that in mind. Egos and agendas should not get in the way!

 

3. @FiggieShoes  What do you do when a bride has 5 pairs of shoes she’s planning to change into and they’re different heel heights?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : Murder her!! hahahah You can tailor the dress to the middle most height and she will have to wing it for the rest of the shoe looks! I am a huge fan of heels but everyone hates me for it!

 

4. @TOJEvents What advice can you give to someone new to the industry?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : Post consistently on SM so your have a strong presence and people come to rely on your posts taste and experience!

 

5. @SweetestEvents_  How long does it take to tape a episode of #SBSN?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : Each show takes about 3-days to shoot but we stack them because of all the work on the dresses!! We shoot about 4 in a week its grueling but so much fun!

 

6. @SweetPea_Bloss  How do you suggest to avoid ‘time wasters’ or people wanting your time and effort for free #dilema

Answer:

Sam Saboura : Every client presents potential work I think you have to be patient and sell it a little bit. You never know.

 

7. @BridalBalance What do you think of having your color palette done to see which colors look best on your skin tone?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : It can be semi-helpful but its my pet peeve! Because it rules out so many colors that could work!

@BridalBalance Interesting. So maybe the way you style a color can help it look better for someone?

Sam Saboura: Skin and hair play a huge role for sure, makeup as well, I think one has to be open and not rule a color out!

 

8. @LiLinspirations  What’s the best way to contact/connect and network with celebrity wedding planners? How would I reach out to them?

Answer:

Sam Saboura :  Via social media or their webpages I guess? Twitter and Facebook are quite open for communication

 

9. @Stand_Out_Style  What is your favorite part of your job?

Answer:

Sam Saboura : I love the dresses and I love finding the one. I also love that moment that takes the brides breath away

 

10. @SweetestEvents_   What do you think about the Pantone Color of the year? #radiantorchid

Answer:

Sam Saboura : I am so OVER it already!! Ahahah everyone will not stop saying radiant orchid!! it’s too much. It’s nothing that new! lol
There are so many other gorgeous colors of the season, don’t get caught up in all the radiant orchid hype!

 

11. @SweetestEvents_ What are you favorite colors, in regards to weddings ( Favorite Color Combos)?

Answer:

Sam Saboura: I really like to plan colors by the season! I love mixing unqiue colors and tones. I look at succulents for color a lot.  I really like to plan colors by the season! I love mixing unqiue colors and tones. I look at succulents for color a lot