David Tutera

For season four of My Fair Wedding, the fabulous David Tutera is back to lend his magic touch to brides whose wedding vision has gone off-track. Within the first three episodes he's confronted by over-the-top glam with the Superstar Bride and a black wedding gown with the Wonderland Bride—yes, as in Alice and Wonderland. He has been as busy as ever lately, but he took some time to answer a few questions for Windy City Times.

WCT: (Windy City Times) What has been the most interesting vision from a bride from the new season so far?

DT: (David Tutera) That is a tough call. We have had some really fun fairy-tale themes, and a destination theme, too. But I would say that the most interesting vision this season was the one with an automotive flair.

WCT: What do you look forward to in meeting each new bride and being introduced to her ideas for her wedding?

DT: Being part of any bride's wedding is a privilege, and it's always exciting to learn about her vision. Since every bride and every couple has their own story, I always look forward to catching up and taking their plans forward.

WCT: Do you have any idea what you're going to find when you walk through her door?

DT: Never! The brides on my show have never ceased to surprise me. From fake tattoos to black wedding gowns, there is never a dull meeting with a new bride.

WCT: I've always noticed on the show that although you may not be crazy about a bride's chosen theme, you always make sure that her general ideas are kept intact, just made more fabulous. How do you take brides' out-there themes and turn them into a gorgeous and sophisticated event that still embodies their personality and their vision for their wedding?

DT: The trick really is editing and only incorporating an outrageous theme in small doses, and in the most elegant way possible. As you may have seen on the show, I may use her original colors, or sneak it in through the menu, the cake design or even the favors. These are subtle ways of telling her story, while making sure the event still feels like a gorgeous wedding.

WCT: Recently, the Illinois state legislature passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Now that more states are legalizing same-sex marriage or civil unions do you think you'll do a gay or lesbian wedding on the show?

DT: While I have no hand in the casting process, it would be my honor to plan a same-sex couple wedding on the show.

WCT: What advice do you have for LGBT couples in states that don't allow same-sex marriage, but they still want to celebrate their love with a commitment ceremony?

DT: Love is something that should be celebrated and if a couple chooses to do that through a ceremony or party, I advise them to do whatever feels natural and comfortable for them. They can make it feel as much or as little like a traditional wedding as they choose, including or excluding any elements they would like to. Like all weddings, this day is about the couple and their story.

WCT: How do you hope your new book, My Fair Wedding, will help couples plan their dream wedding without the benefit of your personal assistance?

DT: The new book really breaks wedding planning down by wedding lessons within each chapter and covers everything from timelines and logistics to fashion and accessories. I think for fans, it will be an even greater help to be able to relate the knowledge taught in the book to what they saw on the show and really bring the lessons to life.

WCT: So what do you feel that you learn from each new bride and each new extraordinary wedding?

DT: With all of the new themes I am presented with, I feel that my creativity is always challenged, which I love. My brides have taught me a lot about heart as well. They are all real women with amazing stories. In some cases, as with cowboy boots and cake toppers, my brides have even taught me lessons about wedding elements I would have completely disliked before I met them.

WCT: I saw on the supermodel bride episode that you have new gorgeous gowns that will be launched for the David Tutera by Faviana line. When should brides expect to see them?

DT: I am so pleased to report that many of the new styles are already hitting stores now and the rest will be following shortly.

WCT: You've accomplished so much already in the wonderful world of weddings: the show, your many books, David Tutera by Faviana, STEM by David Tutera. What's your next step?

DT: As you can probably tell, I love weddings, and I feel very blessed to be able to work with them in so many capacities. There are many new projects and collaborations I have in the works with the goal always being to help my brides walk down the aisle in style. Building upon the success of my wedding gown collection, I will be launching a bridal craft and fine bridal jewelry line in early 2011.

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera returns to WE TV Jan. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. His new book, My Fair Wedding, will be released Jan. 11. To keep up with Tutera in the meantime, visit http://www.davidtutera.com.

Interview by Kristin Kowalski for Windy City Times.