She wanted one look for her "first look" and reception and an entirely separate look for the ceremony. Let me share how our collaboration went........but first, let me share a picture of Alex from this past weekend!
This is her ceremony look. Isn't it gorgeous? Very romantic, feminine and dramatic! Just what she had hoped for.


When I did that, she absolutely loved it! It truly transformed the gown and gave her the additional waistline accent she was looking for. Understated, but elegant.
Lowering the back bodice and creating more of a "v" shape, was also transformative. It really showed off Alex's back and created a much more flattering line for her. And of course, by removing those bodice pieces I now had the sequins I needed to repair the bare areas where they had completely fallen off the gown...I replaced the straps with new ivory rattail and the gown looked amazing!
At that same initial meeting, we began chatting about her vision for an overskirt.....when she originally reached out to me she shared a couple pictures of a tulle overskirt....but, once I saw the sequined gown she landed on and we chatted more about how she and her fiance' envisioned their wedding day, I knew she needed something much more dramatic....... Enter the large organza overskirt!




Once the horsehair was in place, I began pinning the 20 lace appliques into place. Doing this while it was on my dressform allowed me to strategically place them where they would best accent the folds and curves of the piece.
I chose to go with ivory organza and off white appliques. It truly looked gorgeous with Alex's gown. Depending on how the light hit the sequins, they could look ivory or off white. I would say they were more of an opal color, so everything blended together beautifully.......
There was a lot of handstitching involved with the appliques and I also tacked some of the folds of the skirt per Alex's request so that her gown was pretty well camoflauged underneath the skirt.
I have to say, I am thrilled with how this turned out! I often tell people that the art of garment creation can sometimes require some engineering. One that doesn't take as much math skill, thank goodness!, but it's an engineering feat none-the-less to get to the end result.
and....for me, there's nothing more rewarding than "nailing" a design....which in the end makes for a very happy bride. And Alex......she melted my heart.....the first time she tried it on she got misty eyed and asked if she could give me a hug. Whoa! That's the best feeling ever!!
Some of you know I have my "wall of fame" in my studio. Canvases of some of my favorite gowns that I've designed and created over the years. Unfortunately, I don't have the room to put them all up....but this one will definitely be added.
Here's one more look at this beautiful bride........I'll have tons more pictures, but since I've been dying to share this with you.....I had to snag just a couple from the photographer's "sneak peek" collection.
Congratulations Alex and Kevin. Cheers to a strong, happy and healthy marriage!
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