When I met Sara I immediately knew she was sassy. In the best possible way. I knew her wedding gown was going to be spectacular and NOT white. She was inspired by her favorite colors, pink and black. I was inspired by her dry humor. The design session produced this sketch.

50 yards of pink tulle and 50 yards of black tulle were ordered, along with black lace and all the lining, boning and sequin. I set to work on the pattern and creating her muslin for her first fitting.

Fit was adjusted and length determined. Sara asked if I could make a bolero jacket for the ceremony so her grandmother wouldn’t be upset by bare shoulders. I asked Sara how Grandmother was going to feel about a pink and black wedding gown. Sara just gave me a sly smile and a shrug. At least that is my memory.

It took some math and engineering to create the tulle layers on the skirt with the correct degree of color gradient from pink to black. It also rquired a very specially crafted crinoline that would hold all the tulle tiers out in the trumpet style she wanted. Next I had to “sculpt” the tulle on the bodice to have it ruche in ways that tulle doesn’t want to ruche. Black lace was added. Sequins and beads were sewn on for pizazz (as if Sara needed any) and presto! Many, many hours, days later, Sara’s incredible gown was ready.

Sara missed her pick up appointment the day before the wedding because she was having emergency surgery. But she could NOT be kept from going to her own wedding. She showed up here the morning of her wedding and picked up her gown. She got married and said she had a fabulous time (according to those around her, she doesn’t remember much).

Never get in the way of a determined bride.