Vanessa was a bride who wasn’t afraid of pushing the boundaries of tradition and doing things her way: confident, headstrong and decisive.
She wanted a very clean, no-fuss gown in one fabric and one colour, so we chose a super-smooth silk dupion, soft enough to volumise the skirt and structured enough for the bodice. I created a high-waisted fitted bodice gathered to one side for softness at the bust, fine shoestring straps and a full princess skirt. We hand-beaded a headband for her high bun, and she wore blue sparkly shoes for her something blue.
One day during a fitting she said, “I want to trash the dress.” My heart sank, until she explained she meant diving into the ocean with the photographer in the water. I paused for a second and thought: why not? This is the only time you can do it. She was thrilled with my support, and I was happy she had the courage to do what she really wanted.
Catherine Colubriale
