Trusting the Custom Dress Process
Creating a dress from scratch is a labor of love and hope. Since almost all the garments we buy are off the rack, trusting the process can be a huge exercise in, well, trust. It can be a challenge to not worry about whether the gown you pictured and designed will materialize!
Lauren’s Dream Dress Comes to Life
Lauren envisioned a classic, elegant wedding dress whose color reflected the skies above Missouri and her faith and celebrated her curves. Her dress journey led her to Berrybridge Bridal, where she leapt into creating a custom dress—one that made her feel like her most beautiful and confident self and looked amazing.
Lauren generously shared more about the inspiration behind her wedding dress and what it was like to bring her vision to life in collaboration with Berrybridge Bridal and Lea-Ann Belter, along with her glorious pictures!:
The Spark of Inspiration
Design and Collaboration
My quest for the perfect gown took me to Berrybridge Bridal in Clayton, Missouri, where the concept of a custom gown turned my dream into a potential reality. “You are creating art,” said my bridal consultant as I mixed and matched elements from different gowns, draped in the fabrics that would soon define my wedding day look. The design process was a deep dive into what I loved and what didn’t resonate with me in traditional wedding gowns. We communicated with sketches and fabric swatches, translating every preference into the language of design. The moment I was presented with the designer’s sketch was transformative; I had never felt so understood.
Materializing the Vision
Choosing the right fabric became a mission to capture the exact shade of blue that filled my dreams. After comparing seven swatches of various blue Mikado fabrics, none felt right until I revisited the original taffeta swatch. Its buttery soft texture and lustrous response to light captured the essence of what I had envisioned. The final design included a burnout lace organza overskirt, featuring a subtle rose pattern that perfectly complemented the taffeta, creating an effect like the peaceful sky against a serene landscape.
Final Touches
As the gown took shape, a suggestion from the seamstress added an unexpected and delightful detail—a belted bow made from leftover fabric. This asymmetric, one-loop bow became the artful centerpiece of my gown, encapsulating the creative spirit of the entire endeavor. During the final fitting, as I saw the completed gown, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was more than a dress; it was a masterpiece, eliciting tears of joy and admiration from everyone who saw it.
Reflection and Impact
Wearing my custom Lea-Ann Belter gown on my wedding day, I felt radiant and truly myself. The gown not only made a visual impact but also a profound emotional one, reflecting my journey, faith, and the natural beauty that inspires me. To brides considering a custom gown, I say: embrace the opportunity to express your deepest desires and personality. The process is as rewarding as the final reveal.
Lauren + Steven's St. Louis Wedding Vendors
blue wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via Berry Bridge Bridal | photographer: Sophia Joël Photography, second shooter AP Photography | wedding planner: Enchanting Weddings & Events | venue: The Lodge at Boulder Lake | veil: Toni Federici Veils | bridal earrings: Anne-Marie Designs | suit: J Ferrar | florals: Elegant Floral Design | stationery: Pratto Paper Shop | caterer: HoneyBadger Grill | cake: Dianne Henrikson – Brides Mother | DJ: Complete Weddings + Events St. Louis | videographer: Notable Imagery | officiant: The Honorable Mike Jacobs | watercolor artists: Andrew and Nathan Thompson
Were You a Lea-Ann Belter Bride?
We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.
