Lauren’s Custom Blue Wedding Dress Journey

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 envisioned a wedding gown 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.

After her and Steven’s wedding, our creative bride shared these glorious pictures and how she created the blue wedding dress of her dreams below!

blue wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via Berry Bridge Bridal | photographer: Sophia Joël Photography, second shooter AP Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

The Spark of Inspiration

From the beginning, I knew my wedding gown had to be as unique as the journey that led me to this moment. At 44, saying “yes” to the love of my life, Steven, I was determined to express our story uniquely and beautifully. Steven adores my curves, so a gown that celebrated this with a fitted bodice and hips was essential. More than anything, I wanted colors that spoke more profoundly than the traditional white or ivory—colors that would make an edgy, yet elegant statement. Inspired by my Catholic faith and the serene beauty of Missouri’s skies, I chose a sky blue, reminiscent of crystal-clear waters and Marian representations. This decision was as personal as it was aesthetic, guided by the blue rosary I’ve cherished over the years.

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.