Making Aleah’s Woodland Nymph Wedding Gown

Making The Gown:

Aleah is brilliant. She is no-nonsense, and she is practical. She is also drop-dead gorgeous!

When I got the invitation to design and create Aleah’s wedding gown, I knew it was going to be special. If I was designing her gown for a runway show, I would have put her in heavy silk taffeta with an ultra-fitted bodice and drop waist with yards and yards of skirt because the woman’s legs go for miles! But all that stuffy hubbub is not for Aleah. Comfort and simplicity are important to her. She has known since she was a little girl that she wanted to get married barefoot in the woods with flowers in her hair.

So, for my beautiful woodland fairy nymph, I designed a gown inspired by who Aleah is. This is my favorite part of my job because it allows me to draw inspiration that is as fresh and unique as a single snowflake. There are enough heavy silk ballgowns inspired by flowers and architecture and the like, but there’s never been a gown made that was inspired by the sweet & strong combination of traits at Miss Aleah Hard.

Aleah knew she wanted simple, but she also wanted lots of textures in her skirt. I pulled out my sample collection of silk chiffons and she selected one that is heat pressed into a lovely crinkled pattern and another that is flocked with tiny Swiss Dots.

The crinkled silk was a touch too bright white when it arrived, so I gave it a super quick dip in a tea bath to bring out more natural color.

On my last buying trip to New York City, I picked up some lace for Aleah in the garment district. I thought we might use it for the bodice, but when we started getting the whole design together, we opted to keep the bodice simple with a heavy crepe fabric and use the busier lace for the smallest panel of the skirt. Because it’s the top tier, the structure of the lace also helps the whole skirt to flare out a little extra and emphasize a tiny waist.

We had played with the idea of a drop waist bodice, but ultimately, the woodland fairies told us to keep things simple and let the luxurious fabrics do all the talking. We were not to do anything that would hinder the flow of the skirt.

As with any custom gown, I started with a sketch. Upon approval, I used Aleah’s measurements to draft a “mock-up” pattern for the gown. When it fits perfectly, I cut out the gown and started the construction process.

Aleah opted for two straps to help add a little interest to the top, and I was able to find the perfect boho-braided trim to use to add more texture to the bodice and tie in the woodland theme.

Studio Shoot with Elizabeth Stone Photography

Aleah was the last custom bride I took on for 2023, so I told her I would get the dress made but it would be the week before her wedding before I had time! Thankfully she trusted me to get the job done, and the day before her wedding, she came in to pick up her dress and take some photos in the Elizabeth Stone studio next door.

Her mother and Mother in Law both arrived as we were getting started and both immediately burst into tears at seeing Aleah in her wedding gown. “It’s exactly what I pictured you in!.” Her mother said with a sniffle. “It’s so You.”

It was all big smiles after that from Aleah while we snapped the last few photos and she swirled and twirled in her whispering silk skirt.

Watching her skip out the door, garment bag in hand, heart bursting with anticipation, was one of the greatest moments of my summer. Aleah felt 100% herself in her gown, and my work was done.

The Woodland Wedding

If anyone was ever ready to say “I do.” It was Aleah.

Alex and I pulled into the quiet county park and took our seats as the 7 PM sunset started to paint the trees golden. The air smelled like August’s warm blackberries on the vine. A creek bubbled in the background.

There was a short procession of bridesmaids and groomsmen in greens and browns, followed by a parting in the trees that birthed a true woodland nymph of a bride. Her long wavy hair was topped with a crown of flowers that could have easily been plucked from the nearby meadow that very evening. She was barefoot and smiling and proud to kiss her new groom at the end of the ceremony, with one single gold band supporting one single diamond on her finger. A beautiful symbol of unity, sans frills.

The two dashed off for a private foot-washing ceremony before joining the reception for music and dancing that lasted deep into the late summer coolness of night.

The two shared a first dance that lasted well into the fourth song, with others coming and going, without them seeing anything but each other. It was the sweetest moment.

There were no bells and whistles to this woodland ceremony. The couple dropped every tradition that we’ve created to make a fuss, leaving only the sacred moments that focus on what marriage is all about.

I was honored to be there and honored to create a garment worthy of such a sacred day.

Could Aleah have found a simple boho wedding gown off the rack? Surely yes. But She never would have found a gown with every perfect Aleah detail that made the gown 100% hers. From the quality of the fabric to the delicate balance of simplicity and structure, we created something special for her that was as unique as she is. She was comfortable. She was beautiful. My work was done and I was so rewarded by seeing the gown in action, swirling and dancing to the exact preconceived woodland dreams of a little girl turned fairy nymph of a bride.

Wedding Photos by Elizabeth Stone Photography