Josselyn’s Celestial-Themed Wedding Gown: A Custom Design for a Dream Day at McMenamins Edgefield

Oct 22

When Josselyn came to me with her vision for a celestial-themed wedding, I knew we were about to create something truly magical. Her custom bridal gown featured 50 yards of glitter and star tulle, with details that reflected both her love for the stars and her unique personal style. From the detachable flutter sleeves to the cathedral-length blusher veil with silver edging, each piece was designed to not only fit her theme but also make her feel radiant and confident on her big day.

Josselyn's journey was especially meaningful because she wanted a gown that perfectly accommodated her scoliosis. Like many brides, she needed a dress that made her feel beautiful while fitting her unique body like a glove. After falling in love with a star lace gown at a boutique that lacked the structure she needed, Josselyn decided a custom wedding dress would be the best option.

Over the course of five fittings, we worked together to bring her dream gown to life, creating a bustier corset-style bodice with a plunging illusion neckline, lace-up back, and additional star appliqués on the bodice. The gown had a full detachable overskirt and fingerless tulle gloves, all with delicate silver detailing to tie everything together. For the reception, Josselyn swapped out the gloves for the flutter sleeves for a more relaxed vibe, ready to dance under the stars with her loved ones. Josselyn completed her look with custom white Converse adorned with hand-applied pearls, adding a personal and playful touch to her bridal ensemble.

Josselyn's wedding was nothing short of magical, set against the lush greenery of McMenamins Edgefield in Portland. It was an outdoor reception featuring a stunning hand-painted moon backdrop. As she walked down the aisle, the custom cathedral veil added a layer of romance to the moment. The veil shone again when her husband lifted the veil for their first kiss as husband and wife. It was the perfect touch for knot ceremony, capturing the magic of the night.

A Personal Touch for Josselyn's Perfect Fit

What made Josselyn’s experience so special was how personalized the design process became. With her scoliosis in mind, we made sure every fitting focused on achieving comfort, functionality, and that beautiful WOW factor Josselyn was going for. This is something that’s so important to me as a bridal seamstress — ensuring each bride feels their best, no matter their body type or needs. The moment we unveiled the gown at her Dress Reveal Party at my shop was unforgettable, surrounded by her closest friends and family. The reveal party, complete with snacks, champagne, and a fun game where guests guessed what the gown would look like, added even more joy to the experience. It was an emotional moment for Josselyn, her mom, and her mother-in-law.

To make the day even more special, I also created a “getting ready” outfit for Josselyn using her mother’s Jessica McClintock wedding gown, which her mom surprised her with at the bridal shower. It was such a meaningful experience, reflecting how each element of her wedding day embraced both her individuality and the people she loves.

Key Pitts Photography did an incredible job capturing every moment of the day. Her intimate, personal approach to photography perfectly mirrored the care and attention that went into Josselyn's dress and wedding details. The outdoor reception was filled with laughter, dancing, a donut truck, and a bubble-filled send-off — the perfect end to a perfect day.

As a bridal seamstress in the Portland area I take pride in offering custom designs that reflect the personality and dreams of each bride I work with. Josselyn’s celestial gown was a true labor of love, and seeing her glow with confidence in a dress that fit her perfectly was the highlight of the entire process. Whether you're looking for a custom gown or alterations for your big day, my goal is to make sure you feel beautiful and celebrated, no matter your style or size.