Layers of light ivory and nude mesh, a built-in bustier, 200+ hand-cut and sewn embroidered flowers, a fit and flare bottom, and a detachable ballgown skirt were all incorporated into the perfect pieces for Teresa’s cathedral to backyard tent affair.

Venue, location, silhouette, and fabrication were the key factors to these looks. She had always dreamed of having a tent wedding, and was particularly drawn to lace gowns with interesting backs. However, during the sketch phase the Basilica in downtown Minneapolis opened up for a potential location to share their vows, and this factor changed the game in the silhouette department. As much as I wanted to make her lace gown dreams come true, I knew I couldn’t send her down a cathedral aisle without a proper modern ballgown.

The base gown is a fit and flare silhouette made of light ivory silk charmeuse, an overlay of French chantilly lace with hand-sewn embroidered flowers scattered to add dimension, a mesh floral-engineered bodice complete with bustier closure and covered buttons, and an attached scallop hem along the sweep. The piece that takes her look to the next level is the detachable ballgown skirt made of 35 yards of silk organza with lace patches sewn between the layers to give a shadow of texture and romance. This statement piece is finished with a horsehair hem to give it a light bounce to ensure that it floats properly down the aisle.

Her pieces were envisioned and crafted to embody a modern romantic fairytale. What made this gown so special was the fact that it was created for the love of my brother’s life. Teresa is my new sister, and it was the sweetest, most memorable thing seeing my big brother’s face as his bride walked toward him, and they vowed their lives to each other. I will never forget it.

Stunning images by Nicole Ashley Photography.