Til Death Do Us Part: Emily Customizes Her Wedding Gown with Hannah Caroline Couture
HCC Bride Emily knew she wanted to break with some traditions during her wedding and put her own unique spin on her wedding day, filling it with quirks that represented her and her partner’s personalities. While many things went according to plan, many additional quirks were added into her wedding day with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emily married her best friend, Tony, on March 14, 2020, the first weekend after what many people consider to be the day that the United States started shutting down in response to the pandemic. She had only a matter of days to rethink many elements of her wedding day to comply with the brand-new health regulations that would help keep her guests safe.
Despite the last-minute changes, Emily and Tony were able to celebrate their unique wedding day on a date that held meaning to them. They chose March 14th as the closest weekend to their favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, and celebrated with a theme that combined Celtic elements with a “Til Death Do Us Part” vibe.
They infused their personalities into the wedding in a variety of ways: offering a laid-back taco bar for dinner, having a first look that involved a dinosaur costume, and sharing personalized, hand-written vows.
Emily also showcased her personality through her wedding gown.
After trying on many traditional, white gowns in several bridal shops near her hometown in Ohio, her friend encouraged her not to compromise with a white gown and instead embrace her love for wearing black. She began exploring our collection of black wedding gowns and felt a sense of relief once she could finally envision herself in a wedding gown – my Noir Gown.
“I never imagined myself in a white traditional gown,” Emily explained. “I tried on a few and didn't feel comfortable. I didn't feel like...me. I've always loved the way I looked in black. Do you know how many black or partially black wedding dresses I found in stores? Not a single one. I did, however, find some judgmental scoffs when I asked if something like that was available. I didn't think I would find something I loved until I met Hannah.”
After reaching out to me to request some modifications to the neckline and lining colors of my Noir Gown, Emily finally felt like she had found the right wedding gown for her. Here’s how she described the process:
“I found a design on her website that I loved. I emailed Hannah to ask about having it made with some customizations. Without hesitation, she said yes! She sent sketches and swatches of fabric. She really tried to get to know me. She asked for pictures of our wedding designs, colors, us. I knew this dress was special for me with her approach. It wasn’t about churning out a product. It was about creating my dream dress.”
Despite the last-minute challenges presented by COVID-19, Emily felt like “the dark belle of the ball getting the royal treatment” on her wedding day, feeling comfortable and confident in the dress that truly represented her.
Emily’s advice to other brides planning their wedding? “Don't get lost in the details. At the end of the day, your goal is to marry your partner and so you do just that. You cannot begin to plan for everything, so focus on making your day special and not perfect. Because no matter who shows up or what happens, you and your best friend are sharing your love with each other and that is the perfect part!”
A final word on how Emily described her experience as an HCC Bride:
“This was such a wonderful experience, one that I never thought I would have. It was a dream! I was so nervous to email a designer of these beautiful dresses I had seen online. But, it was one of the best decisions I had ever made. Hannah was so quick to respond, helpful, encouraging and one of the sweetest people I've ever talked to. She included me in every step of the process, sending fabrics so I could get a feel of what I would be wearing and holding them up to my skin to pick the perfect shades. Even with getting overwhelmed with so many options - because if you can dream it, she can make it!- she was right there to help make executive decisions based on her experience and expertise. I knew I was in great hands.
I never thought I could find or afford a beautiful black wedding gown. I never felt more beautiful than I did on my wedding day. I'm so grateful for Hannah for making that happen.”
A Look at Emily's Wedding Day:
Photography Credit: A Look Through the Lens
Ready to become an HCC Bride, too? Learn more about designing your custom wedding gown with us here!