Maryland, USA. Angelfields,Philippines.

I remember Rianna because she was one not only of my earliest brides having booked me at least a year of her wedding. She was also one of my very first bride who is not based in the Philippines. I would say at least 80% of the process was made online particularly through Facebook. And this was in I believe late 2013-2015.

Originally from the Philippines, Rianna relocated to the USA for work where she eventually met her husband. Weddings by tradition in the Philippines are big family events so it’s pretty commonplace to hold big ceremonies here in the Philippines to get everyone involved even if the couple is based abroad.

Rianna struck me as very girly girly who liked pretty things but she doesn’t shy away from trying something off kilter as long as it aligns with her love for the sophisticated and feminine.

And what more sophisticated yet feminine than New York City. I proposed a vision of autumn in Manhattan. Golden falling leaves against a backdrop of earthen bricks, concrete and glass.

I sketched a champagne column gown with stained glass like beaded embroidery head to toe depicting tree branches with rose gold silk organza petals slowly gathering at the hemline like leaves falling on the ground. It was the only sketch I made and I was thrilled she fell in love with it.

The resulting dress is still one of my personal favourites. It captures the modernity and artistry that I always believe can be done in bridal without sacrificing the bride’s femininity. And the she looked like a goddess which I always aim to achieve with my brides. Why settle being a queen if you can be a goddess. :)

Photo by Pat Dy Photography

Wedding Dress, Female Entourage Dresses by Mara Chua.