TESS DRESS
I began accepting brides on a personal basis in spring of 2020 under the brand TessDress, enjoying more freedom to learn and create for the individual, rather that focusing on a boutique-brand collection. Dressing a bride for her wedding day is always an honor, putting together a look that represents the bride as a person as well as the mood of the occasion. I strive to best represent my understanding of each bride, their personality, the venue, and the meaning of ‘bride’ to them. I am also committed to creating unique garments that are not simply replicas of the work of others. Infused, always, is my personal design philosophy that revolves around a very rococo sense of whimsy, femininity, and joy.
REAL WEDDING: THE ROSES
Sasha and Hannah are two distinct personalities that each wanted to stand out on their day. The couple planned on combining their last names (Ross and Jones) to Roses, hence a theme for their attire and entire wedding was formed. It was important to them to keep their respective looks a surprise from the other, adding another layer of complexity in coordinating the two. Hannah’s style is turn-of-the-century dandy in the spirit of Oscar Wilde, complete with a cravat made of their bride’s wedding dress material which I surprised them with on the big day, just before the first look. The vest was accented with the same velvet used in Sasha’s gown as a flounce in the center back. True to their love of antique fashion, I used vintage buttons wrapped in brass chains which I had sourced a decade ago and was saving for the perfect garment.
Sasha loved a gown I had done previously for a gala, so I used that as the base while adding more details to bring in her love of Dior’s New Look. The gown is made from a Swiss brocade featuring a degrade of metallic merlot roses on a matte french blue, with accents of wine velvet and chiffon. For added dimension I utilized the backside of the brocade for a flounce on the side front. I also dissected the brocade and placed individual roses around the waist and flounce for even more texture.
REAL BRIDE: JAZMIN
After seeing her Lake Superior agate engagement ring and husband-to-be’s thrifted bouclé suit, I knew photographer and all-around-Creative, Jazmin, was not settling for off-the-rack monotony. Together we collaborated on her love of color and texture to pair a sheer gingham with lilac silk and velvet ribbon to create a tonal look with tons dimension and opportunity for styling.
From Jazmin: “Working with Tess on my wedding dress was a dream! She’s a true visionary with magic in her fingers and I’ve never felt more beautiful than in her stunning creation.”
VARCA BRIDAL
In spring of 2024, I was brought on to assist in finishing and finessing Varca’s ‘Painting the Roses Red’ collection for spring bridal market. Varca Bridal is the demi-couture lovechild of individualism and art, focusing on a high fashion bride with a love of creativity. For this collection, I was given the opportunity to work with various couture finishings and custom fabrics in a fast-paced, highly inspirational environment. Included in this portfolio are a few of the looks I was able to work on with this collaborative team; all photos shown here are behind the scenes content I created on 35mm film.
TARA LATOUR BRIDAL AND REAL BRIDES
I began work for bridal designer Tara LaTour as an intern in 2014, and was hired as staff upon the completion of the summer term. When I began working, the business consisted of three people, meaning that everyone wore many hats. I gained experience in production of one-of-a-kind gowns with detailed hand-crafted treatments while also making custom patterns for brides, assisting in the design of new gowns, and tackling the brand’s Instagram presence. In 2018 the brand developed a diffusion line, Rose+Williams, that took signature elements and applied them in a way suitable for more streamlined production. While at Tara LaTour, I worked hard to advocate for inclusivity in sizing and diversity in our house-produced photoshoots. I have included some examples of gowns that I designed for the brand, as well as produced. For further samples of construction, please feel free to contact me. I am including several real brides with whom I personally worked with to create notable and custom looks that showcase what can be achieved from collaboration.
REAL BRIDE: MARTY
Glamour takes a new form in Marty. I was lucky enough to help dress her for not one, but three occasions. For her Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park engagement photos Marty wanted two bold looks, one in soft pink and the other a striking black satin and velvet number. The pink gown was a soulmate situation which led her to donning it again for her Covid-necessitated ‘mini-mony’. Full custom was the only possibility considered for her big day, she knew she wanted a classic, luxe look for her grand Boston Public Library venue. Together we selected a gorgeous large-scale peony Alencon lace, which was carefully dissected and replaced by hand to create a symmetric pattern for the bodice. It was decided that a structured silk faille for the full circle skirt of the gown.
REAL BRIDE: MADELINE
Fashion maven Madeline was looking for a fitted, lace gown. After oscillating between a few choices we eventually pulled the gown from an yet-unreleased collection. It pairs a fine Chantilly lace with embroidered appliques for a fresh look that was still unequivocally ‘bride’.
REAL BRIDE: DAPHNE
Wedding pro Daphne was looking for the perfect look to match her joyous, colorful nuptials and her emerald and rose gold engagement ring. We modified a glamorous mermaid gown into a crop-top and skirt complete with a bow closure at the back in a silver-y pink satin. Of course, she topped it off with a tiara, because how could you not?
REAL BRIDE: JENN
Bride Jenn brought a truly fun and unique theme to her wedding- “Welcome to the Black Parade”- an homage to her and her groom’s love for 2000s punk. Knowing she wanted a black gown, we were tasked with one of the most wonderful appointments of my career. Ultimately, we took a layered lace corset bodice from one gown and a gathered tulle skirt from another. Once it was fully realized in black, it was an all-time favorite.
REAL BRIDE: HALLIE
Hallie, a veteran bridal consultant, had seen thousands of wedding dresses by the time she was selecting her own. She knew she wanted something she hadn't seen on a hundred girls before. Together we created a textural look that combined a plush crepe and silk organza treatments, add in a high, halter neck and you get a thoroughly modern bride.
