If someone asked me to describe my sister Ania in one word (and SEVERAL cram to mind!) I would have to say ‘authentic’.
She is entirely who she is— honest, spirited, witty, sometimes (ok, often) dramatic and inappropriate, and always unapologetically herself.
Her authenticity is an inseparable part of her beauty. The kind that draws you in, and makes it easy for you to be yourself—that’s her gift.
She’s also easygoing—so when Ania announced that I would be creating her wedding gown I knew that it would need to be uncomplicatedly beautiful to accurately reflect who she is. With a couple of stipulations from the bride-to-be, work on the design—featuring a “non-frumpy V-neck back and ¾ sleeves” –was underway.
And the design came effortlessly—I envisioned an off-white floor-length elegant, and simple gown with a classic silhouette, a gently flowing hemline and bateau neck. I wanted the dress to be light, airy and soft.
The body of the gown was made of rich crêpe—with just enough weight to give it movement. The corset—with a sweetheart neckline—was made with multiple layers of crêpe, underlining, as well as boning for added structure. The entire gown was lined with several metres of silk charmeuse for a luxurious finish.
The gown’s overlay was created with layers of soft bridal tulle—and in the spirit of authenticity I’ll share that I had to re-cut the entire double-layered overlay twice. I didn’t anticipate that the weight of crêpe gown would extend beyond the tulle overlay, when the train dragged on the floor—live and learn I guess!
For my favourite part—the appliqué—we chose a dainty French lace that accentuated the design’s lightness and was carefully placed on strategic parts of the sleeves, bodice, hemline and train. Every piece of lace was hand-cut and hand-appliquéd for precision.
But enough about the dress.
The girl who walked down the aisle emanated confidence, beauty, and grace as she made her way toward the guy who won her heart—‘Brave Heart’ Nate. It takes courage to be your authentic self, and even more so to accept the other just the way they are, and to love them unconditionally.
Ania and Nate—you two crazy ‘Baes’—truly are a living testimony to what unconditional, authentic ,and courageous love ought to be.
All photos courtesy of the incredibly talented Sean Dalin! (https://www.facebook.com/seandalinphotography/)
Flowers and bride’s makeup courtesy of Maid of Honour: Iza Kasprzak (Reed)! =)
Picturesque Kinkora Golf Course venue courtesy of Don & Heather Forbes!
S.K.
