April

April’s first message to me was simple, yet full of intention:

“The wedding gown will be Filipiniana fit and flare with dramatic tail… I’m not so sure yet.”

One thing she was sure of, though, was her vision for a long, dramatic train—and it became the first of many special touches that made her dress so unforgettable. She also had a clear intention: to wear her dream dress from the ceremony to the reception. So we designed it with practical elegance in mind—detachable sleeves for versatility and a discreet bustle to lift the train for dancing later in the night.

Ella & April’s 1st Consultation ♥

Her initial inspiration came from our Contemporary Collection’s “Flora” gown, particularly the soft drapes and effortless flow of the design. Over the course of a year, we worked closely together to turn that inspiration into something completely her own.

During our measurements consultation, I had the lovely chance to meet her mom—who, to my delight, is also Kapampangan like me! That little connection made everything feel even more heartfelt and at home.

Measurements Consultation ♥

We also created a full mock-up of her gown to get the fit just right, and midway through the process, I felt a nudge to make a design upgrade. Instead of the original plain satin Filipiniana sleeves, I envisioned April with soft, see-through lace sleeves that added both texture and a romantic flair. I made the change, and she trusted me every step of the way—her calm, gracious nature made every creative decision feel like a shared vision.

Once we finalized her design, we began creating her dream dress. It was such a joy to bring her vision to life, starting with the soft drapes inspired by our Flora gown. I crafted each detail with love—from the flowy fit-and-flare shape to the dramatic train she always dreamed of. The detachable lace sleeves added a romantic touch, and everything came together beautifully. It was a dress made just for her, and I could already imagine how stunning she’d look on her big day.

When the big day came and I saw her photos, I was speechless. April looked breathtaking. The gown flowed with soft elegance, and that dramatic train—my longest ever—moved like poetry. Her overall look was a perfect reflection of her: simple, dramatic, and joyfully one of a kind.

After the wedding, she sent me a sweet message that touched my heart:
“It was absolutely stunning and elegant. I wasn’t able to try it on immediately when I received it because of a saying from the Philippines—something along the lines of ‘You can’t try on your wedding dress before the big day, or it will bring bad luck!’ lol. But it was definitely worth the wait…

Once again, thank you so much for being a part of this magical moment in my life. I pray for your continued success and many more beautiful creations in the future. Your talent and craftsmanship truly made my day even more unforgettable, and I’ll always be grateful for the love and effort you put into making my dream dress a reality.”

She thanked me for making her dream dress a reality and ended with a heartfelt prayer for my continued success—words I’ll carry with me.

April, thank you for letting me be part of your story. From a little idea inspired by “Flora” to a breathtaking moment on April 1, your wedding was filled with love, light, and a little magic. I’ll never forget it ♥