Beauty by Design: The Story of My Wedding Gown

Hi! It’s me Deborah, the owner and designer at Beauty by Design. Although Natalie does a great job with our blogs and social media content, I decided it would make sense for me to author this blog. I must admit it was a bit more challenging than expected to find the vulnerability to share this story about my gown.

By: Deborah Hill

Sustainability & Intention

Designing and creating my own wedding gown was a completely different process than any other project I’ve ever done. This wasn’t just about designing and constructing the most beautiful gown I have ever created, this attire was made to tell a story. Being one of the most transformative and important days of my life, there was a specific intention behind every element of the outfit. To start with, it was made to be as sustainable as possible using only natural materials. Also, I decided to have multiple layers each representing different aspects of my being.

Different Layers

The base layer is called “Fire”. This sheath layer was made with different shades of red using Organic Cotton/Bamboo Jersey scrap fabric remaining from a past project. Red has always been a favorite color of mine for various reasons. Although it doesn’t show in the final look, it was important to me I incorporate a red layer into the outfit. Physical fire has played a pivotal role in the formation of my present being. A few years ago now, I learned the skill of dancing with fire which led me to becoming involved with the local burner community opening many doors of self-discovery. To me fire represents overcoming fears and embracing my true self.

The second layer is called “Crystal”. This white, A-line, racer-back dress was made with Organic Cotton Voile, using crystal beads and buttons sourced from a local crystal shop called MO’R Designs. The loops were Vintage Cotton Loops I found on Etsy. I chose the racer-back cut style because it makes me feel beautifully strong while wearing it. The 21 buttons up the back were made with three each of seven different types of crystal gemstones correlating with the seven chakras. I also beaded the neckline with rose quartz, labradorite, and morganite crystal beads. I truly feel elegant and uplifted from the energy of the crystals while wearing this dress. This layer represents the part of my being that emanates light.

The top layer is called “Queen”. This lace jacket and overskirt was created using an ivory vintage cotton lace tablecloth found on Etsy. The waistband was made from silk satin scrap fabric leftover from a past project. The design includes slightly puffed sleeves and a long dramatic train to give it the overall “queen” feel. The open back exposes the (chakra) buttons up the back of the “Crystal” layer. To me the wedding ceremony is not only an expression of love between my partner and I, but also a crowning ceremony as I join in union with my King. This represents the part of me that gets to step up to the power to rule my “kingdom” (aka my life).

The Accessories

The accessories that completed the look were also very important and intentional. For the flowers in the bouquet and flowers in my hair, I requested some roses and use of feathers from my pet birds. Roses are not only the symbol of love, beauty, and many other things, but also something I have used in creating art ever since I could remember. The shoes I wore were vintage six inch wedges made of cork and canvas, the intention being to elevate me while remaining connected to the ground. The necklace was the most meaningful piece of the whole look because it was gifted me by my Grandmother just a few weeks prior. That time with my Grandmother was the last time I would ever see her seeing she passed away just a few weeks after the wedding. I am grateful to know my Grandmother was very proud of me and she gave her blessings to our marriage.

I share these elements of my being not only to offer a glimpse into myself but to offer the possibility of potential as well. I believe these elements will be a part of my practice for a long time. As I have created custom clothing since I was a child, dressmaking is my form of artwork. The artwork I handcrafted for my own wedding day tells an inspiring and uplifting story by using sustainable materials and incorporating intention. It's truly something special!