WEDDING IN NEW YORK

Jewel contacted me a few months before her wedding. She asked me if I can create a gown for her with really long train. I said "yes". I sent her some gown designs and she fell in love instantly to one of my designs I don't even know how to execute (he he he). It's a ballgown with personalized embroidery and with cascading long train (I have no idea yet how I will put things together for this gown on actual fabric but I sent her the design anyway). I probably sent her a few designs but my sketch for this gown caught her interest. The inspiration was an Eva Longoria gown. She was soooo thrilled with the design that she immediately booked me after receiving the sketch no matter the cost of the gown. I choked before signing the contract and prayed that I will be able to pull off this design. Like what I do for some brides who are based overseas and have no idea what the gown might look like, I start with a Barbie-size replica of the gown (a miniature). I did that for Jewel. Shipped her Barbie doll to New York in her mini wedding gown. She fell in-love with it so off we start to the actual masterpiece. The train was the greater challenge as it was long and cascading with wires for the waving effect. Months later, it was ready to ship.

Jewel's wedding was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral and she flew me in to dress her up. I went there with my sister Ada. The crowd of paparazzis outside the church was overwhelming. I felt more like I am the star than probably the bride who was swamped with her yards and yards of balloon skirt inside her stretch limousine. It was such a moment!!!

It was all like a dream and I am so happy for Jewel and Jhun. Just for everyone's info, I also did the gowns of all the members of her entourage, the moms and some female sponsors. All gowns were never fitted in the Philippines. I just shipped all the gowns to them a month before the wedding so they can all try it and have it altered at a local seamstress in NY if there is any need for it. A few weeks before the wedding, I still receive requests for additional gown orders but lacking time, I already declined. My sister Ada and I flew to New York one day before the wedding. We met their families and they became like families to us. We just feel so grateful and honored.

I will be flying again next year for another NY wedding. I hope to see you all again soon.

Congratulations and my best wishes to Jewel (who volunteered to be one of the ninangs of my daughter Rae. I was pregnant when I was doing Jewel's gown). It's a double joy for me. I just can't count my blessings.

Check out these photos (they are not complete but I'll try to upload more when I get the chance). Cheers!