When I decided to go the custom-design route with my wedding dress I knew I was taking a risk. I had worked with the designer Jose Braulio before and knew his creative process included doing the work a couple of weeks out from the event. This means I won’t be able to see Isabel (my wedding dress) until a few days before the wedding.
My custom designed dress, Isabel / Inspired by Tara Keely#TK2210
Fortunately I’ll get to see bits and pieces before, like at my first fitting this past weekend (just two weeks shy of the big day). He made a muslin mock-up of the short dress to make sure of the measurements, and it fit like a glove. I fell in love all over again with the dress design, confirming that a convertible dress was definitely the perfect decision for me.
I’m really anxious about not having my dress done yet so he “semi-jacked me up” by laying the lace over the bodice and wrapping the uncut lining fabric around my bottom, tying it up with a random piece of blue cloth. It might be silly, but I felt much better after seeing myself wearing something that resembles a wedding dress made out of my fabric; it helped me visualize what the final product would look like. I just have to squint my eyes and imagine that the lace is sewn in a sweetheart shape over the bust, that the blue sash is really white, and that various layers of tulle cover the lining fabric.
Another great thing happened at the fitting: I realized that the bottom edge of the lace fabric would make an awesome headband. Jose Braulio happily cut off a piece for me to DIY into a headband. I will be sewing some ribbon to the ends and maybe adding a few crystals here and there to make a matching headband, finally checking off hair accessories from my to-do list.
How did your first fitting go?
I am having my dress custom-made as well but the designer I am working with is going to have it ready for me at least two months before the wedding. I am a very picky person so I guess she is doing everything to make me happy. At the first fitting it was just the muslin and I looked like a peasant girl 
but I loved it nonetheless. She had done a great job. At my second fitting there was the satin part so it looked and felt a bit more like a dress. Now I can not wait for my next fitting this sat. There will be tulle and lace 
))) Having it custom-made is riskier but defnt worthy it and way more fun:)
This is awesome How fun!
Your dress is going to be just gorgeous, I can already tell! And I love that your headband will match so perfectly.
I love your idea of using extra lace to DIY yourself a custom headband!!! I cannot wait to see your dress!!! It’s going to look so amazing!!!
The short dress is going to be sexy! I love the satin skirt with the sash, too.
oh how exciting! i love the idea of a removable skirt, although i dont think its “me”. i cant wait to start fitting my dress. need to start dieting first!
Love that you were brave enough to go the seamstress route – I’ve been considering it, and had a picture in my mind of how I want my dress to look. Can’t find it anywhere. I love the convertible dress option. You look amazing in your muslin version, you’ll ROCK the final one
I love the idea of a convertible dress! I toyed with the idea of multiple dresses and that’s a great way of having both. I also really like the DIY headband. Great thinking!
You are going to be one hot bride in that short little number – love it! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Oh man, I have been drooling over photos/sketches of your dress since day 1. I can’t wait to see the real deal!
@Miss Riviera:There will be lace and tulle in my next fitting too. I hate having to wait to see the final product but I think it will be sooo worth it.
@Mrs. Pony: @Miss Beanstalk: @Miss Scepter: @Blonde17Jess: @hisbahamamama: The headband was a stroke of genius at the last minute. One month before the wedding and didn’t know what to wear in my hair until I saw the lace.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto Rico Age and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil Engineer Engagement Date: May 19, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: El Faro Convention Center About Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
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