Q&A with REAL BRIDE Stef. A love story with a drop-waist silhouette, a lace bolero, and the effortless elegance of British couture

My husband and I met through a mutual friend while I was living in Los Angeles, and he was living in Michigan. We did long distance for a while until I moved back to my home state of Michigan. A couple of years later, he proposed to me in my parents’ backyard, surrounded by dozens of roses and candles, with our families waiting inside to surprise me. The proposal happened in such a special place - it was perfect. 

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Walking down the aisle with my dad, while walking toward my soon-to-be husband, was easily the most special moment of the day. Truly unforgettable.

 

The overall vision of the day was elegant, timeless, and romantic. We wanted our guests to truly feel our love, which was the most important part to us. 

We did have a personal connection to the venue - my husband's parents grew up in the city where it was located, and my dad worked there for more than 30 years. We loved the classic feel of the venue, which had a beautiful garden that provided a perfect place for photos. 

 

My papa passed away a month after my husband and I got engaged; he was 99, only 6 months until he would turn 100. I wanted to honor him on our wedding day as he and my nana were such an inspiration for love - 69 years of marriage, 12 children, 38 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. I had a recording saved of him giving love and marriage advice, and we played it over the speaker right before I walked down the aisle. A moment we will never forget ... it was as though he was present.

Tell us about the moment you knew this was your dress. What drew you to it, and how did you feel when you tried it on?

I always knew I wanted a traditional gown that still felt truly “me” — classic, feminine, and timeless. After showing my seamstress Jackie Kennedy–inspired photos, she sent me to the Ivory Loft Bridal in Fenton, Michigan, knowing I’d love the London designer they carried. The very first Caroline Castigliano gown I tried on felt unmatched; once I found it in satin, added a lace bolero, and the drop waist I’d dreamed of, it became everything I imagined. I felt instantly confident — it was my dress.

 

I’ve never felt more confident and beautiful than I did in my bridal gown. I remember looking in the mirror one last time before heading to the ceremony and thinking how absolutely perfect my dress was. I loved it more with every look. 

 

I brought my mom and sister (maid of honor) to wedding dress shopping with me — I trust and value both of their opinions, but was confident in my own style and decision-making. Having them with me just made the experience private, intimate, and more memorable.

I would say to trust your gut on making creative decisions, such as flowers, invitations, dress shopping, etc...because at the end of the day, it’s your wedding and you can’t let other people’s opinions change your vision. 

 

Romantic. Sophisticated. Timeless.

Aside from the love I have for both my husband and our families, wearing my beautiful wedding dress is what I’ll treasure most. I wish I could wear it again and again.

 

 

 “Graceful, refined, and quietly confident, a Caroline Castigliano bride chooses style that lasts a lifetime.”