A little sappy back story on this post... My mother, Roanna got engaged to my step-father Bill about 2 and a half years ago. I was so happy for her because he is a very loving and wonderful man. Bill also has two daughters, and the union of the two families worked out beautifully. I consider myself lucky to have more family and I’m really happy that we all get along so well =)

So having said that, one day my mom called me and asked if I would design her wedding dress. Of course I was thrilled to be able to do something so special for her. She told me what kind of style she wanted and then I started sketching...

I sent several very rough sketches and she picked the one she liked best and let me design the beading as I wanted. I must say, I have a new appreciation for designers who specialize in bead design. It’s almost overwhelming. So many possibilities and combinations... It took me sooooo long to sketch all the beading...I should have added up the hours because I think it was a new record for me!

Here is the initial sketch.

See what I mean? Super rough sketch.... From there I started the beading. Here are the sketches...

Front Bodice Beading

Back Bodice Beading

Side Hip Beading

Since the dress was produced in China I had show examples of what I wanted and explain everything very clearly. Usually everything doesn’t turn out exactly as requested. They didn’t include the light peach or cream beading, but it looked great anyway.

Here are some pictures from the wedding...

From Left to Right: Bill’s Daughters, Jessica & Jennifer with her daughter Evie, Roanna, my sister Regan and Me.

Roanna & Bill

Regan, Rachelle & Roanna

Now for the darling Evie. I had sooo much fun making this little dress. It made me smile almost the whole time I worked on it. I think I may consider designing for children ;)

My favorite part, the bloomers!

Fit for a Mother