Cherished Tradition: Jordan's Modernized Wedding Gown

The first time I met Jordan, I knew instantly that we were going to have a great time working together. She was calm, kind, and knew what she wanted. This lovely person, sweetly told me the story of her Grandmother, and Mother both wearing this gown on their wedding days and she wanted to carry on the tradition. Family heirlooms are very precious and should always be handled with extra care. Jordan didn’t want to change anything about the original design of the gown, she just wanted it modernized. The gown was in really good shape for surviving two weddings over the span of 63yrs.

I used her paternal Grandmother’s wedding gown for the lining and new foundation built into the bodice.

Sketching an updated design without loosing all the original aesthetic of her grandmother’s dress was a little challenging, but with Jordan’s input I was able to envision and present a design that she loved.

This is Jordan’s Grandmother Eileen DeBiasio (Place) married William DeBiasio on July12, 1954 in the original wedding gown.

This is Jordan’s Mother Karen Wilson (DeBiasio) who married William K. Wilson on July12, 1986 in the same dress.

After getting to know Jordan and her Mom, Jordan had a special request; a little gift for her mother. I loved sketching this for them.

Jordan’s updated gown redesign sketch work.

Then I sketched a photo I took in the studio during one of their fitting visits; I really enjoyed watching the loving friendship between the two of them.

I absolutely love this photo of Jordan holding the wedding photos of her Mother, and Grandmother. So beautiful.

A special little something sewn inside Jordan’s gown allowing her Dad to be close to her heart as she walked down the isle to marry the love of her life. I was truly honored to add such a special touch to her gown (a cutting of one of her Father’s favorite neck ties).