The moment I met Tabitha I knew that this was going to be the biggest challenge in my bridal career. At only 3 feet 10 inches tall, Tabitha has a brittle bone disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta that puts her at constant risk of broken bones. By her own admission she has had “more surgeries than she can count” beginning when she was just an infant. However, Tabitha refuses to let this disease be an obstacle in life. Her positive attitude is an inspiration.
Other salons she felt had not taken her seriously when she was shopping for a bridal gown. Not wanting to feel or look like a child Tabitha came to be rescued. Tabitha wanted to look chic and contemporary in her bridal gown and wanted to look like a woman. And she also wanted BLING.
Alterations were a main concern when choosing Tabitha’s gown. I needed to choose a gown that was going to be able to be shortened by almost a third of the length without losing the silhouette or style of the gown. This Augusta Jones gown (Lucille) has an empire waist that visually elongates Tabitha’s frame. The form fitting dress hugs her curves while the ruching camouflages Tabitha’s uneven hips, giving her the grown up feeling she desires.
I really wanted Tabitha to be able to see herself in a fitted gown during her reveal on the aisle of style, but I knew that getting a custom dress that same day was impossible. So I called in two seamstresses to help me with a rush alteration of the sample dress, re-cutting the dress to create a one of a kind dress just for Tabitha. Then we added plenty of Swarovski crystals throughout the bodice to give Tabitha the bling she wanted.
To complete her “Head to Hem” makeover, I added an Erin Cole veil, crystal headpiece, and jewelry.
Watching Tabitha walk down the aisle of style and seeing the reactions of her family and friends was very emotional for me. I am extremely grateful to have been able to help Tabitha achieve her dream wedding look and will forever be inspired by her courage, strength, and positive attitude.
Tabitha’s bridal blueprint.
Paul styled Tabitha’s hair in a sophisticated half up half down style and Lesley used a feminine palette of rosy pinks and purples for her make up.
This crystal edged Erin Cole veil was placed in the back of Tabitha’s head and a stunning Christie Lauren headpiece added extra bling.
These delicate Cheryl King Couture earrings were in perfect proportion for Tabitha’s look.
(Burgundy) bracelet by Thomas Knoell.
To keep the bouquet from overpowering Tabitha, I scaled it down in size. Everything needs to be in the right proportion.