salt brides
Brook + Danny
When Brooke first consulted with me, she articulated a clear vision: to create a harmonious counterpoint to her husband’s wedding ensemble. His carefully curated look of vintage denim paired with a contemporary button-up, accented with a bow tie and suspenders, set a distinctive tone for their celebration. Against the backdrop of an heirloom vineyard nestled in Northern California, Brooke sought something that embodied unpretentious beauty, a creation that would feel playful and vintage-inspired without veering into costume territory. Her Salt:Weddings mood board revealed a consistent aesthetic, rich with references to refined dustbowl chic.
Drawing inspiration from 1930s silhouettes, I reimagined the classic shirtwaist style that defined women’s fashion of that era. Rather than employing conventional bridal textiles, we selected an exquisite Italian raw silk slub, a choice that imbued the gown with an understated luxury that perfectly complemented both the vineyard setting and her husband’s attire. To introduce a contemporary element to the historical silhouette, I designed an asymmetrical placket that curved elegantly around her form, creating visual interest while maintaining the gown’s relaxed sophistication.
For Brooke’s “something old,” we incorporated authentic depression-era jade glass and gold leaf buttons, subtle treasures that connected her celebration to a bygone era. Beneath the textured raw silk, a custom-crafted silk lace petticoat provided an unexpected element of romance and movement, visible only in glimpses as she moved through her celebration. The resulting creation honored vintage sensibilities while feeling thoroughly present, a perfect expression of Brooke’s desire for elegance without pretense.
shelley + victor
Shelley arrived at Salt:Weddings as something of an anomaly, a bride-to-be who had never ventured into the visual inspiration world of Pinterest. Though she desired a wedding dress, she harbored a genuine aversion to traditional gowns. Despite cowboy boots being her footwear of choice second only to athletic shoes, she questioned whether such personal style choices would be appropriate for her wedding day. After her introduction to the world of visual inspiration boards and her refreshingly unique design direction—“I want to look like the cowgirl version of a chocolate dipped strawberry”—we collaboratively developed a vision that honored both bridal tradition and her authentic self.
Drawing inspiration from the voluminous silhouettes of the Grand Ole Opry, I reimagined these iconic forms through contemporary materials. Rather than employing the characteristic rigid silks of that golden era, I selected layers of soft cotton eyelet lace that created movement and comfort while maintaining the dramatic presence Shelley deserved. For the complementary top, I paid homage to legendary rodeo tailor Nudie Cohn through custom embroidery that featured bluebonnets, Shelley’s beloved flower, alongside stars and horseshoes—symbols deeply significant to her family heritage.
To harmonize these distinctive elements and incorporate the touch of red that completed her confectionary vision, I crafted a buttery-soft leather corset belt. This defining accent piece not only unified the ensemble visually but also provided structure and definition. The resulting two-piece creation allowed Shelley to embrace her wedding day in those cherished cowboy boots, feeling both bridal and authentically herself, proving that wedding attire can honor tradition while celebrating individual style with confidence and joy.
ALI + PANDO
When Ali approached Salt:Weddings, she arrived with a distinct vision—celebrating her curves draped in cascading layers of refined silk lace, culminating in an exquisite multi-tiered train. Though her appreciation for vintage aesthetics ran deep, conventional Chantilly lace felt too nostalgic for the contemporary statement she wished to make. With her photographer’s discerning eye, Ali possessed an innate understanding of what complemented her silhouette and entrusted Salt:Weddings to synthesize the most captivating elements of her vintage inspiration with her modern sensibilities.
For her autumn celebration nestled in the hills, we crafted a versatile ensemble that would transition seamlessly from the sacred ceremony to the revelry of the evening’s festivities. Ali’s design inspiration balanced the theatrical grandeur of vintage circus spectaculars with the alluring mystique of a siren’s call. Drawing from these compelling influences, I reimagined the architectural piecing techniques of her beloved 1940s silhouettes, infusing them with contemporary fabrics and more daring proportions.
The resulting bodice transcended traditional construction, featuring not merely a foundation with a single overlay, but a meticulously composed symphony of five graduated layers of silk netting, culminating in an all-encompassing lace lattice adorned with self-embroidered rosettes. The skirt further elevated this dimensional concept with ten luxurious layers of the silk rosette lace, creating movement and depth that captured both light and imagination—a harmonious marriage of vintage inspiration and modern sophistication that embodied Ali’s unique vision.
rebecca + aj
Rebecca rolls to the beat of a different drum, quite literally. As an avid roller derby player who navigates life on wheels whenever possible, her entrance into my studio immediately signaled that this bridal journey would transcend convention. Her Salt:Weddings inspiration collection revealed a fascination with verdant greens, classic Dior "New Look" silhouettes, and tea-length proportions. Above all, she envisioned a creation that would accommodate graceful spins, embody playfulness, offer something distinctively different, and importantly, depart from traditional bridal white.
The rich spectrum of greens populating her mood board naturally guided our color direction. Rather than implementing a conventional ombré effect, we conceptualized a dimensional approach that would incorporate varying hemlines to showcase the gradient. Strategic reinforcement with three-inch horsehair braid throughout the eight meticulously crafted skirt layers imparted remarkable structure, bounce, and the sense of joyful frivolity Rebecca sought.
To complete this unconventional bridal ensemble, we designed a sophisticated 110-cashmere wool-suiting bolero featuring an architectural asymmetrical cowl-neck wrap secured with a single treasured antique button. The resulting creation honored the structured elegance of mid-century silhouettes while introducing contemporary elements through color and proportion, perfectly balancing Rebecca's vibrant personality with refined craftsmanship.
Kara + justin
When Kara first consulted with me, her only certainty was that she didn’t want a traditional white gown. Our conversations often revolved around her husband’s fascinating work as a 3-D mapping specialist, alongside fabrics and patterns that captivated her imagination. During one particularly illuminating design session, as she contemplated images from her inspiration board, Kara expressed her desire for something truly unprecedented. In a moment of creative spontaneity, I suggested, “Perfect. Then we’ll create a blue tie-dyed wedding dress.” The concept resonated immediately.
Collaborating with a distinguished indigo and Shibori artisan in Los Angeles, I developed two distinct expressions of traditional Japanese tie-dye techniques. The foundation layer featured a lightweight silk satin transformed through Itajime resist block printing, while the overlay consisted of delicate silk organza manipulated using the sophisticated Arashi Shibori method. When layered together, these textiles generated a subtle moiré effect that beautifully referenced her husband’s professional artistry, all wrapped in a silhouette that embodied Kara’s effervescent personality—playful, carefree, and inherently joyful.
The resulting creation wasn’t merely a non-white wedding dress; it was a wearable celebration of connection, craftsmanship, and Kara’s distinctive spirit—a harmonious blend of ancient technique and contemporary vision that stood as unique as the bride herself.