The creation of my wedding look was a slow burn: it took 20 years to realize.
I met the designer at a summer camp on the Chesapeake Bay.
A few years later, we excitedly reunited at our public high school.
Photo: Matthew Priestley
Nicholas knew he would become a designer.
He was already a designer.
During prom season, Nicholass house became a solo atelier, with girls trying on dresses over Ugg boots.
The writer’s prom dress, designed by her friend Nicholas.
I demanded priority as a client on the grounds that I was most willing to take a fashion risk.
(Sorry, Nick!)
The writers prom dress, designed by her friend Nicholas.
The hand-sewn green silk leaves on the back of the dress.
The hand-sewn green silk leaves on the back of the dress.
Together, we materialized belief in the power of style and self-creation.
I am writing this story about us for Vogue.com, so… we did it.
Nicholas and the bride during a fitting.
Now, two decades later, we are each others chosen family.
When I got engaged in August 2022, I knew Id never shop for a wedding dress.
I know these are atypical circumstances for planning the look for your wedding.
Searching for trims at Chez Sarah Vintage in Saint-Ouen.
When we walked arm in arm to breakfast at camp, he was wearing penguin pajama pants.
I am very lucky that that friend grew up to be a fashion genius.
I didnt know what I wanted to look like on my wedding day.
Photo: Courtesy of Katherine Bernard
He took my measurements on the day after Christmas, and then we had leftover pie.
When I put it on, the exaggerated, blunt train clearly had to stay.
Nicholas and the bride during a fitting.
In the atelier.
One major stop was Chez Sarah Vintage in Saint-Ouen.
When you enter the hallway-shaped shop, they make you put on white gloves.
Searching for trims at Chez Sarah Vintage in Saint-Ouen.
Nicholas and Katherine on her wedding day.
We brought the nest we dubbed the ribbons back to the atelier.
Then, Nicholas started to pin and play, the way we used to in high school.
I put on the trousers first.
Katherine with her wife, Lily Olsen, on their wedding day.
They will likely never be surpassed as the most stunning and perfectly fit pants Ive ever zipped up.
Next, I tried on the jacket, which had been temporarily lined so we could test the train.
Nicholas and Katherine on her wedding day.
Nicholas stayed with Lily and I right up until we walked down the aisle.
Katherine with her wife, Lily Olsen, on their wedding day.
