DesignerVictoria Richardslove for bridal gowns was sparked at a young age.
It was how we played, shares Victoria.
We still design wedding dresses almost every time I see her.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
I think what drives me and brings me joy is dressing people for lifes special moments, she says.
Initially, Victoria didnt intend to dress herself for her wedding day to marry her partner Nick DAdamo.
I tried on over 100 dresses before I decided to design my own, she admits.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
It was hard to take myself from behind the scenes and be the subject.
What truly kicked off her design journey was an idea for her veil.
These veils were considered heirlooms, Victoria says.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
Ive known I wanted something that really spoke to my journey and could be passed down.
As soon as I met Nick, its been adventure and travel.
We love hiking, being in nature, and exploring new things, she says.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
Every single stitch represents a hike weve been on with a very specific flower.
The designer also had her mother choose a prayer, which she had woven to surround the veil.
Designing the sketch alone took Victoria eight months.
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The designer also wanted to craft a dress that would embrace her body and its shape.
Im hippy, and I didnt want something that suppressed that, she says.
I designed a corset and caging within the corset that actually showed it off even more.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
It was a tongue-in-cheek momentthis is my body and I want to celebrate it.
To help her construct the pieces, Victoria teamed up with atelier patternmakerMei Zou.
I showed her my sketches and told her how I wanted to feel.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
What Mei was able to make with that was just incredible.
One unique feature of the ball gown was the outer layer was constructed to have no side seams.
A ballet studio was the perfect fit.
Photo: Mo Davis Photography
A lot of my summers were spent going between the studios and halls at that building, she says.
Her mother was confused as she arrived at the building and went up the elevator surrounded by dancers.
She walked in, saw the dress, and immediately it was water works, says Victoria.
It was probably one of the best days of my life.
The bride remembers how special it was to have them spend 40 minutes helping lace her into the gown.
My mom put on my veil and a lot of tears were shed, says Victoria.
Victoria shares incorporating the embroidery she used on her own veil into the collection.
That’s how I’m considering it an heirloom, she says.
Im hoping it lives on through my clients; my future brides.
