Honeymoon before the wedding, she wrote back.
Up until that point, my wedding planning process had been decidedly low-key.
It was always going to be more party than wedding.
Photographed by Clémence Polès
But the dress had become a bit of a moment.
As I cast about for ideas, I was introduced toSvitlana Bevza, a Ukrainian fashion designer.
Somehow she got the assignmentand Lianacompletely.
A little bit of Beauty Secrets before the dress arrives.
After a few WhatsApp messages, we hopped on the phone and started talking through ideas.
Bevza explained that when designing a dress, she wants to capture the woman outside of her wedding day.
The process of creating is the most exciting part for me.
Photographed by Clémence Polès
(Actually,this vintage dresscame from Chiomas closet.)
There was only one problem: How would I ever try this perfect dress on?
A little bit of Beauty Secrets before the dress arrives.
Svitlana Bevza and me.
(He became such a fixture that the restaurant is now done up in his honor.)
And in 1918, Pablo Picasso married Ukrainian dancer Olga Khokhlova in the hotels gold leaf-laden banquet hall.
We clinked our glasses and drank it all in.
Chioma and Svitlana, my fashion fairy godmothers.
Then I told him to hurry alongthe ladies would be here soon.
Svitlana Bevza and me.
Chioma and Svitlana, my fashion fairy godmothers.
Photo: Courtesy of Jessie Heyman
I mean…this is a view!
I never expected this niche of wedding dress [customers], she said.
I think clients are looking for something that can be very comfortable and timeless.
I mean…this is a view!
Bevza playing with the shape of the skirt.
Le Meurice mise en scene.
She also just happens to make a number of white dresses.
Bevza playing with the shape of the skirt.
A lot of our clients think of our white evening outfits as bridal, Bevza said.
Some girls order right from our websiteand then later we see the loveliest wedding photos.
It was romantic and over the topand I loved every minute of it.
Le Meurice mise en scène.
It felt like a real fittingit was emotional, Bevza later said to me.
And thats what you remember.
The wedding and the dress and all the emotions.
