The Quiet Thrill of Designing Her Own Wedding Wardrobe
For Alexis Nevan Whelan, designing her own wedding wardrobe was a natural extension of her work as a bridal fashion expert. With years of experience creating custom looks for clients, she was confident in her ability to craft a memorable lineup for her own celebration. When she got engaged to Cooper Davis, Alexis was already running her brand full-time, ready to put her skills to the ultimate test.
The Quiet Thrill of Designing Her Own Wedding Wardrobe
The couple's wedding weekend took place over three days on the picturesque island of Nevis in the Caribbean, a location that held a special place in Alexis's heart due to her aunt's residence there. The designer had scouted venues for the full weekend with Cooper even before their engagement, which allowed her to begin envisioning her looks in the island setting.
"I love designing with a location in mind," Alexis says. "It just feels so much better to me. I feel more comfortable and more confident when I'm in a space and my outfit makes sense." Each event's look had its own distinct aesthetic that wove together the story of the weekend.
For the welcome party, Alexis aimed for a sexy, high-low hemline dress with delicate lace overlay and an organza corset. She wanted a sheer element to give the look a light, floaty feel. After four iterations of the corset, Alexis was satisfied with the inner structure and sheer appearance. She even had her pattern maker finish draping the chiffon just a week before the wedding, hand-sewing the pleats to ensure a perfect fit.
The following day, the couple and their guests enjoyed a beach celebration at a rustic club, complete with dips in the water and volleyball. Alexis took on the challenge of designing her first-ever bathing suit, along with a skirt and headscarf to protect her from the sun. She found a stunning hand-woven tussar silk while searching for fabric for another project and used it to create her cover-up skirt. The headscarf incorporated French lace and chiffon in a matching hue.
Functionality was key for Alexis's beach look, as she didn't want to draw attention while playing volleyball. To achieve the right coverage, she designed a look that would keep her secure and stylish. The bathing suit itself featured a high-waisted design with a flowy skirt, while the cover-up skirt and headscarf provided additional coverage.
Throughout the weekend, Alexis's wedding wardrobe told a cohesive story, with each look balancing style and practicality. Her experience as a bridal designer allowed her to approach her own wedding fashion with confidence and creativity, resulting in a truly unforgettable celebration.