“There are no words to describe the love, happiness and sense of normalcy that radiated in the room of our wedding. After a year and a half of limiting social contact and not seeing some family and friends, being together with 90 of our closest loved ones was incredibly special. 

The vision for our special day was antique opulence. We wanted to put our love of vintage style, music, and swing dancing centre stage for an intimate evening that our guests would never forget. After a year of wearing sweatpants, it was time for gowns, tuxedos, and champagne with live jazz. 

Both Michael’s and my look were very custom and very intentional. And since this is about the look afterall, I will detail the entire outfit and its inspiration. 

When searching for my dress, I didn’t think I would end up with such a modern gown. I wanted a more classic look, aline and skin tight. But I fell in love with the big beautiful blush horsehair ballgown by Wtoo Watters. It felt so right buying the dress from Sash + Bustle. The entire experience was customized and top notch, allowing me to try on as much as I needed to to find that perfect dress. Thank you again for making the process so seamless and fun!”

All About The Dress

“Despite finding the dress, it was nothing like what I thought I would wear. I still wanted a classic look to match the aesthetic of the wedding theme (1920-50’s elegance) and my personal style. So I took inspiration from real princesses. Princess Margaret’s dress, specifically the neckline and size of ballgown, was key inspiration for the final look. I also took inspiration from Princess Grace for the veil and general neckline/volume of the final look. I also love Hailey Bieber’s dress sleeves (lace that covers the hands), and wanted to incorporate the lace extra long sleeves into my final look. 

However, I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this final look, until I found my late Aunt Gordana’s wedding dress and veil while cleaning out her closet. Gordana was really important to me; the last real influential matriarch of my family. She passed away from cancer in September of 2020, so her passing was still very raw for my family. It was in that moment of finding her dress and veil that I knew I had to incorporate her into my final look.

I was lucky enough to be recommended to designer Jillian Ubando, owner of @jillianjoyhc to help create my final look. Jillian took my inspiration notes, the shoulder and sleeve lace of Gordana’s dress and original veil, and with a swish of her sewing machine, she made my dream more than reality. I went from a bride to a princess bride, thanks to Jillian’s incredible vision and execution.

Of course, the look was not complete without the details. I took inspiration for my hair, headpiece and accessories straight from the 1920s. My hairpiece from Vintage Bride Toronto is 100 years old. It was like a full crown of glitter and delicate blush pearls. When combined with Gatsby inspired custom earrings and belt by Hushed Commotion, the look finally came together.

The final piece to complete the look, however, was something I made myself. One thing I knew for certain was I would make my own brooch bouquet (made with heirloom brooches). My bouquet weighed close to 15 pounds, and included pearl and glass bead tassels, inspired by the ribbon tassels on bouquets of brides in the 1920s. I made my own bouquet, as well as bouquets for each bridesmaid, the flower girl, corsages for the moms, and boutineres for all the gentlemen.

If I had to sum up my look, it would be sentimental-eclectic-modern 20’s princess. I certainly felt that way.”

– SashAndBustleBride Katarina

Bride is wearing Masie by Wtoo

Photography: YayLove

Florals: Floral and Brick

Venue: Edgewater Manor