I’m lucky enough to work closely with many extraordinarily talented designers in New York – a perk of being part of the CFDA family. When it came time to think about my wedding dress, however, there was only one designer I considered: Zac Posen.

Zac and I have a long history that spans over my entire career in New York City. My first job after graduating was Executive Assistant at his studio, which, at the time, was still in Lower Manhattan. Being his assistant meant that Zac and I spent all of our time together – in the studio for collection fittings, going to various meetings, and even renovating his apartment.  There wasn’t a single day during my year at Zac Posen that we weren’t in communication.  I grew close to Zac, his family, and the team in the atelier. The year as a so-called #ZPgirl was my most formative, both professionally and personally. Zac and I still talk all the time – often texting or sending direct messages through Instagram.

The most important thing I learned was what it meant to be a designer for Zac. I had gone to school for Fashion Merchandising and had a few high-profile internships and freelance jobs in fashion before, but I had never witnessed the process of making a collection in an atelier.  The way Zac builds each piece and collection makes his clothing special. He does not sketch or use any digital design methods. Instead, he instinctively drapes fabrics on a dress form.

The Zac Posen atelier is one of the largest in New York and represents a rare and specialized community of artists. I have seen Zac and the design team on their hands and knees physically re-pinning and re-draping dresses on a fit model. They will continue to cut new muslins and fit until it’s just right.

I learned the creative process of Zac and his team. I knew he was the only one who could make the right dress for me.

We started my dress research in October 2017, and I found a design from the Spring 2018 collection with a silhouette that I liked–a romantic silk crepe dress with a natural flow. We used that dress as a template and began to customize it from there. I worked closely with the design team to realign the neckline into a deep V-neck. We elongated the sleeves, and added a train, among other things.

The special embroidery was customized by an artisan in the atelier, and I chose baby’s breath as a symbol of everlasting love.

The process included three muslins, four fittings and countless pins. Thank you Zac Posen, Sonia Traika, Joey Bond, and the entire atelier for my dream dress.

The big day finally arrived on a Friday earlier this month. We were in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and I spent the day getting my hair and makeup done with my bridesmaids in a room that overlooked the ocean and the tent for the reception. The simplicity of Zac’s design allowed me to put the dress on by myself, and I loved having that moment alone. I slipped on my Sophia Webster heels and a bracelet made from pearls belonging to my Great-grandmother before walking out to see everyone.  It was the first time that my mom had seen the finished dress, and she was overcome with tears.

The sunset ceremony was on a pier that extends beyond the beach into the ocean. I walked down the aisle to “Sea of Love” by Cat Power and met both of my parents half way down. As I took the first few steps towards my husband, the wind picked up my train and it flowed effortlessly behind me just the way it was designed.

A lot of love went into my wedding dress, and I felt it in every stitch.