"Crafting Allison's Custom Embroidered Wedding Veil"

When my good friend Taisha approached me with the idea of creating a custom wedding veil for her sister-in-law Allison, I knew it was going to be a special project. Taisha wanted to give Allison something truly unique and meaningful to wear on her wedding day, and I felt honored to bring her vision to life.

We planned to meet during my tour with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in March 2024 when I would be in Los Angeles. It was a perfect opportunity to connect in person, discuss ideas, and see Allison’s dress up close. When we met, Allison brought her wedding dress, and we spent time together carefully examining its intricate details. Her dress featured delicate, feather-like embroidery motifs adorned with sequins and beads, giving it an ethereal yet glamorous feel.

I had brought along a sample veil for Allison to try on. This helped us decide on the right length and gave her a chance to see how a veil would complement her dress.

Once back home, I began translating the inspiration into a custom design. I wanted to incorporate the feather motifs from Allison’s dress into the veil for a cohesive look. Taisha also gave me the couple’s wedding invitation, which was beautifully designed and featured elegant typography. This became the basis for adding their new married name, Montane, and their wedding date to the veil. I loved the idea of including these personal details—it made the piece more than just an accessory; it became a keepsake.

I started with sketches, playing with different layouts for the feathers and lettering. After sending Allison the initial designs, I got her enthusiastic approval and moved on to creating a full-scale 1:1 plan. This step was critical for visualizing the exact placement of each embroidered feather and the typography.

To prepare for the embroidery, I practiced stitching the feather motifs on my sewing machine. It was important to capture the light, airy quality of the feathers while ensuring the design felt balanced and refined. Once I was happy with the samples, I transferred the final design onto the tulle using heat-erasable pens and a water soluble stabilizer.

The embroidery process was both labor-intensive and incredibly rewarding. Each evening after work, I spent hours at my sewing machine, carefully stitching every feather and detail. The design slowly came to life, and as I worked, I imagined how the veil would look on Allison on her big day. After finishing the embroidery, I added a sprinkling of transparent sequins throughout the feathers to give them a soft, subtle sparkle that would catch the light beautifully.

When the embroidery was complete, I gathered the top of the veil and securely attached it to a silver hair comb. The comb not only added a touch of elegance but also ensured the veil would stay in place throughout the ceremony and celebrations.I handed the completed veil to Taisha, who took it with her to give to Allison before the wedding.

Seeing the photos of Allison on her wedding day was such a joy. The veil perfectly matched her dress, and she looked absolutely radiant. Taisha later told me how thrilled Allison was to have something so personal and unique, made just for her.

Details from Allison & Logans wedding day

This project holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it a joy to create, but it also marked the first time I made a fully embroidered veil. I fell in love with the process—the precision, the artistry, and the satisfaction of seeing everything come together.

If you’re looking for a custom addition to your wedding look, but a custom dress feels out of reach, an embroidered veil is a wonderful option. It’s a meaningful way to add a personal touch to your ensemble, and it can become a treasured heirloom to pass down through generations. I can’t wait to create more custom veils in the future, each one as unique and special as the bride it’s made for.

A Feathered Dream

"Crafting Allison's Custom Embroidered Wedding Veil"

From Tokyo to Houston