Josephine & JC

Anyone who knows me, knows I am obsessed with Christmas. So when real bride Josephine came to me talking about a christmas wedding and the inspiration for her look being an elegant christmas druid - i could not contain my excitement. from the first styling appointment, josephine had her eye on the mona gown and winola coat. When she put everything on for the first time, it was as if this look was designed for her. Josephine flew from nyc to los angeles multiple times for fittings and what an honor it was. Thank you josephine for your trust, you are a true goddess.

From the bride herself, josephine shared some words about her experience working with nordeen and how she felt when her vision came together:

1. What drew you towards nordeen? why did you choose nordeen for your special day?

“The first time I saw a nordeen collection, I was sitting on the stoop of my apartment in Brooklyn and it was the middle of the pandemic. We were all facing an unknown future (and I don't even think I was dating anyone), but when I saw the pictures I knew one thing with absolute certainty: one of nordeen's designs would be my wedding dress. I was blown away by the simplicity and elegance of the dresses – they are timeless and stood out from everything else I've seen. The focus of these dresses is on the wearer. They are simple, unfussy, unburdened with unnecessary adornment. They stand, independent and unafraid, and they say "I am a dress for a powerful human." They don't hide themselves or the wearer. They make a statement while allowing the entire focus of the wedding to remain on the love story of the couple. 

I also resonate with so many of Brenna's values: her commitment to sustainability, use of natural materials, and focus on ethical creation of the garments. It was incredibly important to me and my now husband that our wedding be hyper-local/small business – we wanted to know where everything in the wedding was coming from, who would be the creators and makers, and that every dollar we spent would go towards someone/something that we believed in. nordeen was really the only choice.”

2. How was your experience working with the designer, Brenna?

“By the time I actually got engaged and had a wedding to plan, Brenna/nordeen had relocated to LA and despite the challenge of me being in NYC, was 100% game to figure out how to make it work. I flew out to LA several times for fittings, and although I was not very good at communicating what I was going for, Brenna asked a lot of questions to make sure she understood. Together we looked at the Mona gown on different models to see how to get the fit I was going after, and after I had a fitting where I didn't feel that confident, Brenna visited the dressmaker several times and kept me updated along the way so I could see the changes. I think sometimes it can be scary to just give someone your measurements and trust that you'll end up with something amazing, but I knew I was in good hands with Brenna. She understood the look and the feeling I wanted and was instrumental in ensuring the dress turned out how I had envisioned it. She also incorporated feedback I had from trying on the Winola Coat with the Mona Gown, including adding in little loops to the coat shoulders to keep it in place as I walked and adjusting the hanger straps to be removable so you don't see them when the dress is on. It was really wonderful to have that level of customization and attention to detail. Her passion is apparent the moment you begin to speak with her about her designs, and her intentionality in decision-making is clear and noticeable – all things that are incredibly important when you're choosing your partner for such an important dress.”

3. How did you know the Mona Gown with the Winola Coat was the one? How did the look make you feel?

“I knew we were having a winter/Christmas wedding and for our ceremony I wanted something that felt primeval and solemn, something that came from the earth and was grounded in the natural world, and something that celebrated the pagan origins of the holiday (or, less glamorously put, "like a Christmas Druid"). Our ceremony was Catholic, and it was important to me that my look reflected the immemorial rituals still present in the Mass. I had always known the Mona Gown would be my dress (honestly from the first time I saw a picture of it in 2020) – the voluminous champagne silk, the delicate straps and pearls, that stunning back – it was like nothing I had ever seen. I needed a coat to complete my look and was drawn to the stark contrast of the Winola Coat with its severe modesty against the back of the Mona Gown. The two pieces together more than fulfilled my fantasy. I also loved that the two pieces together provided an opportunity for a "second look" for the reception where the Mona Gown got to (literally) shine. Our reception was held at an old social club from the 1890's, a venue tailor-made for the glamour of the Mona Gown.” 

4. What was a favorite/significant moment during your wedding day when wearing your nordeen look that stood out to you? Can you describe it?

I walked down the aisle by myself. The organ played a spare, almost bleak, arrangement of Holsts' "In the Bleak Midwinter." I could feel the dress and the train of the coat moving with me, grounding me, and the spirit of my Irish and Scottish druidess ancestors flowing through me. I felt so connected to my heritage, the earth, and the mysticism of the moment – truly like an ancient queen or goddess. Then, at the reception, I had the skirt looped around my pinkie finger to keep the train off the floor. During our first dance, JC twirled me, I raised my other arm so the skirt spun out, and as the light reflected off it, a wave of gold under the candlelight, and I swear a gasp went through the crowd. It was exactly as I imagined and at the same time so much better. 

5. Anything else you would like to express?

nordeen is such a special brand to me. In today's world of fast fashion it can be hard to find creatives who value quality and the process so highly. I went wedding dress shopping with my mom (even though I knew I was choosing nordeen) and really struggled to find actual quality and care behind all the sequins, beading, and lace of most models. Working with Brenna is an opportunity to see a real visionary in action. Holding, touching, and wearing her gown was an experience all to itself. And, while her designs are inspired by nature, they look equally at home on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. nordeen dresses are true statement pieces that stand out and are perfect for any discerning bride. They're unique (every single person who's seen my wedding photos has complimented the dress and said they've never seen anything like it before) and radiate glamor and timelessness. Now JC and I just need to get married again so I have another opportunity to wear this dress! 

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Brenna Simmons