From Sketch to Aisle: Holly Nichols’ Couture Bride Moment

Can you describe the moment you knew you had found ‘the one’? How did you feel when you first tried it on?

I had tried on at least 10 gowns from different designers, but it’s true that the styles you think you’ll go with are rarely the ones you end up choosing.

In the end, I not only found “the one” with Lee Petra Grebenau, I found two!

The Bloom gown fit me like a glove and the delicate flower embroidery with the sleeves transported me to the coast of Italy, to our wedding venue, so I knew it was the one.

It was also so comfortable, I could run, squat, breathe and live in it all day!

When I tried the Kelly gown, I immediately thought that it was jaw-dropping how it enhanced my silhouette and curves and the beautiful pearl detailing was a match for the interior of Villa Astor and its Roman columns and statues — so I was torn between the two!

My amazing sister saved the day by gifting me one of the dresses, so I ended up wearing both for my wedding day!

What made you choose this particular gown’s from Lee Petra Grebenau?

My dream wedding gown in my head was Galia Lahav, but after trying on multiple pieces and feeling like there was at least one thing off, I started to research designers that were similar and that’s how I found Lee Petra Grebenau. The cuts for me, were more modern, but still retained the romantic, delicate, feminine qualities that I was looking for. What ultimately made LPG a match for me personally, was the use of layering transparent fabrics in a way that allowed light to pass through the gowns. As a petite bride (4’10) many gowns consumed me and were too heavy and made me look even shorter. LPG, through transparent layering, allowed for me to not only move around comfortably, but the transparency of the gowns highlighted my silhouette and legs even though the gown was long and had a lot of layers. When I tried on the Bloom gown, I felt like a fairy, floating in my gown. It was remarkable how the dress, despite its non-form-fitting cut, was able to elongate my petite figure via the slit and transparency of materials.

How did it feel stepping into the role of the bride – especially as someone who lives and breathes fashion on a daily basis?

Incredibly surreal. Lee and her team made me feel special through the whole process and I am so grateful for how many hands went into making it perfect. Before I even tried on the Leonie gown, I knew it was the one. It checked off all my favorite elements that I love to sketch: semi-sheer fabric, lots of shine, corseted bodice, and a ball skirt.

How did your husband propose? Share the story with us.

We met at college on a coastal campus featuring a lot of historic mansions. He told me he was taking me to an “Alumni Event” on the campus, and he proposed during golden hour on the courtyard of one of the oceanfront mansions. Our friends and families were hiding nearby to surprise us. It was absolutely magical.

When you started looking for your gown, what was most important to you?

Comfort, the ability to dance in it, and that it made a statement. I truly feel like my custom Leonie gown is the perfect reflection of me. I felt like one of my illustrations come to life.

Can you describe the moment you knew you had found ‘the one’? How did you feel when you first tried it on?

I felt like moving art. The gown is so detailed but I felt like it floated as I moved. I saw Leonie in one of the LPG campaigns and I was hoping I loved it as much on as I did in photos, and I’m so glad I did!

Can you share a memorable moment from your wedding day?

Pablo and I did not do a first look, so when I turned the corner to walk by the aisle, guided by my mother and father, seeing his face at the end to greet me was one of the most magical moments of my life. I will never forget it.

Curious to see the sketch of Holly’s custom ‘Leonie’ wedding dress? Watch the reel on her instagram.