Paying homage to her beloved late grandmother, Real NK Bride, Kayla, married the love of her life wearing elements of her grandma’s 1950s wedding dress. In addition to attire, the family-oriented couple incorporated sentimental touches into every aspect of their day. If you adore all things vintage plus a good dress transformation, keep reading to see what Nathalie transformed the treasured gown into.
The NK Experience
Choosing NK Bride
On the quest to find the perfect tailor for her grandmother's wedding dress transformation, Kayla sought someone who would understand the sentimental value of the project. Living in Brooklyn at the time, she asked around and got many glowing recommendations for NK Bride. When Kayla visited our studio, the apprehension of entrusting her grandmother's precious gown dissipated when she met Nathalie, who not only exuded enthusiasm for the project but also showcased incredible craftsmanship. She had found the perfect collaborator to bring her vision to life!
The Background: Grandma Nadine
Kayla had a close connection with her late grandmother, Nadine, so she always knew that she wanted to include her grandmother in her wedding in a special way. Unbeknownst to Kayla, Grandma Nadine’s gown and veil had been perfectly preserved since her wedding in 1953! Even more perfect, the dress fit like a glove when she tried it on. The only thing left to do was modernize it while keeping the vintage charm intact. That’s where Nathalie came in!
The Veil
Kayla and Nathalie collaborated closely to transform her grandmother's wedding dress into a unique masterpiece. Nathalie suggested placing the pearls from Grandma Nadine’s veil atop the comb of the new veil and rearranging the flowers to make a gracefully lined edge. Kayla went out of her comfort zone to try a short veil but ultimately chose a floor-length one for its dramatic effect. The final result showcased their collaborative effort, creating a bespoke beauty.
Rehearsal Dinner Ensemble
You’ve gotta have a rockin’ fit for the rehearsal dinner, so Kayla rose to the occasion. The bodice of the vintage dress fit so perfectly that she didn’t want to mess with it too much but had a clear vision of what it should look like. “I wanted to make a cropped top and remove the sleeves, so Nathalie guided me through the best way to do that.”
The challenge emerged when finding the perfect bottom for the two-piece ensemble proved to be a daunting task. Kayla amusingly recalls bringing in multiple skirts and pants to the studio, but nothing was quite right. Finally, just two weeks before the wedding, she stumbled upon a pair of gold pants that perfectly matched the gold flowers on the veil, but they were two sizes too big! Luckily, Nathalie and Arthur came to the rescue with some last-minute alterations. What’s wedding prep without a little craziness anyway?
Working With Nathalie
“I couldn’t have imagined a better situation,” she gushed. “She understood the importance of my relationship with my grandmother and how to honor that in the best way.” The emotional weight of the journey surfaced a couple of times during fittings. Yet, Nathalie’s kindness and empathy created a safe and supportive space, allowing Kayla to embrace the feelings. The collaboration became not just a creative process but a heartfelt tribute, making the entire experience incredibly special. “It really felt like she [Kayla’s grandmother] was there when I was wearing those two looks, for sure. I would recommend NK Bride to anyone who’s getting married.” What a stellar review!
For Generations to Come
Could we expect to see these garments on future generations? “Definitely! I’m pretty nostalgic in that way.” Rather than keeping it tucked away in her closet forever, Kayla wants the sentimental journey to continue, ensuring that the outfit becomes a cherished family heirloom with a story that evolves throughout the years. Plus, “NK Bride did an excellent job of isolating all the pieces,” meaning there's a considerable portion of the vintage dress left. And with a younger cousin who has yet to tie the knot, the possibilities are endless!
The Dress
“I’m actually not really a dress person, so it was hard for me to think about wearing a wedding dress,” Kayla admitted. That is until a chance Pinterest search led her to the dress from The Row. Kayla called the store and went by herself to try on the only one they had in her size—the very first wedding dress she tried on. It was a perfect fit, and she began comparing every other dress she tried on after to this one. Despite initial doubts from friends based on photos, the unanimous decision was made once seeing it in person—it was the one!
Finding “The One”
Their love story began at a bar in LA during a mutual friend's birthday celebration in July 2019. Unlike previous relationships, things were just easy with Martin. “There were never those ‘What are we doing?’ ‘Are you my boyfriend?’ conversations,” Kayla told us. Everything unfolded organically, and their compatibility allowed them to grow closer quickly. “When you know, you just know!”
The Proposal & Ring
Martin had the perfect plan—propose to Kayla on her birthday in Italy during their Europe vacation. Unfortunately, Kayla got food poisoning that day, and other circumstances caused the whole itinerary to go awry. Best laid plans for ya! A last-minute change of schedule eventually led them to Sintra, Portugal. In the garden of a palace, Martin proposed to Kayla while standing on top of a rock overlooking the view. Boy, was she surprised. “I figured we'd get engaged but didn't see it on that trip at all.”
So, how’d our groom do on the bling? “I love the ring, it’s perfect!” Though the couple didn’t go ring shopping together, Kayla’s best friend was well-equipped with a Pinterest board full of Kayla’s preferences—gold and vintage. While originally planning a custom design, Martin had to shift gears when he was told it wouldn’t be ready on time, just one week before the Europe trip! In his desperation, he discovered Goldpoint, a local jewelry shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that perfectly captured Kayla's aesthetic. It was eventually complemented by a wedding band that used diamonds from a ring passed down from both of her grandmothers and gold melted from her parents' wedding band, the combination beautifully intertwining family history with the joyous occasion.
Wedding Inspo
The couple knew they wanted to say “I do” in the place they fell in love—The Big Apple. Combining Martin's heritage with that luxe city look, the couple aimed for an Italian countryside meets upstate New York vibe. Opting for a classy but woodsy aesthetic, they sought a balance that resonated with their style.
Floral arrangements played a significant role, and their friend Leslie Bish, founder of Petal to the Metal Floral Design, brought their vision to life. She surpassed expectations, creating an incredible display with an elegant white and green wildflower look beautifully complementing the wedding's unique theme.
The Bridal Party
To color or not to color? That was the question for our bride, who contemplated all-black attire or a rainbow of colors for her bridal party. Kayla, leaning towards the chic simplicity of black, drew inspiration from her own wardrobe preferences and the similar inclinations of her friends. The vibrant venue already provided a colorful backdrop, leading her to solidify her choice. We’re so glad she did because how haute do they look?
First Looks
Martin's first look set the stage for a day of pure surprise and admiration. Unaware of the outfit details, he was enamored by the beauty of Kayla's attire, knowing only about the veil crafted from her grandmother's dress. Martin, recognizing the significance of Kayla's relationship with her grandmother, appreciated the sentimental touches. His wedding ring, made from melted gold that belonged to his grandfather, echoed their desire to have departed loved ones present on their special day.
Kayla also had a memorable first look with her father. “My dad was very emotional because it was his mother’s dress, so that was a really special moment for us,” especially since Kayla resembles her grandmother.
That’s a proud father if we ever saw one. So sweet!
The Ceremony
Choosing the Livingstone venue was a decision rooted in authenticity for Kayla and Martin. “We looked at a lot of venues, but they didn't feel like us. They felt impersonal, like we'd be just a number.” What they really wanted was a place that “felt like [their] backyard.” The moment they set foot on the grounds, the couple knew it was the perfect place, with an indescribable and amazing energy. They couldn’t wait for their guests to share in the awe of it.
As another personal touch, the pair had one of their best friends, a comedian, officiate the wedding. Though more of a secular ceremony, it still incorporated a nod to Kayla and Martin’s Jewish heritage with the symbolic stomping of the glass. The music played a crucial role, reflecting Kayla's role as a music supervisor and Martin's as a musician. They carefully selected songs for the harpist and violinist, creating a personalized and meaningful soundtrack that showcased their diverse and sophisticated musical tastes.
Adding a delightful touch to the festivities was Simon, the couple’s beloved dachshund. A loyal companion, Simon attended all of Kayla's fittings at NK Bride and had his model moment strutting down the aisle.
The Reception
While the ceremony decor was more minimal and understated, Kayla envisioned “pops of color” for the reception. Her creativity ran wild with super fun DIY projects for the stationary, giving everything a warm touch. Table numbers and name cards were courtesy of templates purchased on Etsy and custom calligraphy from an artist. The menu, a point of emphasis for Kayla, received a personalized touch, as her Maid of Honor designed and handwrote it with a charming illustration. Every element, even down to the stickers on the wedding favors (Martin’s homemade olive oil!), was designed and decorated by the bride. What attention to detail!
You didn’t think we could mention the menu and not talk about the food, did you? For the cocktail hour, Kayla and Martin prioritized exceptional catering from The Swell Party. They exceeded expectations, featuring a pig on a spit and emphasizing the use of local ingredients from Hudson Valley, providing a true taste of the region to their guests. Forgoing the traditional sheet variety, the standout cake, a deconstructed yet delectable strawberry shortcake, became a favorite among guests and Kayla. “I still think about it, honestly,” she laughed. “It was just so good.” We don’t blame you, girl!
The Special Moment
Sometimes, it’s the people, not the place. In this case, it’s both. The magical ambiance of the location left a lasting impression as a special place filled with special guests. “It's cliche when they tell you it's the best day of your life. I [didn’t] believe that. But, it really was,” Kayla reflected. She thought about all of her loved ones being together, despite the complexities of divorced parents and family abroad, and how that may never happen again. Relatives and friends coming from near and far to share in the unity of their love is something Kayla will forever cherish. Overall, the guests’ sentiments of the venue's magic echoed Kayla's own, providing a standout setting for a memorable day.
Congratulations, Kayla and Martin! We wish you all the best on your journey together.
<3 NK Bride
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The Dream Team
Photographer: Michaella Jelin | Rehearsal Dinner Top, Veil, and Pants Alterations: NK Bride | Venue: Living Stone | Coordinator: Christofora Events (Formerly, Elite Wedding & Event Planning) | Dress: The Row | Florals: Petal to the Metal Floral Design (Leslie Bish) | Shoes: Gucci | Pants: Khaite | Groom’s Suit: Todd Snyder | Couple: Kayla & Martin