Sophia had visited multiple shops and designer showrooms, but nothing matched her bridal vision. A friend who works in fashion suggested she consider a custom gown instead, suggesting Nathalie Kraynina and NK Bride.
During their first meeting, Nathalie instantly understood her.
“She immediately clocked what kind of person I was—indecisive as hell,” Sophia laughed. “I’d show her a million Pinterest images, and she’d say, ‘No, you literally know exactly what you want. Just tell me.’ She could distill my bullshit.”
A Forest Cape Vision
From the beginning, Sophia had one non-negotiable.
“Truthfully, I just wanted a cape. I wanted to be in the forest, with all this greenery, and for some reason I really wanted an off-the-shoulder cape.”
She and Nathalie explored different iterations until they landed on the perfect design.
“There was one sketch I found online that was a great jumping-off point, and then she put together the exact framework for it. It was a no-brainer,” Sophia said.
Nathalie designed Sophia’s ensemble as two pieces that flowed seamlessly together. The foundation was a form-fitting column gown made from off-white satin-back crepe georgette, with a soft square neckline, a seam at the waistline, and a subtle flare at the hem. Its bodice was structured with a built-in corset and bra cups, offering both support and ease of movement.
Draped over this was the showstopper: a long, off-the-shoulder cape with a dramatic train, crafted from double-faced duchess satin with a delicate sheen. It gave the impression of a single shawl tied loosely under the arms, but in reality, it was engineered with hidden hooks that anchored into the gown.
“It just felt like one-of-a-kind,” Sophia said.
The Process
For someone self-described as “indecisive as hell,” the idea of designing a dress from scratch was intimidating. But Nathalie turned the process into a safe, collaborative one.
“What I loved was that it didn’t matter what call I made,” Sophie said. “There was always an opportunity to tweak it or get it exactly right. I never felt pigeonholed.”
Even Sophia’s preference for an off-the-shoulder look was met with solutions.
“Nathalie figured out how to build it.”
Each fitting became a reason to get pumped.
“Nathalie was truly part of the journey of getting excited for my own wedding. Even fittings without the real materials—just the bodice—got me excited.”
An Easy Love Story
Sophia and Jake first met through work, and though they lived on opposite coasts for a while, their connection was immediate.
“I think I’m the most indecisive human there ever is, but when I know what I want, it feels very simple. That’s how it was with Jake,” Sophia said. “There was just something weirdly easy and decisive about our relationship.”
The proposal happened during a cross-country move, while they stopped in Colorado.
“He proposed to me on a walk with our dog, Fajita. We were literally picking up his poop, and I thought that’s what Jake was doing. But he was proposing.”
They have just one photo of it.
“He set up his phone to take a selfie, and I’m cut off. But it’s my favorite photo.”
Scotland Magic
The couple chose Dunskey Castle in Scotland, a place Sophia calls her favorite in the world.
“There is magic in that country. I love it so much, and I just wanted everyone else to fall in love with it,” Sophia gushed.
The setting gave them all the atmosphere they needed.
“The forest was already so beautiful that we barely needed flowers,” she said.
Still, the venue arranged beautiful flowers in the trees, creating a fairy tale look for the nuptials. That balance of natural beauty and understated design made the celebration feel otherworldly but never stressful.
“What could be such a stuffy experience felt low-key and effortless. You just went with the flow, and you knew you were going to have a good time.”
The vibe was both magical and playful: a string quartet playing Creed during the ceremony, falconry with an eagle landing on the couple, a dance party in the castle’s “rave-y cave,” nightly karaoke, fireworks, skeet shooting, and even a pig roast. Local musicians and townspeople joined in, bringing an intimacy that only deepened the sense of belonging.
“They were so loving and cool,” Sophie reflected.
Custom is the Way
Sophia hadn’t always envisioned a custom gown.
“I always thought I wouldn’t care about the dress, that I’d just order something.”
But this experience changed her mind.
“We all deep down know exactly what we want from the day,” Sophia said. “Why not give that a shot? It makes it unforgettable.”
She already misses working with Nathalie and the NKBride team.
“They just make it so easy and so accessible,” she said. “Even saying goodbye to them was kind of emotional, because it had been such a fun, special journey.”
Venue: Dunskey Estate Photos: Mark Pacura Text: Gina Tron
Venue: @dunskeyestate Photographer: @markpacuraphoto Writer: @ginatron