In early 2012, Ania Collection, a bridal boutique in downtown Portland, hosted a bridal design competition for local students. The contest required entrants to design a bridal collection inspired by Portland Architecture.
By using the many bridges in Portland as inspiration, I designed a collection of three gowns titled “Bridgetown Bride.” I wanted to design gowns that were not only beautiful and inspired, but spoke to the aesthetic and values of the Northwest bride.
My designs were chosen as the winning entry, and along with a scholarship, I won the chance to construct two of them with the help of Jennifer Phillips, a custom bridal designer and owner of Nicole Couture. The St. John’s and Ross Island gowns were shown as the finale of the Ania CHOICE bridal fashion show in April, and my scholarship was presented by Leanne Marshall, season 5 winner of Project Runway.
