Winter wedding-New York, 2004

Design challenge: What's a girl to do when she's picked out her dream dress for a beautiful winter wedding -- only to realize the implications of going strapless in January? Rather than freeze, this bride decided to have a custom satin jacket created just for her, which served not only to keep her cozy but also to lend the ensemble even more sophistication and elegance.

Inspiration: Victorian period

The jacket: silk satin with China silk lining. Shawl collar. Princess seaming. Three buttons at center front. Extended length in back.

Summer wedding-Florida, 2003

Design challenge: This Southern bride wanted to feel sexy and elegant, with complete freedom of movement and absolutely no tight seams or restrictions. (The tightest thing she wanted to wear was the garter belt!)

Inspiration: 1930s silk evening-wear

The gown: Ivory silk crepe-back satin. China silk lining (a fabric "so fine it can slip through a wedding ring") with matching bodice inlay. Bugle-beaded straps with bead detailing on bodice. Godet-train skirt. Low back with fabric-covered buttons at center back. Bias drape. Contour seaming over hips.