The 411: When I set out to find a wedding dress, I knew what I wanted: High neck, open back, long sleeves, clean straight shape and not the cost of a small down payment on a house. After hauling my bridesmaid squad and mother-in-law to the 5th bridal boutique in Toronto, I realized that the modern boho open back dress that wasn’t a million dollars didn’t exist.
A glimmer of hope: While browsing the collection at Becker’s Bridal on Bloor Street in Toronto, we were informed that the designer’s atelier was on site and that she made custom designs provided they were based on existing styles in-store.
The dress: This gorgeous custom-designed gown by Canadian designer Barbra Allin brought to life what I had in mind. The dress is made of an ivory crepe bottom that falls beautifully in the front (and shows some serious (but classy) shape at the back), and a light sheer lace applique top with some handcrafted small flowers. The court-length train gave it just enough regal flair and added continuously to the fitted back. The boatneck (read: the Meghan Markle special) neckline, long sleeves and glorious slit really knocked the style out of the park - it photographed beautifully and received so many compliments! It's a simple, well-made and elegant dress.
The skinny:
It was purchased in July 2018 for our September 2018 wedding on Canada's east coast.
Professionally dry-cleaned as soon as we got home - looks brand new.
I am 5'8 and wore low 2.25" nude heels.
It has (easily) removable sewed-in cups.
Despite the deep low back, I did not need to wear double-sided tape on the day-of (but you could).