Bridal in a New York Minute: A Closer Look at Gracie's Custom Bridal Reception Outfit

Tell us about your wedding! Where was it, what was the vibe, and what did you envision for your second look before you found us?

Marcus and I got married at République in Los Angeles, one of our special hometown date night spots. We love to eat and dance, so we had a dinner party-style reception with food for hours.

I did a quick change and we hit the dance floor. The evening felt extremely intimate and intentional, as if our guests were spending a typical, yet extraordinary night with us. We danced until the very last second, an absolute blast. I wasn’t planning on a second look until I secured my makeup artist, who would stay through the second look change.

I knew I was interested in wearing pants and a fun top, because the easiest way for me to get down on the dance floor is in a pair of big pants. I also wanted to feel like my second look and wedding dress could potentially come from the same collection.

What made you decide on a custom outfit instead of buying off the rack, and was there anything you were nervous about going in?

The time was ticking on the fashion clock, as we planned the entire wedding in four months, and the second look was a final detail. I was doing some Pinterest mood boarding, online browsing, and keeping my eyes open in vintage shops, but nothing was quite right. Finally, I was describing what I was looking for to my Indian friend, Tara, and she urged me to go custom with an Indian designer. Tara made the connection, and Harleen and I got to work! I was definitely nervous because the imagination is so expansive; adding infinite possibilities doesn’t always make the decision process easier.

Bride Gracie walking down steps at Republique in a custom silky two-piece reception look by Harleen Kaur with Husband Marcus Scribner

Bride Gracie in a custom ivory silk halter top designed with a cowl drape style and wide-leg trousers by Harleen Kaur

Walk us through the design process from your side––the consultation, choosing between sketches, seeing the rendering of you in the outfit, and the fitting at our showroom. What surprised you the most?

Harleen made infinity seem small, because she locked in on exactly what I wanted. Before the consultation, I already knew I wanted to work with Harleen, and chatting with her only confirmed it. From a conversation and a few Pinterest pictures, I had multiple sketches to contemplate — all incredible.

Harleen was extremely flexible with my chaotic work schedule, and gladly welcomed me into the studio for a fitting mid-workday. I wish there was footage of me flailing in with 2 work phones, sending out Slacks with pins in. We both had a few fun ideas to make the sketches more aligned with the first dress, and then I left my trust with the team!

Once I signed with Harleen, the second look was no longer a stress in my mind, because I knew it was being handled by the best! I was definitely shocked at the combination of skill and speed. The quality design and finished product I received was not something you’d expect to take one month.

All smiles with Harleen Kaur Bride Gracie in a custom silky ivory halter top for her wedding reception at Republique in LA

HK Bride Gracie in a custom silk two-piece reception look by HARLEEN KAUR for her LA wedding

Describe the moment you put the outfit on after the wedding––how did it feel, how did it move on the dance floor, and what did your husband and guests say?

After the food, my second look may have been the most commented on feature of the wedding. I’ve gotten so many questions, even a few DMs about the details! My husband Marcus helped me slip into my second look, and he absolutely loved it.

I loved getting dolled up in my gown, but as soon as I put on my HK look, I felt like myself. I couldn’t have conquered the dance floor in anything else!

What would you tell another bride who's considering a custom look but isn't sure where to start?

I would say to come with inspiration, but accept the fact that you’re going custom! You’re working with a designer for a reason, so let the team work their magic. If you’re paying to make a custom look, perfect for you, it doesn’t need to turn out exactly like something you’ve seen before.

There can be both discomfort and so much beauty in deciding you love something not because you’ve seen someone else wear it, but because you have full faith in your personal style.

HK Bride Gracie in a custom silk charmeuse top and wide-leg trousers ethically made in NYC by HARLEEN KAUR

Bride in a custom ivory top and wide-leg trousers by HARLEEN KAUR on the dance floor at République, Los Angeles

Gracie's second look was made to her measurements in New York City in under a month. If you're planning a custom bridal look—a reception outfit, a second look, or the full wedding—book a showroom appointment or read more about our couture and custom process.

Vendors

Photographer - @jennymarkhamphoto

Venue - @republique.restaurantla

Coordinator - @amberalyseevents

Florist - @dogwood.florals

DJ - @djease_

Makeup - @lisadempseymakeup

Cake - @baked_on_rose

Shoes - @jimmychoo

Reception Outfit Designer - @harleenkaur.us

Engagement Ring - @arielleratner

Grooms Ring - @dennisdaltonltd

Grooms Suit - @j.mueser

Grooms Shoes - @givenchy

Grooms Hair - @ber_amos

Grooms Makeup - @ber_amos

Rabbi - @rabbijfroco

Photo booth - @photomatica

Art licensing - @pholksandphaces

Ketubah - @jessica_tamar_deutsch

Bridal in a New York Minute: A Closer Look at Gracie's Custom Bridal Reception Outfit

Tell us about your wedding! Where was it, what was the vibe, and what did you envision for your second look before you found us?

What made you decide on a custom outfit instead of buying off the rack, and was there anything you were nervous about going in?

Walk us through the design process from your side––the consultation, choosing between sketches, seeing the rendering of you in the outfit, and the fitting at our showroom. What surprised you the most?

Describe the moment you put the outfit on after the wedding––how did it feel, how did it move on the dance floor, and what did your husband and guests say?

What would you tell another bride who's considering a custom look but isn't sure where to start?

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Bridal in a New York Minute: A Closer Look at Gracie's Custom Bridal Reception Outfit

Tell us about your wedding! Where was it, what was the vibe, and what did you envision for your second look before you found us?

What made you decide on a custom outfit instead of buying off the rack, and was there anything you were nervous about going in?

Walk us through the design process from your side––the consultation, choosing between sketches, seeing the rendering of you in the outfit, and the fitting at our showroom. What surprised you the most?

Describe the moment you put the outfit on after the wedding––how did it feel, how did it move on the dance floor, and what did your husband and guests say?

What would you tell another bride who's considering a custom look but isn't sure where to start?

Vendors

More Posts

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Leave a comment

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