There’s nothing we love more than a sister duo! Back in January 2022, Alexandra’s sister Samantha tied the knot in a fully custom AG ensemble.

“I can’t say I’ve always known what I wanted to wear on my wedding day. This is a bit surprising, since I have been exposed to and have tried on many gorgeous gowns at my sister’s studio over the years. Luckily, I have an extraordinarily talented sister who was willing to help make my vision come to life! It was obviously a no-brainer that I wanted her to create my wedding look—or looks. In addition to my wedding day ensemble, she made custom dresses for my engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette. She really outdid herself and is probably still recovering.” - Real AG Bride Samantha

After discussing their inspiration together, Alexandra began sketching a toned-down version of an over-the-top Marie Antoinette-inspired ensemble that Samantha had initially proposed. They settled on two looks… A floral-printed silk coat with a ruffled train, laser-cut appliqué, and velvet ribbon details. And underneath, a classic A-line gown complete with a micro-pleated tulle overlay.

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Q&A With Samantha and Alexandra…

What was the design process like?

ALEXANDRA: I love that Sam is quite bold and a maximalist when it comes to style. When we first started talking about her wedding day look, she was fully prepared with moodboards and had a clear vision of what she wanted. It was a total dream because I adored her inspiration and was excited that she wanted a dramatic silhouette and to incorporate color in some way. In the beginning of the design process, there was a bit of back and forth on how dramatic the look would be. I would sketch something and Sam would push for more drama, more layers or more embellishments and I just had to keep explaining that “less is more”. It was my job to tone down her fantastical ideas (which I loved) to ensure we came up with a look that felt true to her vision but also didn’t feel like a costume.

SAMANTHA: I had a few mood boards that I sent Alex the day after I got engaged :) And then about 10 months before the wedding I came to the studio and tried on gowns to zero in on the silhouette. I knew I wanted the tried and true AG square/scoop neckline and a soft a-line skirt. It was so much fun trying on all of the gowns I have long lusted over, but also confirmed for me that I did want a gown that wasn’t all white. After that, Alex started working with our embroidery mills to create the perfect print and color-way. We spent a month or so looking at sketches and refining before I tried on a sample which we then fit a few times until it was the perfect. In the meantime, the fabric arrived in the perfect blue and Alex surprised me with the matching 3D embroidery. We then sourced two velvet ribbons to finish the coat and gown.

What was it like working together on such a special piece?

ALEXANDRA: We worked really closely together throughout the process and it was really surreal to see it all come together after a period of about six months. I just loved her vision and appreciated that she trusted me. There’s definitely pressure when you’re creating a custom gown for someone, especially when that person happens to be your sister. Her trust in me made the process easier.

SAMANTHA: We had a lot of fun together! The initial sketching phase was my favorite part. I remember one excellent weekend at our parents house when we spent a few hours drinking wine and Alex sketched. It was just so inspiring for me to watch her creative process while she indulged my wild ideas. Each one was better than the last and I never once worried if the gown would be perfect - how could it not be?

What was your favorite part of the gown?

ALEXANDRA:Most of all, I just loved seeing my sister in her gown (and coat!). There were really special moments and lots of happy tears during our fittings where we got to see each piece come together. If I had to pick my favorite thing about the whole look (besides the woman who wore it), I would say the 3d floral embroidery that we added on top of the printed coat. It was such a fun, unexpected detail that highlighted not only the beautiful print but Sam’s desire to have color and a floral motif as part of her look.

SAMANTHA: Hard to say because it was all a dream come true. Cliche as it sounds it wasn’t a part of the gown I loved the most, but the women whose hands made the gown. I’m so lucky to call them my colleagues and to see their incredible work every day. So much care and attention goes into every gown and though I had a special experience, I am proud to know that each bride’s gown is treated the same as mine.