CHARLES LU | Designing My Sister's Wedding | Fashion Design

One day, she’s your big sister, and you’re her little brother.
In what feels like a moment, you find yourself designing her wedding gown.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think how small I was, with Suzzanne being like a second mother to me growing up. Now, I had the privilege not only to design her wedding gown but also to create the dresses for her entire bridal party.
Every dress was carefully designed to tell a story.
Suzzanne's bridal party was dressed in white, representing the purity and brightness of the day, while the groom’s side was dressed in navy and black tones, symbolizing the night sky - a nod to their engagement under the stars. Guests were dressed in black and white to further complement this theme of day meeting night.
Suzzanne’s main wedding gown was a masterpiece of lightness and elegance. While the base of the dress was white, the layers of off-white pearl tulle, nude illusion, and soft off-white fabrics gave it a unique hue that leaned toward pink - her favourite colour. The gown felt luminous in daylight, playing with sheer textures and soft light. The dramatic oversized bow and intricate beading captured her vision, taking over 400 hours to complete.
The reception dress followed suit, with a shimmering silver brocade featuring micro lamé florals and a large bow to echo her wedding gown. Designed to pair with cowboy boots, the dress honoured Sanderson’s heritage and was a playful yet elegant choice for the evening.
The rest of the bridal party’s designs were equally meaningful.
Melissa Mahoney, her maid of honour, wore a fluid, geometric gown reflecting her effervescent personality.
My niece, Leilu, Suzzanne’s 12-year-old daughter, wore a design with a 1950s-inspired waistline and an architectural neckpiece. It was a youthful yet elegant design inspired by the hidden structural elements of couture.
For the mothers, I leaned into their unique styles. My mom, the mother of the bride, wore a gown crafted from geometrically embroidered white cotton, perfectly symmetrical, and timeless.
Lindsay Hartley, the mother of the groom, wore a fluid gown with a padded corset and a flowing cape back, exuding understated elegance.
In total, I devoted over half a year to designing and crafting six distinct looks for the wedding.
On September 2, 2023, Suzzanne Lu married Sanderson Hartley, in a country field.
To play a part in their special day was the ultimate honour, and one I’ll carry with me forever.
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