A bride's custom wedding gown had an illusion bodice and a removable skirt

Samantha GrindellJan 14, 2024, 22:18 IST

Kira West wore an Alonuko wedding gown.Stefano Santucci

Kira West and James Fiddmont got married in Italy on September 2, 2023.
West wore a custom Alonuko wedding dress with an illusion bodice and floral detailing.

The dress plays a huge part in your wedding day, whether you wear a designer gown or a thrifted outfit.

Kira West wanted to find a dress that felt worth investing in, which led her to Alonuko, a Black-owned brand that specializes in illusion gowns.

Business Insider spoke to West about why the dress made all the difference on her wedding day.

Kira West and James Fiddmont met through mutual friends.

Kira West and James Fiddmont on their wedding day.Stefano Santucci

They planned a destination wedding in Italy.

They got married in Italy.Stefano Santucci

West didn't initially plan to wear a designer wedding gown.

She wasn't sure what she wanted out of her wedding dress.Stefano Santucci

West fell in love with an A-line gown from Alonuko that had an illusion top.

Alonuko designed the wedding dress.Stefano Santucci

The bodice looked like it was part of West's skin.

The illusion bodice stood out.Stefano Santucci

The skirt was removable, giving West multiple looks in one.

She could detach part of the skirt. Stefano Santucci

West removed her overskirt before her reception for a more streamlined look.

The gown had two skirts.Stefano Santucci

The bride said she felt as good in her dress as she looked.

The bride and her bridesmaids.Stefano Santucci

West said her experience with Okunlola made all the difference when it came to her wedding dress.

She loved working with Gbemi Okunlola.Stefano Santucci

West's bridesmaids also wore dresses from a Black designer.

The gowns were champagne-colored.Stefano Santucci

Fiddmont wore a slim-fitted tuxedo to the wedding.

The groom wore a tuxedo.Hannah Schweiss Photography for The Studio Chicago

Fiddmont and West didn't see each other until their ceremony.

They didn't do a first look.Stefano Santucci

The ceremony was one of West's favorite parts of the entire wedding.

The ceremony was emotional.Stefano Santucci

Nearly all of the wedding took place outdoors.

The reception took place outdoors.Stefano Santucci

West also changed into a shorter dress for the dancing portion of her reception.

The bride had a third look.Hannah Schweiss Photography for The Studio Chicago

The shorter dress was also perfect for the elaborate first dance she and her dad did at the reception.

The bride and her dad did a special dance.Stefano Santucci

But the best part of the wedding for West and Fiddmont was being with all of their loved ones.

They were happy to be with their loved ones.Stefano Santucci

West said she loves the way she and Fiddmont balance each other out.

Kira West and James Fiddmont are a team.Stefano Santucci

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