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Texas designer Lela Rose whips up gorgeous feminine gowns with whimsically delicate details.

Strapless tulle gown with sweetheart neckline and cotton embroidery on skirt, about $5,995.

Q: You made your own wedding dress, using personal touches in the design. Can you tell us about it?

A: I started with a washed duchess satin fabric that had the tiniest hint of pink. Then, beginning at the hem I embroidered a delicate tree branch that lightened and diminished in size as it wrapped around the gown. It sounds odd, but we actually had a tree-themed wedding. I love the symbolism of trees—they stand for life, fidelity and family. We were married beneath an altar of tree branches, and I loved the way the gown’s design continued the theme. In my line, we often handstitch the wedding date in a lovely shade of blue on the inside of a bride’s dress (which takes care of the “something blue!”). Or we may incorporate an item of sentimental value. For one client, for example, we sewed her mother’s pearl earrings into the neckline. Even though no one except the bride was aware of it, having the earrings there held special meaning for her.

Q: You don’t often work with satin. Can you explain why, and describe the kinds of fabrics you prefer?

A: I’m partial to materials with some texture, such as crinkle chiffon, cotton voile and silk faille. I enjoy the challenge of transforming a fabric not typically considered bridal into something couture. When we do use a shinier fabric, such as satin, we put it through a laundering process that essentially makes it softer and more matte. I used a similar method with my own wedding dress. And we never use white—I just don’t like it. I prefer ivory, candlelight and oatmeal shades, which are much more flattering on the majority of skin tones.

Q: Everyone is dying to know: What was it like designing the dresses for Jenna Bush’s wedding attendants?

A: I have known the girls since they were young, and it was such an honor to be involved. The ceremony was outdoors at the Bushes’ ranch in Texas, so we looked to native wildflowers for color inspiration: lovely lilacs, beautiful light blues, rich greens, even soft reddish-pinks. It was important to Jenna that the colors of the girls’ dresses, below, enhance the wedding’s natural backdrop. We ended up with 14 bridesmaid dresses, all in crinkle silk chiffon, but in seven styles and seven colors. I also designed a shimmery moonlight-colored gown with a low-cut back for her twin sister, Barbara, her maid of honor, as well as a special dress for her flower girl. All the dresses had handmade rosettes, also in crinkle silk chiffon, so there was a sense of cohesiveness. Interestingly, none of the dresses was strapless, and all were cocktail-length with pockets—fun new trends I see many brides following today.

Rose's Recommendations Make three visits to the bridal salon; that gives you enough time to reflect on what you like and what looks best on you without becoming overwhelming. I love to see a bride in a long gown. You have the rest of your life to wear a cocktail dress, but only one wedding day. This is probably your one chance to wear a veil, so give it some consideration (but don’t feel you must). Find someone in your area who specializes in the care of wedding gowns—not a run-of-the-mill dry cleaner. Your dress needs to be treated and specially packed to prevent stains and discoloration and to be properly preserved. Visit our Wedding Dress Gallery to find more Lela Rose gowns.