Sarah and I have a long friendship - I know her well - she's a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. She is also uncompromisingly individual, and deeply committed to the things that are important to her - her family, her spirituality, and scholarship in the arts.

I had no problem encouraging her to take a few risks with her wedding gown... we started from a few basics - a shape from a dress she already has and loves, and the idea of including things that are somewhat symbolically significant.

We used antique satin, a lace so fine you really needn't be sure it was there until you were standing talking with her, hand-made leather buttons and dyed lace details, and a shaped leather trim for the neckline and back.

The important thing is how Sarah looked and felt. She felt truly special, as if she was wearing her story. And it was a gift to help her do it.