BRIDAL STYLE: Sunshine Plata-Alimagno

Most women consider their wedding day one of the most important occasions of their lives. It is the one that usually takes the most effort to prepare for, and mention one of the most expensive. For good reason, since your wedding is a once in a lifetime event. 

New Bride Sunshine Plata Alimagno shares with GUTSY her tips to feeling your best during this big day. 

Full Married Name:
Kresta Ruth Plata Alimagno
When? Where?
May 4, 2012, Friday at San Antonio De Padua Parish in Calumpang, Marikina City
Photographer
Imagine Nation's Noel Salazar and Shayla Sanchez
Make-up artist
Ann De Leon- Perez

Who designed your gown? 
The gown is a merge of my ideas as well as my own, incorporated with the vision of Ms. Vilma Orticio, our trusted family dressmaker throughout the years.

How was the designing process? Any style inspiration?
   I wanted a classic style as not to look outdated when I look back at photos. Besides, I had to be honest and realistic with myself that it should be something that should suit me and my body frame.
I got the inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s  iconic black and white Ascot race dress from her 1964 film version of My Fair Lady as Eliza Doolittle (take out the long sleeves, the heavy laced pouch, the wide brimmed hat and the black and white ribbons but keep the umbrella for the rain). 
 
Any considerations when coming up with the design?Modesty is a top consideration since God is a major witness who will bless your marriage as you exchange sacred vows with your husband-to-be.
It takes three to get married: GOD, you and your husband.Another is making sure you look beautiful for your husband-to-be (to keep his eyes glued on you). That's a perpetual advice of St. Josemaria to wives to avoid their husbands from looking somewhere else, right?!)
Practicality is very important since one will be spending on just a "one day affair" but a special and a “once-in-a-lifetime" at that (which gives it a weightier brain work and pressure). If there is a theme, then it should be linked to it somehow. The weather and venue are also considered and in my case, it's a rainy summer church wedding.


How does your gown suit your frame/personal style?The style fits petites like me since the mermaid cut gives an illusion of height; it flatters and gives shape to the monotony of the straight slim frame. The Chinese collar also emphasizes the neck and shoulders plus the tedious bead work. The tiny sleeves with intricate bead work covers the top of the shoulders and served as a warmer as the weather changed from really hot humid to cool rainy.  I personally told Ms.V how I so wanted a slim and modestly sexy looking gown for me!

Can you describe your gown? The mermaid cut gown is predominantly made of tulle, lace and duchesse [satin], then there is the beadwork. For the veil, 5 yards of tulle, edged with heavy lace, were used.

Any other gown related unfortunate events before your wedding?Before the wedding, I purchased a pair of yellow suede stilettos. It looked so perfect! When I got home everybody agreed that it was such a pretty find, except my mom. She was totally against the four-inch heels because she knew how I was used to walking with just the common flats or rubber shoes. Wearing 4 inch stilettos without practice might cause me to trip during my big day. So the following day, my mom insisted that I return the shoes. My hubby asked me,  "Ok lang ba sayo? Malungkot ka ba ibabalik natin yellow shoes mo???" I exchanged it for a pair of white and silver flats (an extra to my collection) and mom helped me find an equally stunning but funky pair of open-toe pumps instead. I was proud to say, there were no "tripping feats recorded on photo or video on that faithful day of May 4, 2012!

Any style advice to future brides? 1.)  Choose a classy and elegant style of dress that flatters your body frame without compromising too much skin, you'll never go wrong! :D
 2.)  Scout for the perfect make-up artist you're most comfortable with for the both of you to work on your winning look!
 3.)  Try to save up for a professional photographer who does really wholesome and fun photo shoot sessions
 4.) Be open to constructive criticism even if it's justified that YOU RUN THE SHOW or THIS IS YOUR WEDDING. You may be required at times to give-up some of your "addictive little wants and caprices" versus a higher "unfathomable good “but in the end you'll be very grateful for being docile.
 5.) Always, always pray to Our Lady Mother of Fair Love. She will accompany you in your "uphill and downhill" battles to stay chaste as you look forward to your wedding day. Best assurance is that, she will ask her Son to never let you down on your most special day just as she did to the couple who invited them to be part of their "Wedding at Cana".