Real Bride - Sabrina C

‘The moment I found OUMA online, I knew I would be honored to have the detail of representing my Chinese heritage with a wedding dress. When I saw the first photo of Hazel for the release of this collection, I knew she was the one. I tried on dresses before I flew to Lovely Bride Philly to try on OUMA dresses, and none of them felt me. I had so much fun trying on other OUMA styles, but when I tried on Hazel, it truly was the one. I didn't think I could have a "the one" moment, but my heart knew Hazel was mine from the start. I have never felt more "me" until I tried her one. '

'She's so simple, yet so elegant and dreamy, that's exactly how I felt to wear her on my wedding day. Hazel was the perfect dress and combined with florals, simple gold and bridal glow, I felt like the most beautiful bride on my wedding day. She is me, and I am her. When the sleeves came off, it was party time and a whole different side of Hazel and myself emerged (I can't help it, I'm a Gemini!), I had the greatest time celebrating in this dress all night. The only thing I wish I had was those beautiful bags OUMA now makes to really dress up my fit, but some day!!!'

'A personal note to Ou & the OUMA team. When I got engaged in November 2022 and started my shopping journey, there were so many options, so many styles, but none never felt like me until I found OUMA and Lovely Bride Philly. I felt a personal connection to OUMA as I'm half-Chinese and wanted to reflect my heritage for my dream American wedding. At the time, OUMA was only being carried in NYC & Philly via Lovely Bride. I tried on dresses in my local area and in Philly, but none of them felt right for a dress I could only wear once on my wedding day. '

'I'm based in Atlanta, GA so I flew 2 hours to Lovely Bride because I couldn't get that one photo of Hazel (from collection release) out of my mind. I knew in my heart I wanted to wear a OUMA design so I made it work. Flash forward almost 3 years year later, there was a trunk show at Sentimentalist here in ATL and OUMA is being carried in more stores, even Anthro now! I wish then I had more accessibility to OUMA, but she was worth the flights and every penny to try on all the styles I could and to find the one that I'd wear on my wedding day. '

'As a small business that's continuing to expand and grow, but still truly shows the essence of Ou and her brilliant creativity - I'm so proud to wear OUMA and to see Ou get her flowers and get as much global attention as she deserves. The designs are truly unique and perfect. I wish I was famous enough to wear these on every red carpet because I died when I saw Christine Chiu in OUMA!! I'm so happy to see Ou and OUMA's continued success and I hope every bride feels as beautiful and complete in their OUMA dress. This was definitely over budget, but I always knew in my heart Hazel was the one. She was worth every penny and I can't wait how I'll figure out how to repurpose her to wear again. Thank you so much, I truly feel honored to have worn this dress on my wedding day. She's perfect.' - Sabrina C

Photos by: Estely Mijares

Store: Lovely Bride Philadelphia