A Bride, A Friendship, A Decade in the Making
Some moments in life are bigger than the dress. Stephanie’s wedding wasn’t just about creating a bridal wardrobe, it was about celebrating a friendship that has grown alongside TUBO itself.
Our story began in 2013, when her mother walked up to me at an event, drawn to the dress I was wearing, and when I told her I made it, she immediately said, "I need to introduce you to my daughters." A few days later, I met Stephanie which led to our first design together and from that moment, our friendship was sealed.
Fast forward to 2024, and I wasn’t just designing for a bride, I was creating for one of my best girls. It had to be personal. It had to be intentional. It had to be unmistakably Stephanie. It had to capture her essence, her heritage, and the love story she was stepping into.
Three dresses. Three emotions. One love story.
The Maiden Look
Intricate coral beading, a sculpted silhouette, and hand-placed embellishments came together to create a look that was both regal and contemporary. Every detail was a nod to tradition, but designed for movement, elegance, and effortless grace because culture should be celebrated in motion.
The Akwaocha Dress – A Love Letter to Heritage
For her traditional wedding, Stephanie wanted something that honored her Delta-Igbo roots, but with the signature TUBO touch. Inspired by the Otisi wrapper and blouse, we reimagined it into a fully beaded masterpiece, what we now call the Akwaocha Dress.
When Stephanie shared that her white wedding theme was Gardenia, I knew her gown had to embody that in the most ethereal way. A structured corset bodice, delicate floral appliqués, and layers of soft, weightless fabric that moved like petals in the wind.
This wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about capturing a feeling. Romance, softness, timeless beauty. A gown made for a bride who wanted to float through her day in elegance.
The Bustier Reception Dress – The Grand Finale
A wedding is a marathon, and the reception is the victory lap. Stephanie’s third look had to be fun, bold, and unapologetically statement-making.
The bustier dress was the answer, structured yet fluid, designed for movement but still incredibly chic. It was the perfect blend of modern sensuality and classic elegance, allowing her to dance the night away in true TUBO woman style.
More Than Just a Dress
Designing for Stephanie wasn’t just about creating beautiful pieces—it was about crafting a wardrobe that reflected her story, her roots, and her personality.
A decade of friendship. A moment in time. Three dresses that embodied it all.