BB Featured Bride Nailah on Her Breathtaking Chana Marelus Wedding Dress

Like many, BB Featured Bride Nailah used Instagram to begin her search for a wedding dress. Unlike many, Nailah had to face the challenge of looking for the most important item of clothing she would ever wear just as most of the world was entering lockdown because of Covid-19. This meant bridal shops would be closing, restricting availability for appointments and fittings. An afternoon of trying on bridal looks with best friends on hand to offer support and honest feedback would never happen. While the experience was not what she had originally envisioned, Nailah managed to find her dream wedding gown.

Part 2: Wedding Dress & Personals

Scrolling through her Instagram feed for inspiration, Nailah happened upon a stunning dress by Israeli designer Chana Marelus. “I never imagined that I would be able to find Chana Marelus’ dresses in New York City,” she says. “But after a quick Google search, I found that Spina Bride carried selected pieces from her collection.” With the citywide shutdown underway, Nailah knew that she had to act fast and made an urgent call to see if the bridal salon would be willing to open up its doors for a private appointment. They happily obliged and arrangements were made for Nailah, her mother and sister to come to the Manhattan location in person. She looks back on that day and says, “I’m the oldest daughter and the first to get married. Of course, I wanted my friends to be there. But it was still a very special moment to share with my mother and sister, especially given the circumstances.”

Nailah tried on a few dresses, but the one that initially caught her eye was always in the back of her mind. And when she stepped out of the dressing room in that very dress, everyone agreed that it would be what wore she on her wedding day. The ethereal princess gown featured a long sleeve top adorned with exquisite flowers and delicate crystal beading, which cascaded down to a diaphanous tulle skirt. Nailah adds, “It’s still hard to believe that during a worldwide pandemic, they were able to custom make the dress for me and have it delivered just in time for our August wedding!” She finished her look with a cathedral length veil, Jimmy Choo shoes, a beaded prayer bracelet honoring her Muslim faith, and pearl earrings, which were a gift from her parents.

 

A few nights before, a small group of women that included aunts, cousins, and closest friends gathered to witness Nailah receive her henna. “The henna is a tradition of our Middle Eastern heritage. It symbolizes health and good wishes for the bride on her marriage journey.”

 

Nailah complemented her breathtaking ensemble with a romantic bouquet of blush and white blooms. The arrangement featured various types of roses and ranunculus paired with silver dollar and seeded eucalyptus tied together with a white satin ribbon.

Hasan put on a handsome display, wearing a black suit by Canali and Allen Edmond shoes. He matched Nailah’s bridal blooms with a boutonniere composed of one blush ranunculus with seeded eucalyptus.

 

Stay tuned for next week when Nailah reminisces about her and Hasan’s beautiful tent ceremony.

Couple’s Vendor List

Venue: The Liberty Warehouse
Photographer: Jenna Cavanaugh Photography
Videographer: Maisie Snyder
Bride’s Dress: Chana Marelus at Spina Bride
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Tux: Canali
Hair + Makeup: Senada K. Ceda
Cake: Pips n’ Bits
Stationery, Seating, + Aisle Runner: CC Events
Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Catering: Moghul Caterers