As a fashion designer, Priscilla had her heart set on finding a wedding gown that was cutting edge and sexy, with a touch of traditional elegance. And for today’s featured bride, that kind of dress could only be found in Israel! Two trips to Israel later…first to find the David Hasbani couture gown of her dreams; and a second trip for the actual making and fitting of the dress…the big day came into perfect focus. Priscilla looks glamorous, the gown is stunning and Priscilla + Richard’s destination wedding in Rio di Janerio was a gorgeous and totally vibrant affair with amazing mountain and ocean views.
Priscilla + Richard | November 9, 2014 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Dress Listing: David Hasbani
The Ceremony
We had a destination wedding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our ceremony took place outdoors with the view of the most famous Brazilian statue of Jesus Christ, Corcovado, the Sugar Loaf and the ocean. I am Brazilian and Richard is American so we wanted our wedding day to be a mix of American and Brazilian culture. Most of our guests stayed for five days and we had the opportunity to plan tours in Rio de Janeiro and welcome everyone in our “Barbecue Rehearsal” Lunch. Yes!!! On our special day I got ready with two of my sisters-in-law, five best friends, my mom and mother-in-law. It was so meaningful to have everyone together.
The Reception
Our reception was decorated with all types of white flowers and crystals. We had violins and an orchestra welcoming the guests. After our first dance we had the DJ playing the best hits of all time, it was a mix of old school and new songs. Everybody – I mean EVERYBODY was on the dance floor. For that reason we made sure to have the famous Havaianas flip-flops for the guests to change into and feel more comfortable for dancing. At the end of our beautiful day, my groom and I changed our outfits and we walked onto the dance floor with five hundred heart balloons and a Brazilian Samba band playing Samba all night long…It was a dream come true!!
Priscilla’s Dress Search
I was looking for a different and unique dress. I am a fashion designer; so finding my dream dress was one of my biggest priorities on my wedding day. After visiting some bridal boutiques in the US, I felt like everything seemed the same…no flavor. After much research on blogs and editorials I actually found gowns that were both sexy and classic, but they were on the other side of the world in Israel. What a bummer!! Israeli designers make unique dresses with gorgeous low back details and they are so one of a kind. So when my mother had a trip planned to Paris I jumped at the opportunity to invite myself along…we were only a three-hour flight to Israel, so we decided to embark on an adventure to buy my dream dress!
We discovered a street called Dezingoff Street, which is an outdoor mall and PARADISE for brides! In each corner there is a different designer making the dresses right there!!! So as we were window-shopping, we crossed the street and BOOM! We found a super stylish dress that was classic and sexy. After I dried my tears of joy, the decision was already made – this was IT! There was just one little problem, because the gown was couture, we would have to go back to pick it up…six months later I returned with my second mother (my mother-in-law) for the final dressmaking.
How Priscilla Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Sexy, sophisticated and a timeless beauty
Why Priscilla Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
The search for my wedding dress was an experience of a lifetime, I never ever, ever, ever, imagined going to the other side of the world to find the dress of my dreams. Forever in my heart…my David Hasbani wedding gown is a very special dress. I would love to share this beautiful piece of art with another lucky bride.
Wedding Dress: David Hasbani | Photography: Sergio Ronaldo | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Zefiro Eventos, Fort Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Make-up + Hair: Gabriela Figueira | Cake: Terezinha da Matta
