To start, could you share how you first discovered the showroom and what your very first appointment was like?
I discovered the showroom by chance while on some errands in the North Park neighborhood. I was around 16 months out from our wedding and dresses were on my mind but not something I was searching out in earnest. The window display caught my attention - it was so beautiful, simple and ethereal. Several sheer dresses were suspended and layered on top of one another with the light and airy showroom visible behind. I immediately googled Christna's name and was surprised to discover that she was a French designer with a showroom in San Diego - I knew I had to learn more!My mom and sister visited from the east coast with the purpose of wedding dress shopping together so I made a few appointments. Luckily, the first was at Christina Sfez's showroom. We were welcomed into the space I had admired from the window and learned about Christina's ethos. After going through and touching the gorgeous fabrics of the dresses on the rack I tried on about a dozen dresses. I loved the Martha in silk radzmir and the Maggie but Jess, the stylist, emphasized that all dresses could be customized and it was even possible to work with Christina on a completely custom dress. I left the appointment with a new realization that a truly unique dress was possible.
Before we began designing your custom dress, what ideas or inspirations did you already have in mind?
We knew we wanted our wedding to be very personal to us and I wanted my dress to reflect that also. I had tried on wedding dresses from 3 generations of women in my family but none of them fit. I liked the idea of my dress referencing family history. I originally sent Christina pictures of my great grandmother's wedding dress - in 40s fashion with sheer swiss dot fabric. I also sent her a few pictures of contemporary dresses where I pointed out the elements I liked.
During the process of creating and trying on your dress, what moments stood out to you or brought you the most joy?
Receiving the sketches Christina made was really a magical moment for me. It was humbling to think of her creating this art with me and my ideas in mind.
If you had to describe in just three words or adjectives, how did you feel on your wedding day when you saw yourself in the mirror and when your partner saw you for the first time?
Entirely like myself.
What piece of advice would you give to a bride who’s dreaming of a made-to-measure dress?
Be confident in your tastes! If you know you want a custom dress, you probably already are. Also, have trust. With Christina, that is easy.
Finally, how did it feel to learn that your dress design would become part of my 2026 collection as a “signature piece,” bearing your name?
I was truly honored to learn my dress design would be part of Christina's 2026 collection. This dress is special to me but this confirmed this dress is special to Christina too. It brings me so much joy to imagine other brides even trying on the Molli.
