Exclusive: Kamie Crawford Makes A Convincing Case For Three Wedding Day Looks

‘Tis the season for Black love. Granted, we celebrate the beauty of such a union all year long, but no one can deny that summertime is prime time for weddings. From NBA stars taking advantage of the off-season to notable figures embracing the great weather Stateside and abroad at gorgeous locales that make for beautiful matrimonial scenery. What’s adding to the color of this season, though, is the increase in looks that brides are serving on their wedding day. One dress is the standard. But now the girls are opting for three.

TV host, podcaster, and model Kamie Crawford just tied the knot on August 15 (she’s keeping hubby’s name private), and she changed three times: wedding dress, reception gown, and after-party frock. It ain’t for everybody, as the kids say, but it was a daring choice that kept guests’ heads turning all night long at her Philly fete. We caught up with the newlywed following her ceremony to get the gist of why three looks are better than one.

ESSENCE: What were your intentions when you first started gown shopping? Did you know you wanted multiple looks? Were you looking for anything custom?

Kamie Crawford: I knew I wanted multiple looks that told a cohesive story, but my original vision for my ceremony gown was completely opposite of what I ended up choosing! I was adamant that I didn’t want any lace or embellishments—I was thinking more sleek lines with a form-fitting bodice. It was my grandma who told me she had a vision of me in a full lace ball gown with embellishments all over, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her that that just wasn’t going to happen. Of course, her vision was right, and that’s why it’s so important to try on different things because you just never know what you’ll gravitate towards. My stylist, Jenny Rodriguez, dressed me in Walter Mendez for the first time last year, and our relationship with him blossomed from there. When he offered to create two custom looks for me, I was so honored. He understands the female body in such a beautiful way and really took into account how I wanted to feel when creating the most insanely gorgeous reception gown and mini after-party dress that I could’ve asked for. 

Joy + Everette Photography

Each of your looks is absolutely stunning. What made you fall in love with each gown? 

I’ve worn too many gowns to count since my pageant days, but I knew that this would feel different. I fell in love with my ceremony gown because it made me feel like a literal princess. I’ve never worn a ballgown before in my life, and I felt like, “If not now, then when?” I also envisioned my husband seeing me in it, and that made me fall in love with it even more.

My reception gown made me feel like Beyoncé…enough said. It was actual art—I felt like a painting, 12, and the skirt was stretchy enough that I could dance in it (and boy, did I [laughs]).

My after-party dress gave everything an after-party dress should give. It was mini, it was corseted, and it was dripping in rhinestones, sequins, and dainty feathers. I felt like a sexy showgirl! 

Joy + Everette Photography

Did you add any personal touches to these looks, particularly the wedding ceremony gown? 

Walter and I designed my reception and after-party looks in tandem. We had multiple meetings, fittings, and I literally had zero notes—we were totally aligned. 

For my ceremony gown, I didn’t add anything to the dress itself, but I did add a bow and a piece of lace from my mom’s wedding dress, which was hand-sewn by my grandma in 1997. Unfortunately, my grandma suffered a stroke two years ago that left her mostly paralyzed, and she wasn’t able to attend my wedding, which was something I had to emotionally prepare myself for since getting engaged. She would’ve made all of my wedding looks by hand if she could, so I wanted to hold something handmade by her in my hands on my big day. I also put another bow and piece of lace in my handbag for added bridal blessings. 

Joy + Everette Photography

Which one felt the most like you? 

The reception gown for sure. I love a sleeveless look that shows off my décolletage, and, coincidentally, all my wedding looks were sleeveless. This one also had a long, dramatic neck scarf and it was just perfect. Plus, at that point in the night, I had my hairstylist, Ray Christopher, throw my hair back into a bun so I could really let loose. I always feel most like myself when my hair is pulled back and off of my face. 

What are your plans for these gowns now that your special day has come and is complete? 

Well, first, dry cleaning [laughs]. Walter Mendez will be showcasing one of our looks as part of his bridal collection, which is such an honor, and I will be preserving the others and adding them to the archives of the gowns that changed my life!