Upcycling a Wedding Dress: A Love Story Reimagined by Sarah Tremain
At Sarah Tremain, sustainability and community are at the heart of everything we do. Recently, designer Sarah Culbertson took on a project that beautifully exemplified these values: she upcycled a wedding dress for her friend Jocelyn DeGroot-Lutzner, creating a gown that tells a story of love, heritage, and creative reinvention.
Jocelyn wanted her wedding dress to reflect her personal style while staying true to her values of sustainability and sentimentality. Instead of choosing a brand-new gown, she envisioned something unique—a vintage-inspired dress with an extravagant train that carried history yet had a modern flair. Together, Jocelyn and Sarah embarked on a journey to create the wedding dress of her dreams.
It all began one evening after Jocelyn’s engagement when she and Sarah caught up over drinks to discuss her vision. Soon after, the pair, along with Jocelyn’s bridesmaids, took a trip to upstate New York to her family’s farmhouse overlooking the Hudson River. Their goal was to thrift for the perfect dress. After a day of browsing local shops, they stumbled upon a hidden gem—a bridal section in one of the town’s thrift stores. The next morning, Jocelyn tried on dress after dress, liking parts of each but not finding “the one.” That’s when Sarah suggested a creative solution: combining two gowns to achieve the dramatic train that Jocelyn dreamed of.
What followed was a months-long process of reworking and blending the two gowns. From carefully preserving classic details like a corset back to designing a versatile underskirt that could be removed for the reception, every element was thoughtfully crafted. The result was a one-of-a-kind dress that not only honored Jocelyn’s love story but also embodied the ethos of sustainable fashion.
The final gown was more than just clothing; it was a work of art. A true reflection of Jocelyn’s style and values, this upcycled wedding dress proved that sustainability and elegance can go hand in hand. As featured in the New York Times article, "A Local Hangout Dad and Daughter Found Special (for Different Reasons)," the dress became part of the couple’s beautiful journey.
At Sarah Tremain, this project stands as a testament to our commitment to reducing waste while creating custom, meaningful garments. We believe that fashion can be timeless and sustainable when crafted thoughtfully. Stay tuned for more stories about upcycling, and discover how you can transform your wardrobe with Sarah Tremain’s custom services.
