Adorned in satin, silk and lace, brides walk down the aisle on their wedding day wrapped in delicate fabrics. For Anna Claire Westbrook’s wedding to William Jones, her dress had another element: the sweet sentiment of knowing she mirrored her mother and grandmother.

This custom, hand-sewn gown, complete with pearls, short sleeves and a fitted bodice, made its debut at her grandmother, Bennie Faye Barham’s 1958 wedding. Thirty-four years later, Bennie’s daughter, Amy Barham Westbrook, wore the dress to her wedding in 1992.

A meaningful tradition had begun, and in 2025, Anna Claire chose to continue it.

For as long as she can remember, Anna Claire has thought the dress was beautiful. But she still took the time to look online and visit bridal shops for an off-the-rack dress that felt true to her. However, she began to wonder if that feeling could be remedied with an emotional connection.

That moment inspired the search. When the gown was located in its preservation box at the top of her mother’s childhood closet, Anna Claire finally found what she had really been looking for.

“When I saw myself in the gown for the first time, I felt at peace,” she says.

The dress, having spent 33 years in storage, required some love and attention. The reconstruction process included mending the bodice, reapplying the lace appliqués, and restoring the color. After several months, it was ready for the ceremony.

“Every stitch was sewn with intention and care, similar to sewing together days and years with a life partner,” Amy says of the tradition that her daughter has lovingly continued.

As for its continuation, both women would love it if future generations chose to carry on wearing the dress. The choice, to them, represents an effort to honor the strong women who raised them and the loving marriages that began with it.