By: Erin Gorman

Here at San Diego Style Weddings we are always looking for amazing wedding designers, especially in our own backyard! Jaime Stephens is the designer behind elyseREUBEN Custom Wedding Gowns based out of Temecula, California. We had a chance to sit down and chat with Jaime about her emerging career, first experience at LA Fashion Week, her inspirations and newest collection.

SDSW: What got you started in wedding dress design?
Jaime: I learned to sew at an early age and quickly discovered I had a passion for designing formalwear. I started designing prom dresses in high school but the first wedding dress I ever made was my own. This led to the start of my custom wedding gown label elyseREUBEN.

SDSW: Was there a turning point in your career when you felt you got your “big break” if so, when?
Jaime: Yes! Having my black wedding dress featured on the January 2013 cover of San Diego Style Weddings Magazine, and getting a 2 page spread for We & You Magazine in Spain were both big turning points in my career. Also in opening my new bridal shop two years ago in Temecula, the new location has been wonderful for business.

SDSW: Tell me about your experience at LA Fashion week?
Jaime: I was introduced in Spring 2014 at LA Fashion week as a premier west coast bridal designer. I was amazed to be invited, and although it was a lot of work to get the show together it was worth it. I had been to fashion week many times before but never as a designer and this time I felt like royalty with everyone catering to me. The day of my show was the best day of my career!

SDSW: Where do you draw inspiration from when designing new wedding gowns?
Jaime: My black wedding gown was inspired by a dream I had of a black wedding dress, but some of my favorite pieces I just started sewing and would let the design flow. I didn’t know where it was going but loved the fabric or embellishments I was working with.

SDSW: Tell me about your latest collection, what type of fabrics and embellishments are featured?
Jaime: My latest collection features upholstery fabrics and lots of diamonds. I’m building on top of the basics using texture and volume. The collection also features a lot of slimmer silhouettes like mermaids and trumpets to give the feel of a sophisticated bride.

SDSW: Do you have a favorite style wedding dress, if so what is it?
Jaime: My favorite style wedding dress is the trumpet. I love how it complements and elongates the shape of a woman’s body. It doesn’t have too much on the bottom like a mermaid to compete with the brides overall beauty.

SDSW: How would you describe the elyseREUBEN bride?
Jaime: The elyseREUBEN bride wants a unique gown that doesn’t look like something you could just buy off the rack. They want to feel special and one of a kind on their big day. They usually have an idea of what they want and can’t find their perfect dress in just any dress shop they want something more.

SDSW: What advice do you have for a bride-to-be searching for the perfect dress?
Jaime: “My advice is, always try on every silhouette; even if you think you won’t like it, you may be surprised. Once you find your dress stop looking. It’s kind of like finding your husband in that way. And lastly, pick something that represents you, don’t try to reinvent yourself on your wedding day.”