In my early 30’s before starting my own brand Christy Lynn, I was living my best life in NYC as a senior fashion director for a big fashion house. Since I was six years old, I studied fine arts, then went off to university to study fashion design, and moved to the big city to find my dream job. Dating was never successful for me, mostly because my energy went towards my career. While most of my friends were already settling down, and I was still happily single.
How We Met
In December of 2016, I was set up on a blind date (against my will) by friends. The guy was an Australian expat living in Texas, working in the oil and gas field. I had no interest in leaving the city and saw no future in this, but decided to go on that date anyway. From the moment we met, our story took off. After a year of dating, we were engaged. I made the difficult decision to leave my dream career, and moved to Texas with no job, no friends, but only to follow love.
Shortly after my move, I kept busy by planning the wedding. While shopping, I failed to find clothes that were well suited for my needs, so I decided to take on the big project (mostly because I missed working) of designing my entire wardrobe for the wedding, including my wedding dress.
Starting The Christy Lynn Collection
A month before our wedding, my husband and I realized that I had a full collection made. A decision was made that I was going to form a company and create a brand to represent my vision. My bachelorette trip was a photoshoot of my girlfriends wearing the entire collection in Tulum. I started to take personal orders from my family and friends. And our honeymoon was postponed because we took our collection to the wholesale market in NYC in September of 2019— and Christy Lynn Collection was born.
The Welcome Party
Napa Valley, CA was one of our favorite places to visit while we were dating, so it was the perfect location for the wedding. 108 guests flew in from all over world to celebrate the special weekend. Guests stayed at the Southbridge Hotel in the small town of St. Helena, and the bride and groom’s family stayed in a 1880’s historic farmhouse overlooking Spring Mountain Vineyard.
We welcomed our guests to a wine tasting at the Merryvale Vineyard the night before. I wore the Penelope Dress, a classic shirtdress cut in Italian floral lace. It became our best selling dress, now offered in a range of colors as a signature piece in the collection.
The Wedding Day
We celebrated the next morning with a traditional ceremony held at the St. Helena Catholic church. I wore classic pearls that was loaned from my sister-in-law and the dress I designed. My dress was made from silk organza, with satin beaded florals hand placed and sewn by my seamstress. My mother wore a traditional Korean dress called a Hanbok, and the bridal party including the flower girls wore the very first Christy Lynn dresses.
The reception followed in the early evening, at the V. Sattui Winery. The vineyard hosts a stunning landscape with a rose garden, a perfect backdrop for the cocktail hour. We hosted a candlelit dinner inside their Barrel room, with a menu that was curated by the Italian Michelin Star Chef Stefano Masanti, along with the tablescape decor curated by his wife. Dinner followed dancing, where I changed into the cocktail version of my wedding dress— my favorite dress of the weekend!
The Brand Today
Back when we started, this was a small passion project that stemmed out of love. I was making clothes that fit my style and need, for my special day. Our first year, we worked out of my living room, and sold to 6 stores. Now we are a company that sells to over 100 retailers worldwide, and we opened our first flagship boutique last August.
Our wedding anniversary is the same month we launched the brand. So, this year, my husband and business partner and I celebrate 5 years of our marriage, and 5 years of Christy Lynn. I hope my story inspires women to not be afraid to take risks, and to always follow your heart with love.
