Weddings are all about making a statement, and Toni Norton, a popular content creator, did just that with her unconventional choice of a risqué gown. While most brides opt for the traditional white dress with a veil, Toni decided to take her look to the next level by wearing a custom transparent wedding dress. What makes this even more remarkable is that she didn’t get a glimpse of the dress until the day before her wedding.
But before we delve into the details of Toni’s stunning dress, let’s rewind and explore how she met her now-husband, Miles Norton. Their love story began in March 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Miles, the entrepreneur behind Miles52eighty, made the first move by sliding into Toni’s DMs. Their initial online conversations eventually led to a three-hour phone call, and after a month of getting to know each other virtually, they finally met in person.
Their first encounter was a memorable one, as Toni described an instant connection and a playful dynamic between them. From that point on, their relationship blossomed, leading to Miles proposing to Toni in December 2021. As an engaged couple, they embarked on planning an extravagant wedding with the assistance of wedding coordinators from De’Veilope Planning and Vanity Jones.
Surprisingly, Toni, a social media influencer, hadn’t envisioned herself getting married, which left her without a clear idea of what her wedding dress should look like. With the wedding date set, she turned to the internet for inspiration and stumbled upon the wedding dress worn by actress Danielle Brooks, known for her role in “Peacemaker.” Designed by Alonuko Bridal, a UK-based fashion house known for creating illusion gowns, the dress caught Toni’s attention with its unique sheer tulle fabric that seemed painted onto the bride’s skin. Intrigued by the naked illusion effect, Toni reached out to the designer, Gbemi Okunlola, who started sketching the dress while they were on the phone.
Little did Toni know that she would only see her dress the night before the wedding, as Alonuko Bridal is located in the United Kingdom, making it difficult for fittings. When the dress finally arrived just in time for the special day, Toni was overwhelmed with emotions, shedding tears of joy. On May 13, 2023, Toni and Miles exchanged vows, and their magical wedding ceremony was captured in a 41-minute video shared on their YouTube channel. To add to the celebration, Toni also posted a clip of their romantic kiss on her Instagram account.