A Wedding Dress story: By Cyndi Villalobos
Teri’s grandmother, Janet Bartel, discovered this Priscilla of Boston Japanese silk gown on the cover of the 1962 mid-summer edition of Modern Bride Magazine. Janet walked down the aisle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on August 18th, 1962 in Franklin, Massachusetts, wearing the gown.
This cover of a 1962 Modern Bride Magazine prompted Janet Bartel to buy the gown that generations would wear.
Twenty-five years later the gown was restored for Teri’s mother, Cyndi Villalobos. Cyndi walked down the aisle December 17th, 1988 in San Diego, California.
Cyndi and Joe Villalobos celebrated their wedding on December 17, 1988.
Another twenty-five years passed and the lovingly preserved gown was restored again in September of 2013 by Heritage Garment Preservation in Benicia, CA. Bodice lining and alterations were done by Elizabeth Daniell also of Benicia. Teri Villalobos Perrin walked down the aisle June 21st, 2014 in San Diego, California. Teri mostly wanted to wear the dress because she felt it represents her parents’ and grandparents’ long and happy marriages.
Teri celebrated her wedding day in June, wearing the same gown that her mother and grandmother wore.
A Wedding Gown Legacy
Today, many of those who witnessed Janet and Cyndi walk down the aisle looked upon Teri in spirit. As they are connected to us in community, so is this gown connected to three beautiful women.
Janet, Cyndi, and Teri have each worn the Priscilla of Boston gown. The dress has become a symbol of the enduring love of family.
It was my pleasure to work on such an amazing gown. What a wonderful family history this gown is part of. May the tradition continue with the next generation.