The wedding of Alliya de Batista and Shawn Finch was undoubtedly the most dramatic event of 90 Day Fiancé season 11. However, the most shocking aspect of their vow exchange was Alliya’s unique wedding dress. The couple envisioned a small yet elegant ceremony at an enchanting California vineyard. Despite their 90 Day journey being filled with challenges, they seemed to be in a good place as they approached their special day.

As they prepared for the big day, the couple was focused on overcoming uncertainties surrounding Alliya’s transition. To Shawn’s relief, Alliya agreed to sign a prenup, which indicated their commitment to each other despite their significant age difference of 36 years. However, on the day of their wedding, everything they had worked hard to achieve began to unravel.

In a surprising twist, Alliya arrived two hours late to the wedding, leaving Shawn, his injured mother, and their guests waiting outside in the sweltering 104-degree heat. When Alliya finally made her entrance, Shawn’s patience had worn thin. They proceeded with the ceremony, but their wedding day was overshadowed by feelings of anger and disappointment. Nevertheless, it was not these tensions that dominated the conversation; rather, it was Alliya’s unexpected choice of wedding attire that captured the audience’s attention.

Alliya’s Unique Dress Sparked Conversation Among 90 Day Fiancé Viewers

She Chose A Sheer Gown That Stood Out

For her nuptials with Shawn, Alliya selected a dress that was as distinctive as their love story. The sheer bridal gown featured primarily nude-colored netting, embellished with intricate beading on the chest and torso. Adding to its uniqueness, the dress was adorned with white feathers on the wrists and skirt, and underneath, Alliya opted for a white thong, making a bold statement.

Alliya’s unconventional dress sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, particularly considering her usual impeccable style. Many Reddit users engaged in extensive discussions about the outfit, with one user, u/tabristheok, labeling it as “without a doubt the most hideous wedding dress I have ever seen on the show.”

Comments often centered around the inappropriateness of the revealing gown for the elegant setting, particularly her choice of undergarments. One user, u/xPinkPeonies, remarked that Alliya’s dress “seemed more suited for the bedroom or after the wedding… not appropriate for walking down the aisle.”

The backlash continued on Instagram, where numerous fans expressed their confusion and disapproval directly on Alliya’s account. Although some acknowledged Alliya’s inherent beauty and typically sharp fashion sense, others were less forgiving. The attention and critique prompted Alliya to share the deeper story behind her wedding dress, showcasing its significance beyond mere aesthetics.

Alliya’s Wedding Dress Served as A Heartfelt Tribute To Cher

She Crafted It With Shawn’s Passion in Mind

In a revealing video, Alliya disclosed that her dress was the result of a collaboration with Brazilian designer Maison Delorée. This bespoke gown was handmade for Alliya, drawing inspiration from a similar outfit worn by the legendary Cher at the 1974 Met Gala. Cher’s iconic dress, designed by Bob Mackie, also featured sheer netting, elaborate beadwork, and feathered trim.

Alliya’s decision to recreate Cher’s famous dress was not merely a tribute to a pop-culture icon; it was also a heartfelt nod to Shawn, who is an avid Cher fan. This connection infused the dress with personal significance, as it represented “one of his greatest loves” on their wedding day.

According to Alliya’s insightful video—which chronicles their five-year love story and her discussions with the designer—Shawn is “passionate about art, antiques, and collecting rare items.”

Alliya’s Dress Selection Embodied Her Unique Personality

She Boldly Embraces The Unconventional

While Alliya’s choice of dress was certainly unconventional, it reflects the incredible journey of self-acceptance she has embarked upon. Throughout her transition, Alliya has discovered her voice and has learned to embrace her true self. Once described by Shawn as “timid,” Alliya’s wedding dress symbolizes her newfound confidence and her liberation from societal expectations.

As Alliya expressed on Instagram, “Every stitch, every bead, every stone tells a part of my story… Here, I express myself freely.” This dress allowed her to shine, embrace her femininity, and pay homage to one of her fiancé’s idols. The journey of Shawn and Alliya has been anything but ordinary, and her wedding dress stands as a powerful visual representation of their extraordinary love story, showcasing their shared refusal to conform to traditional standards.

Shawn’s Reaction To Alliya’s Dress Was Mixed

His Response on Their Wedding Day Was Underwhelming

Sadly, the chaos of Alliya’s wedding day overshadowed the moment she had always envisioned. By the time she arrived at the venue, Shawn was already on the verge of leaving in frustration. He confronted Alliya with anger, which marred the excitement of her big reveal and left no room for him to appreciate the look she had painstakingly crafted.

Shawn later confessed that he struggled to set aside his anger and enjoy the moment. He admitted that he was unable to appreciate Alliya’s dress despite the significant effort they had both invested in it. This brief acknowledgment hinted that he too had eagerly anticipated the dress. In a later Instagram post, Shawn reflected, “I know it was a ‘miss’ for the viewers, but it was a ‘hit’ for the intention/love behind it that I will always cherish.”

While Alliya’s dress may not have been what 90 Day Fiancé fans expected, it perfectly represented her relationship with Shawn. The couple has consistently defied categorization, choosing to do what feels right for them, even if it is misunderstood by others. Ultimately, what matters is that both Shawn and Alliya cherished the dress, and Alliya’s post confirms her unwavering support for her bold choice.

Sources: u/tabristheok/Reddit, u/xPinkPeonies/Reddit, Alliya de Batista/Instagram, Alliya de Batista/Instagram, Alliya de Batista/Instagram, Shawn Finch/Instagram