Not many designers can seamlessly meld comfort with couture, but for Janelle Funari and Rodrigo Londoño, the brains behind the lively Orangia label, it’s just another day at the office. Ingenious with a bohemian/vintage-glam feel, Orangia was conceived upon the belief that comfort can come with elegance. When the brand first launched in South Florida years ago, it reflected the vibrant, diverse and tropical attitude of Miami with cheery colors, pretty patterns and lightweight fabrics. But today, Orangia and its determined designing duo have a brand-new focus: custom-designed wedding apparel made of natural, organic fibers and the finest cottons, laces and silks.

Unique and understated, Orangia’s bridal collection takes its cue straight from the bride-to-be, turning her vision into reality. “We really listen to what our clients want, and this is why we’re successful in what we’re doing right now,” says Londoño, an architect by trade, who develops the artwork, graphics and textiles for the label. From millinery, shoes and jewelry to invitations and cake designs, Funari and Londoño conjure up each Earth-friendly item with creativity and love, wanting the customer to feel carefree, comfortable and good about herself.

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how an Orangia piece can change a person’s mood and personality. It makes them feel confident, beautiful and elegant,” says Funari, the chief designer, who began her career designing with Xhilaration for Target. “So when they go out, enter a room or walk down the aisle, they actually have presence and a positive, happy, healthy feeling. It feels great to know I can generate that. It feels as if I’m completing my mission, and to be able to give that to women is wonderful.” This feeling Funari describes is exactly what inspired the line and its name in the first place. “When one is most happy and centered with the universe, their aura will radiate orange,” Funari explains. “I want all customers to feel this contentment and harmony from the clothing, knowing they’re doing something good for the Earth and for humanity.” The label also supports a long list of worthy causes and charities.

The couture wedding gowns can range anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000. “I’ve actually had customers say, ‘I love this dress so much I’m going to keep it forever and heirloom it to my children,’” Funari says. “And that really makes me feel good, showing this is how important the dress is to them. For people to see the brand in that way, that’s my dream.” Funari and Londoño both say the company is a real word-of-mouth business, and with customer feedback like that, what more could they ask for? Longevity and success is most certainly in their future.

Orangia will make its way up to Tampa’s USF campus for the Florida Signature Bridal Affair on July 12th. Don’t miss it; get details at perfectweddingguide.com. For more information on Orangia, visit orangiausa.com.