Inset: Dimitrios Kambouris

For her nuptials to Eric Johnson on July 5, Jessica Simpson didn’t opt for a slinky silhouette to show off her incredible post-baby body. Instead Simpson, who turns 34 on July 10, teamed up with fashion icon Carolina Herrera to create a sumptuous champagne and gold strapless multi-layer tulle gown.

“The whole dress is embroidered in gold and feels very regal,” Herrera tells PEOPLE of the design. Her goal was to transform the bride into a “beautiful golden girl,” says Herrera, who first met Simpson at Vanity Fair‘s post-Oscars party in 2010 and recently dressed her for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in May.

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To complete the custom look, Simpson wore a cathedral length veil, Brian Atwood shoes and Neil Lane jewelry. As a final touch, Herrera added a blue ribbon on the inside of the gown as Simpson’s something blue. “I always do that because I think it brings good luck,” says Herrera, who also shared her inspiration board for the dress with PEOPLE.

Courtesy Carolina Herrera

For an intimate look inside Jessica Simpson’s wedding — and to see the complete wedding album — pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands this week! What do you think of Simpson’s bridal gown? Are you excited to see the whole look?

–Michelle Tan