The words I said were taken out of context (Exclusive)

When Olivia Culpo began planning her wedding wardrobe, she followed the advice of so many brides before her: Trust your instincts.

For the former Miss Universe, that meant one thing: I wanted to feel like myself in every sense of the word, she tells PEOPLE in her first interview since her June 29 wedding in Rhode Island to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. And I think that's where my decision to be more pared-down came into play.

Her vision came to life in the form of a conservative, long-sleeved Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress, because as she said Vogue Before her big day, she didn't want it to be sexual in any way.

The look and the explanations behind it have sparked a fashion storm on social media with in-depth essays breaking down every detail of the dress and its glamour. The verified account girl with dress eyesled by Los Angeles-based stylist Kennedy Bingham, questioned Culpo's choice of such a covered-up dress, saying that “the way she talked about it went beyond just wanting something modest for herself and pushing this idea of ​​what she thinks all brides should look like,” comments that prompted Culpo and McCaffrey to respond.

Even Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb dedicated a segment during their Today Culpo's defense hour, share, We think she's beautiful and we wonder, Why does anyone feel entitled to comment on the way she's dressed?

Now the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit The model and fashion influencer is responding to the backlash against brides for the first time.

“I was really surprised,” Culpo tells PEOPLE. “I personally like to give people the benefit of the doubt. And unfortunately, I feel like the words I said were taken out of context to fit a purpose that I didn’t have.”

“I loved every part of my wedding because I love my husband and the people we got to celebrate with that day,” she adds. “The choices I made were driven by the fact that I wanted to feel like they were choices I could be proud of in 50 years. And that’s it.”

She paired the crepe ball gown, which featured a crew neck, long sleeves and button detailing down the back and arms, with a 5-metre lace veil and minimal makeup, revealing she didn't even wear mascara. The traditional design was one of three Dolce & Gabbana looks that the Italian fashion house custom-made for the star.

Stylistically, I had a vision. Stylistically, I felt like I was making a decision that would stand the test of time, and that's it, she says, defending the gown, adding that I felt very comfortable in it, for what it's worth. I was on the water and there was a really nice breeze.

With a career that began in beauty pageants and evolved into the fashion world, Culpo also points out that she's worn every style of dress, adding that her ceremony gown surprisingly wasn't too heavy.

She says the evolution of each dress in her wedding wardrobe has created a story that reflects every part of who I am.

The first dress felt so special to me, the simplicity of everything made it feel timeless, classic and traditional, she explains. The second dress felt ethereal and romantic, and the last one felt fun and playful. I loved how the three balanced each other out.

The best advice Culpo could give to brides-to-be is to stay true to yourself.

Stay true to the vision you have in mind and don't worry about anything else, she says. No matter what you wear, no matter what decisions you make, from your makeup to your hair to the dress, you will look absolutely stunning because it's a beautiful day.

Culpo reveals that she and McCaffrey first saw each other as she was walking down the aisle.

“He was beaming and very emotional,” she said. “I was shaking so much. It was really special and I know it’s a moment we’ll both remember forever.”

Another moment she will remember is the private mini cocktail she had with the groom right after the ceremony.

“We had our own bottle of champagne. We had all the food downstairs, but we had a moment to really regroup and enjoy the moment as newlyweds, after having our very intimate ceremony,” Culpo says. And I would recommend that if a bride and groom can take those moments away, it’s really special.

Now that Culpo is settling into married life, she wants to share her passion for party planning and decorating with other newlyweds.

That's why she in partnership with Crate & Barrel to select a few registry favorites.

“I wanted to help brides and grooms with their planning process because I know how stressful the whole process can be,” she says. “Crate & Barrel really takes the guesswork out of it by making it a one-stop shop for your entire home. There’s truly something for every need you have, and they make it all so easy.”

Most of her choices revolve around versatile kitchenware and timeless decor, much like the pieces seen at her wedding.

“Our favorite thing to do together is cook,” Culpo says. “It’s one of our favorite things to do on date night. For me, work is getting out of the house and getting dressed. For us, a really great date isn’t necessarily getting out and getting dressed. It’s staying in and cooking in sweatpants.”