Finding your wedding gown can be one of the most beautiful, dream experiences, or it can be a source of stress for any bride. Especially if you don’t happen to fit into the very narrow perception of what the female body “should be”, according to who even knows who! Brisbane bridal boutique, White Lily Couture, have made sure this isn’t the case when you step into their space, instead being sure to be inclusive in their sartorial offerings.

It is with great care the consultants at White Lily Couture make sure every bride gets the memorable experience in a warm, comfortable, and luxurious setting that they deserve. Petit brides, plus size brides, and everyone in-between will be presented with plenty of choice from leading bridal designers.

This shoot has brought together a diverse group of brides to showcase some options from the range of designs for all shapes and sizes at White Lily Couture.

Vendors

Gowns & Concept: White Lily Couture 

Photographer: Lauren Olivia 

Videographer: True North Films @truenorthfilms

Jewellery: The Bridal Shoppe 

Diamonds: Xennox Diamonds 

Flowers: My Little Flower Shoppe

Hair: Bombshell Hair by Alex

MUA: Xsentuate Makeup

Models: @caitlin_robertson @cassandraallen_ @tarahelizabeth_ @gillsemmanuel 

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Book your appointment to try on some gowns with the amazing team at White Lily Couture today. For a truly unforgettable experience, spoil yourself and your wedding crew with The Luxe Lounge experience where you get your own private room to relax and indulge in some delicious treats.

The post Inclusive Bridal Fashion appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

A marriage proposal is a romantic gesture where you ask the love of your life to spend forever with you, and equally so, asking your best gal pal to be your maid of honour or bridesmaid is in many ways a declaration of friendship.

Not only are the girls standing by your side going to be her strength and sanity on the special day, to many brides they are also the backbone and support whilst planning and preparing.

Quite frankly, bridesmaids dedicate their lives over the last few weeks leading up to the wedding listening to all of the last-minute stress. You’ll bear witness to breakdowns over the small details, hold the bride’s hand through the stress of planning and booking vendors, and inevitably cry when she finally says ‘Yes!’ to the dress.

Remind her it’s easy and quite natural to get caught up in the scheduling, timing and stress that planning such a big and memorable day holds.

Remind her at the end of the day it is all about her and her partner.

Remind her everyone they love is celebrating alongside them as they embark on one of their greatest adventures yet.

Above all, remember how much fun this day is going to be for all of you. As her bridesmaids, you can let your heart be full in the knowledge that you are one of her treasured few. The bride may have her rock, but more importantly, she’ll always need her flock.

Images by Kate Robinson, Words by Verity Dwan

Bridal gowns: White Lily Couture | Photography: Kate Robinson | Venue: Tetto Rooftop Bar | Hair + makeup: Sunshine Brides | Flowers: New England Flower Co. | Bridesmaid gowns: Runway Scout  | Models: Amelia, Emma, Gillian, Sophia

Thanks for supporting our A-list Vendors, who know the love between a bride and her bridesmaids…

The post An Open Letter to Bridesmaids appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

[Image by Bonnie Jenkins]

It is an age-old question… Well, it’s not, but it is one of those you must ask yourself as a bride. Frankly, it’s quite a fun one to ask, so we’re going to help you cover all the bases, look at it from all angles and hopefully get you closer to deciding – to veil or not to veil? 

Types of Veils

Veils are not one-size fits all – there are many, many different kinds of veils. When it comes to length you can everything from a cute blusher veil that hits right around your chin, to a short, elbow, fingertip, chapel and cathedral length veil – that’s the one the royals tend to go for (…and then some, in most cases!) 

In terms of style, you’ve got vintage-style birdcage veils, single tier or drop veils, or a more classic two-tier, ballerina, or lace-adorned Mantilla veil. Bandeau veils are making a big comeback with a boho twist. Plain or detailed with lace and beading, there are just as many varying styles of veil as there are wedding dresses! 

“I recently photographed a wedding and the veil was a part of the brides dress. I think she called it her ‘wings’. It can be amazing in photos and especially when it catches the light or a little bit of wind for that wow factor.” shared Rachel Cutler, Tawny Photography & Films. 

[This bride wears a Mantilla Cathedral-length veil. “Remember the wind – mostly if you are getting married on the beach! Positioning yourself against the wind is very important!” Valentina Pintus – Sunshine Brides, image by Tenielle Fink Photography.]

How a veil will make you feel 

Okay, first I’m going to make what I believe to be the most compelling case for a veil. Unless you happen to be Catholic and did your Holy Communion – when else in your life will you have the chance to wear a veil? 

Madeleine from White Lily Couture spends her days helping brides find their dream dress, and accessories to top it off.  She says, “In appointments with our brides, it is always the veil that takes their dream dress from just another dress on the rack to ‘This is The One!‘ There is nothing quite like the feeling of putting on a veil – all of a sudden you can see yourself saying ‘I do’, and everything else falls away.” 

How to wear your veil

This will largely come down to the kind of veil you’re having, which will also be influenced by the style of dress you’ve chosen. The best thing you can do is speak to your dress designer or the bridal boutique where you found your dress, and get their advice on what kind of veil will best suit you and your dress. 

Next you want to talk to your hair stylist about how they can place your veil. They will take into account the hair style you’ve chosen, of course. If you know you want to remove your veil throughout the day, they will teach you and your trusted person (mother, or maid of honour usually)  how to safely remove your veil so as not to upset your gorgeous ‘do.  

Hair stylist, Evalyn Parsons says of veils, “I love a veil for my brides. My fave look for a veil is to pin it below the crown and have it flow out from there. For brides who don’t love the look of the top of the veil attachment or comb, I love wrapping a braid over that or using flowers or an accessory to cover or finish it off.” 

[Two-tier tulle veil with a sweet and simple Swarovski crystal detail from White Lily Couture. “ Image by Mallory Sparkles Photography.]

[Hair by Evalyn Parsons, Image by Life and Love Photography]

They look pretty magical

When a bride walks down the aisle in her gown, veil flowing, there’s a collective intake of breath. A veil brings a certain drama to that first moment. 

“From a video perspective, veils are endless opportunities for creative, fun and beautiful shots. They allow movement, enhance the visual story telling of the day, and if they blow off and float away it’s even more dreamy.” says wedding videographer, Ashlee Jensen, Jensen & Young 

The traditional aspect

Veils conjure up certain traditional aspects. Veils (and brides wearing white, for that matter) only became popular when Queen Victoria donned both for her wedding in 1840. Purity and innocence are associated with veils, which aren’t always conducive with the modern bride’s sensibilities. Others suggest wearing a veil is simply one of those accessories you only get one or two chances to wear, and they’re a bit of pretty fun. *shrug* 

[Bride, Nicola, wore a chapel-length tulle veil without adornment to suit her clean, modern romantic style. “I loved my veil… The moment my hair stylist pinned it in and I got up to look in the mirror I finally said.. “I feel like a bride now!” – Nicola Hammond, image by Emma Nayler Photographer, Hair by Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair]

What if I don’t want to wear a veil? 

Then don’t. Do what you want, cause that’s your bizness. There are so many other options for a bride – fresh flowers pinned to the side, a full crown of flowers, a hair piece full of bling, a simple clip. Or… nothing! You could simply choose a hair style you really love and leave it at that. 

When NOT to veil

You’re blowing away

The number one reason not to veil is that it’s turned out to be too windy of a day to wear your veil. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t – or shouldn’t – wear your veil at all. It simply means that you may need to readjust your veil-touting plans. Gusts of wind blowing your veil in your face as you’re trying to say your vows aren’t ideal. 

Take it from somebody who has seen it all, “Love veils but if it’s a windy just… ditch it. They are too distracting for the whole ceremony – for the bride, groom, guests – everyone. And can mean you miss being present for the other special moments.” – Kath Tilly Celebrant

This doesn’t mean you can’t get some photos in your veil, so you still get that ultimate bride moment! Or you can change things up and wear it once you’re safely inside, out of the elements. 

Then again, some brides can’t imagine their wedding ceremony without their veil, and for this instance, Photographer, Bec, from Ash & Stone has a suggestion. “If it’s windy and if the veil is long enough, I just encourage one of the bridesmaids to take the end and to hold it behind their back or to place flowers on it to keep it weighted.” 

When hugs become a hazard

One of the trickiest parts of wearing a veil is having it become a literal pain when your well-meaning guests want to give you a big old smooch. 

“Take your veil off at the signing table for congrats photos! All too often I see brides heads being pulled back from hugging and getting head dragged back from it, which equals cranky feels. You can always reattach afterwards for bridal party photos!” advises Lee Burgess, Life and Love Photography. 

[Image by Karen Buckle]

Interview with Judy Copley, Bridal Fashion Designer

Tastemaker, Judy Copley, designs some of the most unique bespoke gowns we’ve seen. We asked Judy to share some of her thoughts about veils. 

What are some of the different kinds of veils a bride might choose? 

There are so many.

 A bride could choose a gorgeous sheer 100cm veil that cascades beyond the length of the train, or she could choose something short and sweet. Veils can be beautifully detailed with beading, lace, embroidery or even feathers. It could be layered, have ribbon detail or could be another colour not just white as is customary.

Do you think veils add to the overall effect or can a veil steal the focus? 

Personally, I love a veil, and in most cases a veil complements a gown. A veil adds that little bit extra, a little magic. Wearing a veil adds another element and creates movement to your wedding photos. A well-chosen veil just finishes the overall look for a bride. After all you can wear another beautiful gown on another occasion but a veil can only be worn on your wedding day so why not.  

[Your wedding veil doesn’t have to be white! Image by Life and Love Photography]

Do you think a veil still has a place in modern weddings? 

Yes, I love a veil for modern weddings, they really are timeless – as long as they are thoughtfully chosen and complement the gown not over shadow it. If the gown is simple, a gorgeous detailed veil could work, and a heavily embellished or detailed gown is beautifully finished with a sheer flowing full-length veil.

What is the best way to take a traditional element, like a veil, and bring it forth into a contemporary 2020 (well… maybe 2021, let’s face it!) wedding? 

If you are thinking of wearing a veil and want to put a modern spin on it you can look at having a veil made with beautiful detailing that mirrors the detail of the gown. The way the veil is fixed to the hair can give a modern feel to the overall look. Think of ways it can be attached rather than just fixing it at the back of the hair as is customary. 

[Image by Karen Buckle]

The post To Veil or Not To Veil appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

High school teacher, Nick, and hairdresser, Mikaela, planned their Maleny wedding day exactly in a way that reflected them as a couple. Bride, Mikaela, has shared all of the highlights of the day, and their wedding planning journey with us. So let’s crack on, shall we? 

Island Proposal

We went to Fraser Island (our second home) with family and friends on a holiday. Just the two of us we climbed to the top of a sand dune over looking the ocean. I was taking a photo and as I turned around, Nick was on one knee asking me to marry him! After I said a huge YES… we had all our family and friends there to celebrate straight away!

Highest wedding priority 

Both Nick and I just wanted everyone to have a great time with us so our highest priority was making sure all our guests were catered for!

The Venue

Weddings at Tiffany’s was the first and only venue we looked at. We both fell in love with the Glasshouse Mountain views and we knew the service would be exceptional which they went above and beyond!

Images byMallory Sparkles Photography

How I knew he was The One

Like I said in my vows… in Nick I’ve found the love of my life and my closest, truest friend. I knew instantly that he was truly a genuine person and someone I knew would always treat me the way I deserved. It stills feels so surreal that I got to marry my best friend!

Emotions running high

The most emotional moment for me was definitely walking down the aisle… I think I’ve seen my husband cry twice in five years and he’s always such a bubbly and happy person. I always expected to see him with the BIGGEST smile on his face but as soon as I looked up, his eyes were filled with tears and his bottom lip turned and that is by far the most emotional I think I’ve ever been.

Unforgettable moments

One thing we both won’t ever forget is the love we felt throughout the entire wedding day from our family and friends. It truly was the most magical time of our life to date and I wish we could relive that feeling forever… lucky love lasts a life time!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Our biggest splurge would have to be the fireworks we booked that went off when we cut the cake. It absolutely topped our night off and made the moment so special.

Best bargain: We only spent $100 on wedding invitations through Vista Print. I chose a basic theme with native florals that matched our wedding style. Hint hint, create your invites and then leave them saved on your account until the website emails you with a sale!

Dress: White Lily Couture

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Shona Joy

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: MJ Bale & Hugo Boss

Groom’s shoes: RM Williams

DIY: I did SO much DIY for our engagement party… when it came to our wedding I was more than happy to pay someone else to create everything for us. 

Honeymoon: Qualia, Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays

Number of guests: 60

Wedding budget: Budget?! To be honest we didn’t really have one… we just booked and as we went we decided if we thought the prices were reasonable for that service. We spent less on what was least important and more on what was.

Photography: Mallory Sparkles Photography | Venue + catering: Weddings at Tiffany’s | Videography: Forever Features | Florist: Tiffany’s Flowers | Cake: Elisabeth & May Cakes | Transport: Birti the Bentley | Makeup + Hair: Dot & Birdie | Entertainment: DJ RDC | Stationery: Vista Print, Trudy Letters and Pallet & Wood | Celebrant: Cassandra Nielson Marriage Celebrant | Wedding night accommodation: Montville Lake Terrace

Check out our A-List Vendors below, who helped make this stunning Maleny wedding so, well gosh-darn stunning… 

The post Mikaela loves Nick | A Wedding at Tiffany’s appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

For our latest free online magazine, we partnered with White Lily Couture to bring you The Style Sessions – three unique bridal styles.

The aim was to help you find your style and break down each element from decor and styling to fashion, beauty and flowers. The location was the very versatile The Warehouse, where we were able to create a sleek modern, a dreamy romantic and a relaxed boho look. 

This film by Emilly Kaate Videography highlights all the stunning details from this shoot with three stunning bridal styles. Which one is for you? Let us know in our private group just for brides here. 

Creative Crew

The post The Style Sessions Film appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

In the latest edition of The Bride’s Tree online magazine, we have shared three unique wedding styles – romantic, relaxed boho, and this here chic modern. Today I wanted to share with you some tips on how to style a modern wedding.

Tip 1. Keep it simple, sister. Choose a colour palette heavy on base colours – white, black, grey.

Tip 2. Add one statement colour that’s will pop. Try infusing this colour throughout your styling in small ways, or use one centrepiece decor item, like this stunning vintage-inspired teal couch, to break up the monochromatic styling.

Tip 3. Choose a classic flower, like a rose, and allow it to shine. Using only one type of bloom that is classically beautiful is a modern dream.

Tip 4. Choose a dress with clean lines and modern details, like pockets and pleats.

Above our model, Meghan, wears ‘Granada’ by Australian label, Stella York, formal yet lightweight, Granada features a flattering plunging neckline, flowing into an understated ballgown skirt, with the added bonus of pockets!

Below Meghan wears ‘Pegasus’ by Pronovias, which has amazing structure! The team at White Lily Couture teamed the gown with the ‘Duchess’ veil, a fingertip two-tier to flow nicely into the full ballgown skirt.

Tip 5. Group pillar candles to create an interesting design amidst the monochromatic styling.

Tip 6. Infuse contemporary touches of vintage. Yes, this is a thing! Modern decor with a vintage feel are bringing that classic feel to modern weddings.

Tip 7. Wear a sleek hair style, like a low chignon, and team it with effortlessly classic makeup. A slightly winged eyeliner with peach hues is always a winner.

Tip 8. Your fella should also dress the part. Our model wears a midnight blue dinner suit by Wil Valor, a tone that suits more complexions than black.

SEE MORE FROM THE STYLE SESSIONS IN THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR FREE ONLINE BRIDAL MAGAZINE.

Creative Crew

The post How to Style a Chic Modern Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Today I wanted to share with you some tips on how to style a romantic wedding. 

In the latest edition of The Bride’s Tree online magazine, we have shared three unique wedding styles – sleek modern, relaxed boho, and this here quintessentially romantic. Let’s go with tips on how to style a romantic wedding… 

TIP 1: Create a colour palette that speaks the language of love loud and clear. Our team went for soft pastel tones with touches of gold.

TIP 2: Use lush flowing fabrics that make you want to reach out and feel them slip through your fingers. Layer them up for a sensory experience.

TIP 3: Go for luxury – long stem candles, crystal ware, gold cutlery and Hamptons-style chairs all scream luxe. 

TIP 4: Use lots of flowers where each bloom has been carefully chosen and lovingly crafted into the perfect design for romantic wedding feels.

TIP 5: Choose a dress that makes you feel like a fairytale princess. If you can’t imagine singing while bluebirds and squirrels flock to you, then it’s not romantic enough. Sorry.

Our model wears ‘Femke‘ by Nicole Spose from White Lily Couture, an enchanting ivory princess line dress with stunning off-the-shoulder illusion neckline for a true fairytale style.

TIP 6: Your handsome prince should also look the part! Muted tones to blend with the overall colour palette will have him seamlessly slotting in to the romantic wedding vibes.

Our model wears a mid-grey wool two-button single breasted suit with paisley tie from Wil Valor. 

See more from The Style Sessions in the latest edition of our free online bridal magazine.

Creative Crew

The post How to Style a Quintessentially Romantic Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

This is a special one, you guys. It’s our 30th volume of our free online bridal magazine! Over the past 7.5 years we’ve published 81 inspiring real weddings and 63 styled shoots – 47 of which we planned and coordinated ourselves. I’m exhausted just thinking about those stats! BUT – I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

This edition has some seriously special wedding inspiration that will help you on your Sunshine Coast wedding planning journey. Below is a sneak peek of the main features you will find in The Bride’s Tree Magazine, Volume 30 – Winter 2019. 

Cover image by Bonnie Jenkins

The Style Sessions 

Three incredible and completely different bridal styles with the styling, bride and groom fashion, flowers and cakes to match. Whether you’re a classic modern, whimsical romantic, or relaxed boho bride, we’ve got you covered. 

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Montville Luxury Estate Wedding

Isabella and Ian’s wedding is what formal fairytale dreams are made of. From the bride’s show-stopping George Wu couture gown to the lush floral installations, for a wedding with all the bells and whistles, this wedding will give you plenty to dream about for your own big day. 

Image by Cloudcatcher Studio 

Urban Cloudscape

A blend of modern minimalism and ethereal delicacy. In an urban setting, our betrothed is enveloped in a shroud of hanging euphorbia, conceiving a dreamy simplicity.

Image by Bonnie Jenkins

White on White Noosa Waterfront Wedding 

Sarah and Ben’s idyllic Noosa beach wedding is a classic-meets-coastal affair with touches of the still very much on-trend tropical greenery. Anyone looking for the perfect venue to host their relaxed beachfront wedding will want to check out this wedding for inspiration.

Image by Sarah Schade Images

The post Sunshine Coast Wedding Magazine – Free + Out Now | Volume 30, Winter 2019 appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

In the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a cohort of local vendors came together to put their creativity to task and create this sweet peach bridal style. It’s equal parts pretty, romantic, modern and chic with a soft pastel colour palette and the quintessential hinterland location – the iconic Weddings at Tiffany’s. 

Fashion + Flowers

Although meticulously styled, the look appears effortless with clean lines in the bridal gowns from White Lily Couture and a soft peach and white floral colour palette with muted foliage. The bouquet by Tiffany’s Flowers was fastened with a flowing peach silk ribbon for a romantic twist. 

Hair + Makeup

Bringing in a popular contemporary element, model Nikita’s hair was styled by Evalyn Parsons with fishtail braids, giving a boho vibe. Her stunning makeup by Louise Henzell Makeup Artist was expertly designed using flattering soft peach and nude tones with luscious lashes as the main feature. 

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography  

Cake + Dining

The modest single tier naked cake topped with blooms to suit the sweet peach bridal style, set on display in the clean contemporary Weddings at Tiffany’s dining room. Stealing the show, the hanging floral installation rests in the rafters of the chic wedding reception. 

Photographer: Mallory Sparkles Photography | Venue: Weddings at Tiffany’s | Floral design: Tiffany’s Flowers | Cake: Weddings at Tiffany’s | Makeup artist: Louise Henzell Makeup Artist | Hair styling: Evalyn Parsons | Gowns: White Lily Couture | Model: Nikita Smith

The post Sweet Peach Modern Bridal Style appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Picture this: you begin your bridal shopping journey, filled with joy and excitement, eager to begin trying on dresses and feel like a princess, only to find that store, after store only stock up to size 12 in samples (if that)! In a time of your life meant to filled with magic, this hurts. 

Each and every woman deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day and should not be limited by inadequate stock and sizing. Rather than allowing women to risk it online, the powers that be at White Lily Couture decided it was time to really shake things up for bridal in Queensland. While White Lily have always prided themselves on their diverse range of sizes and styles, their brand new Curve collection offers drop-dead gorgeous wedding gowns never before seen in Queensland available to order up to a size 30.

After carefully listening to their brides,White Lily Couture went out to source the very best in bridal for the curvy babes of Brisbane! With everything from flattering A-lines, to bombshell mermaids – the girls at White Lily have you covered. In addition to extending their sample sizing range, the super cute boutique now plays host to further fabric variety as well. The collection includes modern minimalist crepes and mikados as well as whimsical tastes of chiffon and tulle. 

The shining stars of the collection are gowns by Israeli label, Studio Levana. This stunning label designed specifically for curvy brides, offers everything you have ever dreamed your dress to be with a superior sense of comfort and security. Inside each of their gowns is their patented corset – the design of which allows brides to feel fabulous and supported with no need for a bra no matter the cup size. Win!

Relax in the safe hands of theWhite Lily Couture stylists as they help you find your dream dress amongst their gorgeous new collection!

Images by Bulb Creative

Creative concept + gowns: White Lily Couture | Photography: Bulb Creative | Venue: Ancora Weddings | Hair + makeup: Rachael Harris Makeup Artistry | Styling: The Gold Coast Bride | Flowers: Clara Jean Events | Cake: Milk and Honey Cake Creative | Furniture hire: Memorable Moments Hire | Gift boxes: The Bridal Box Co. | Neon signage: Neon Republic | Models: Stacey, Kate + Daisy

The post The Bridal Curve Collection you Need to Know About! appeared first on The Bride's Tree.