An Empty Ocean Pool, Australian Designers & Some Very Good Gowns
Modern bridal, a little retro, a lot playful and very chic — that was the brief for the Issue 41 fashion shoot, and naturally, we decided an empty ocean pool in Thirroul was the perfect place to bring it to life.
With seriously good gowns, statement accessories and the NSW South Coast as our backdrop, Hello May and our dream team – including photographer Stefan Wellsmore, cinematographer Moments Photography & Film, hair & makeup artist Kate Squires, fashion stylist Alex, assistant Asha and model Elly – set out to create a bridal fashion story with zero interest in playing it safe.
We started early in the morning and shot right through until late afternoon, chasing the best light as it moved across the pool. And because every fashion shoot needs a dressing room, we took over the nearby surf club, turning it into our very own makeshift bridal HQ for the day. Gowns, shoes, jewellery, steaming, outfit changes and plenty of last-minute styling tweaks all happened there before each look made its way down to the pool.
Think modern silhouettes mixed with nostalgic styling, unexpected accessories and plenty of personality. Add salty air, beaming sunshine, weathered concrete and a team of legends making it happen and we had ourselves a shoot.
The Gowns
The dress rack was stacked with the best of the best Australian bridal designers and boutiques. Love Marie Bridal, Sarah-Jane Bridal, Bec + Bridge, Imagine Bridal Studio, Haylee Maree Bridal and Georgia Young Couture brought everything we love about modern bridal – clean lines, romantic shapes, sculptural moments, pared-back silhouettes, delicious textures and pops of colour.
We take our gown casting pretty seriously. We want a fashion story that gives different brides plenty to see themselves in, from minimalist to maximalist, soft to sculptural, classic to completely unexpected.We want our shoots to offer genuine choice and inspiration, with gowns that speak to different personalities and ideas of what being a bride can look like. Modern bridal is a big, beautiful playground and we’re here for all of it.
The Bridal Accessories
This is where the playful side of the concept really came alive. Accessories from Luisa Luxe, Dove Grey Bridal, Argent Silversmith, Amelie George Bridal, Bared Footwear, Meggan Morimoto and gorgeous hats from Lack of Color were stars of the show.
Statement jewellery, unexpected details, fabulous footwear and playful headwear gave the looks personality and a little bit of attitude. Rather than treating accessories as the finishing touch, they were used to help shape the entire look.
To see the entire wedding fashion editorial, grab your copy of issue 41. And for more wedding fashion, our curated list of bridal designers and boutiques you need to know is a great place to start.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Stefan Wellsmore Cinematographer Moments Photography & Film Fashion Stylist Alexandra Thompson Hair & Makeup Artist Kate Squires Catering M2 Kitchen Model Elly via Viviens
Bridal Fashion FAQs
Think beyond the gown. Your wedding dress, shoes, jewellery, headwear and other accessories all work together to create your bridal look. Consider your venue, wedding style, comfort, the season and, most importantly, how you want to feel on the day.
Absolutely. While white, ivory and champagne remain popular, modern brides are increasingly embracing colour in wedding dresses and bridal styling.
Accessories can completely transform the feel of a gown. Statement earrings can add glamour, a hat can give a look a retro edge, while a bold shoe or sculptural jewellery can make a classic dress feel much more fashion-forward. They’re also an easy way to create a second look without changing your entire outfit.
Australia has a brilliant community of bridal designers and boutiques offering everything from contemporary and minimalist wedding dresses to romantic, couture and fashion-forward gowns. Hello May’s curated bridal fashion directory is a great place to discover Australian bridal designers, boutiques and wedding dress inspiration.
