Last week we started to roll out our end of year round-ups than with Best of 2020: Wedding Cakes followed by Bridal Parties, Styling Ideas, Grooms Style, Bridal Bouquets and now Bridal Gowns (according to your clicks, likes and comments throughout the year across our blog, Instagram and Pinterest pages).
Covid threw a spanner in the works of many a brides plans this year but it was great to see them pick up their metaphorical skirts and mix things up with more casual high street options and separates that can be worn again and again. On the other end of the spectrum we saw you guys loving on some seriously chic gowns from home grown designers like Karen Willis Holmes, Grace Loves Lace and Prea James Bridal (all Aussie owned AND made, thank you very much) to L’eto Bridal and newcomer Lilia Cass Ceremonial.
Whether you’re shopping for gowns, separates or something bright and fun for 2021 this is a fab list to start from, also be sure to click here for all of our go-to bridal boutiques, couture designers and bridal designers Australia wide. But before you get shopping, pull up your Pinterest board and get note-taking, because right here, in no particular order, are our top ten bridal gowns for 2020…
Noelle & James, Newcastle, NSW
Our long-time love, Karen Willis Holmes, has proven to be a hot favourite with you guys, with Noelle’s Violet Gown snagging a mention. With a straight neckline and some sweet, stitched details, we are also big fans. It’s actually been quite a year for the brand, celebrating 20 years in the bridal biz and as such, they had a lot to share including their Elope collection (which you can find here) and Bespoke collection here. You can also find a whole host of Karen Willis Holmes real brides here. If it’s more pics from Noelle & James’ beaut day you’re after you can click here for more from HM fave Alex Jack.
Amelia & Declan, Sydney, NSW
With elopements on the rise and bride’s championing comfort on their big day, 2020 has given us quite and few short gowns and we’re loving it. This puff-sleeved Cecilie Bahnsen was a huge winner. Amelia first spotted her gown on the runway and shared that it was a rather anxious wait in between the show and the dress hitting stores. But all’s well that ends well, eh? If you’re sweet on the short gown idea, we recommend heading over here to take a peep at our 20 fave short gowns of the moment. If it’s Amelia & Declan’s lovely portrait that has you smitten be sure to check out more from their big day here and here for more from the wonderful Nina Claire Photography.
Lilia & Cody, Auckland, NZ
Now, guys, whilst all the gowns included here are absolute treasures, Lilia’s snags best story. You see, creating her own gown was the start of this lovely lady’s very own bridal brand, Lilia Cass Ceremonial. How cool! “Six months into our engagement, I decided to make my own outfit to look ‘wow’ on the day but also with the ability to be dressed differently to wear again. The project to create my dress turned into a full collection of minimal bridal separates, designed to mix, match and layer. All of my sampling for the collection was in different colours for my bridesmaids to wear”, Lilia shares. Head over here for more of this couples day, as captured by Ciara Mulligan Visuals. You can also scope out the full range of gowns, slips and separates here.
Tara & Jez, Sydney, NSW
Every L’eto Bridal gown that floats onto our screens is a vision to behold but we do very much love Tara’s cutout gown (find more pics here). Stoked with her choice, Tara shares, “As soon as I met Anya at L’eto I felt really comfortable. She was just genuinely helpful and didn’t make too much fuss or put me under any pressure. She makes dresses for girls who don’t really like wearing dresses!” If you’re keen to see more from L’eto Bridal, be sure to head over here. Scott Surplice Photography’s snaps got ya swooning? You can find more from this Sydney-based legend here.
Megan & Julien. Melbourne, VIC
We’ve never met an Alca Line Bride dress we didn’t love and oh golly, do we love Megan’s. After catching the gown styled with boots, Megan knew the Billiee Dress was for her and the rest is history. One of our fave brands of all time, Alca Line Bride gowns are effortlessly unique, contemporary and comfy. We recently blogged their latest collection here which includes a couple of coloured numbers and the sweetest daisy embroidery you ever did see. Keen to catch more of Elsa Campbell’s lush snaps? Click here for more from Megan & Julien’s day and here for a swathe of real weddings she has shot.
Han & Steve, Perth, WA
Han has seen it all. She is one of Perth’s greatest wedding photographers, after all (Keeper Creative FYI). When it came to her big day she was feeling something a little different and the result was adored by you all! Donning a Zimmermann top and custom pant’ skirt combo by By Kinsman, she was well set for the d-floor. Fancy securing some of your own wedding day separates? We have a post full of them here. Keen to see more from Han’s trusted friend and lens-guy James Simmons Photography? Head over this way!
Kylie & Eric, Melbourne, VIC
Kylie and Eric slayed it on the details, guys, that’s for sure. Not only did they host their industrial wedding party at one of our fave venues, The Wool Mill, but Kylie swanned about in one of our fave designers too! The t-shirt style Cara gown by Prea James Bridal has long been a fave our ours and seeing it with these bold blooms has got us falling in love all over again. You can take a peep at Prea James’ newest gowns here and find more from the fab lens man Nick Skinner Photography here.
Justine & Gabrielle, Margaret River, WA
How is this for a relaxed bridal book? We are deadset obsessed with everything Lola Varma does and when it comes to Gabrielle’s chic two-piece situation, we’ll admit, it’s one of our fave bridal looks to date. You can take a glimpse at the newest fits from this Perth-based brand here. The gals chilled winery wedding was held at Aravina Estate and we are mightily impressed with the oodles of backdrops on offer. Click here to catch more snaps from the day and here for more from lens lady Ayzia Jade Photography.
Casey & Rumond, Byron Bay, NSW
Casey didn’t have to look far for her bridal gown being the Art Director of the much-loved bridal brand Grace Loves Lace. Selecting the Summer gown, she shared, “It was everything I wanted in a wedding dress! A simple silhouette with slinky, buttery silk that draped around my curves and a low back & v neck. The gown was so effortlessly sexy in the way it accentuates your figure while being so elegant and timeless.” As for these sunset portraits? Allumé Weddings is to thank. Want more? We knew you would! Head here for more Grace Loves Lace real brides and here to get in touch.
Kristy & Scott, Melbourne, VIC
Kristy & Scott’s big day was originally published on the cover of Issue 27 of Hello May (click here to nab a copy) and you guys have been crushing on this Georgia Young Couture gown ever since. Naturally, Kristy was stoked with the laser-cut lace of dress, but most importantly of all, the pockets! You can catch their latest collection here. Paired with Amelie George Bridal accessories, details were on point. Click here to catch more from the legend behind the lens, Madeline Kate, and here to see more from this beaut day.