Real Bride Grace wears Everly by Elysian Bridal

Every bride dreams of finding the dress—the one that sweeps them off their feet, much like the moment they fell in love with their fiancé. Grace thought she had found that dress years before her engagement and was convinced it was the one she’d walk down the aisle in. Yet, as with all love stories, the path to her perfect gown took an unexpected turn that ultimately led her to Everly by Elysian Bridal.

Her Search for the Perfect Dress

Once Grace and her fiancé, James, were engaged and wedding planning was in full swing, she discovered Everly on her social media feed. It was safe to say that it was love at first sight as Grace found herself repeatedly visiting the Elysian Bridal website in awe of Everly. Determined to find it, she explored local boutiques but faced disappointment when her search yielded no results. Frustrated, she ended up purchasing a dress she wasn’t entirely happy with, thinking her dreams of wearing Everly were out of reach. That was until six months later when we let her know Everly had arrived in the boutique. 

Crafting the Vision

With the grandeur of St John's Cathedral in Brisbane City setting the stage for their wedding, Grace and James sought a reception venue with the same ambiance. They found it in The Warehouse, located in Fortitude Valley, where Grace's imagination took flight. She envisioned long banquet tables adorned with flickering candles and single-stem roses, creating an intimate yet dramatic atmosphere. Her love for bows would be woven into the décor, with linen signage adding an element of personalisation. 

Although the ceremony is filled with formality, Grace was determined to ensure the reception felt like a grand celebration. As a lover of drama, she envisioned herself in a statement gown paired with a cathedral-length veil and blusher. The bridal party, dressed in sleek black satin gowns and tailored suits, would perfectly complement the overall aesthetic, harmonising with the sophisticated yet celebratory vibe Grace and James had so meticulously envisioned.

A Memorable Dress Consultation

Stepping into the boutique, Grace was undoubtedly anxious, burdened by the weight of a dress she wasn’t fond of. As she shared her concerns with her bridal stylist, Savannah, she was met with genuine understanding and thoughtful suggestions that transformed her anxiety into excitement. What started as a stressful situation quickly became a highlight of her bridal journey.

When Grace slipped into Everly, the moment was charged with emotion. She had been enamoured with the dress long before trying it on, so the experience was nothing short of incredible. Accompanied by her maid of honour, who had a knack for keeping her grounded, Grace felt a surge of conflicting emotions, especially given her previous dress purchase. She was overwhelmed by the sheer certainty that Everly was the one. Turning to her maid of honour for confirmation, the approving smile was all she needed, leaving her thrilled and ready to say YES! to her dream gown. Yet, amidst the thrill, a tinge of panic set in as she realised she’d soon have to explain her newfound certainty to her fiancé.

The stunning neckline peaks and the voluminous A-line silhouette of Grace’s dress seemed to have stepped straight out of a film—quite literally, in fact. She mentioned it often evoked memories of Carrie Bradshaw’s unforgettable Vivienne Westwood bridal look from Sex and the City. Grace embraced this cinematic flair by pairing her gown with the Lucca veil featuring a blusher which completed her bridal look.

The Wedding Day

The reactions from her friends and family made the whole journey worthwhile. Grace felt nothing short of a princess on her wedding day and the dress proved to be as comfortable as it was stunning, often thinking that the dress ‘felt like a natural extension of herself.’ Despite having a mini dress planned as her second look for the dance floor, Grace found herself reluctant to part with her beloved gown so she revelled in every moment and danced the night away in Everly. 

Grace’s Tips 

For brides still searching for their perfect dress, her advice is simple: keep your circle small at your bridal appointments. Too many opinions can often lead to confusion and doubt so trust your instincts and don’t settle for anything less than a dress you truly love.

Reflecting on the Experience

Throughout the planning process, Grace encountered numerous challenges. She was resolute in her determination to avoid fleeting trends, whether that be in the venue styling or the details of her gown, and often found herself navigating through a sea of differing opinions that clashed with the vision she and James had so meticulously crafted. Adding to the complexity, she faced the chaos of planning not just a wedding, but a honeymoon simultaneously, making the entire experience so much more demanding.

Nonetheless, we are so relieved that Grace looks back on her bridal journey with such fondness, cherishing an abundance of memories—both the good and the challenging.

Grace’s Dream Team 

Photographer: @thelovedonesphotography / Dress: @elysianbridal.australia @theveilcollective / Florist: @thelittleflowershopweddings / Hair & Makeup: @katedevlin and @paulamareehair / Venue: @stjohnscathedralbrisbane / Reception: @thewarehousebrisbane / Stylist: @maineventweddings_ / Cake: @wetakethecake_ / Content creator: @theweddedmemoirs / DJ: @jaiweddinghouse