Real Bride Steph wears Moonflower by Alena Leena
Steph’s quest for the perfect wedding gown was anything but ordinary. Coming from a quaint rural town in Central Queensland, her options were somewhat limited. Online shopping? That simply wouldn’t do for a bride who thrives off being able to physically touch and see. So, she took matters into her own hands.
With a week carved out just for this moment, Steph packed her bags and set her sights on Brisbane, armed with a carefully compiled list of bridal appointments. How did The Veil Collective make it onto her exclusive shortlist, you ask? Instagram of course! A single scroll through TVC’s feed was all it took for Steph to realise she had to be part of this bridal fantasy. Without a second thought, she secured her appointment and prepared to embark on a journey that would redefine her wedding-day vision.
When it came to her wedding vision, Steph and her now-husband, Will, had one glorious goal in mind: unfiltered fun. Picture a day brimming with love, laughter, delectable cuisine, and a playlist that would get everyone dancing, all nestled within a stunning country setting that felt like home. Their dream materialised at Melrose Station, a country garden scene providing the perfect backdrop for their celebration. As for her dress, all her inspiration lived in her Pinterest board—filled with soft A-lines, classic white fabrics, and sleeves.
From the moment Steph stepped through the doors of The Veil Collective, her bridal stylist, Jess C, was attuned to her vision, ready to turn her dreams into reality. Steph had an undeniable attraction to gowns crafted from luxurious jacquard fabrics. Enter the showstopper: Moonflower by Alena Leena. This strapless masterpiece, adorned with playful, textured silk jacquard, was bursting with personality and charisma.
Initially, Steph clung to her fascination with sleeves, but Jess gently guided her toward a fresh perspective. After all, the beauty of Moonflower was that it could be tailored to fit her vision—sleeves could always be added later. However, the moment she slipped into Moonflower? It was a transformative experience. She was instantly captivated, swept off her feet by the gown's floaty A-line silhouette and the exquisite 3D florals that danced across the fabric, inspired by the delicate beauty of the Moonflower itself.
The neckline? Perfect. The weightless movement of the skirt? Heavenly. The silk jacquard fabric? A match made in heaven. And when the curtains parted to reveal her to her mum, sister, and best friend, their reactions sealed the deal. Their eyes widened, and smiles spread across their faces—the unspoken agreement was clear: Moonflower was the gown.
On her wedding day, Steph radiated confidence in Moonflower, feeling like the most authentic version of herself. The gown’s lightweight design let her float effortlessly through the day, from the aisle to the dance floor, allowing her to feel both relaxed and radiant. And the guests? They couldn’t stop gushing about how perfectly the gown suited her—both in style and in spirit. The jacquard fabric, with its subtle texture, was the ideal contrast to the rustic countryside setting, making Steph feel undeniably true to herself.
Steph’s advice for future brides? Stay real. Don’t get caught up in trends or what everyone else thinks—your gown should feel like you. And for those dreaming of a countryside wedding? Plan ahead—flights, accommodations, all the little details can sneak up fast. And for all her fellow Rockhampton locals, Steph swears by the talented team at I Sew for any alterations you might need—they work wonders!
Steph’s Dream Team
Venue - @melrosestationkillarney | Photographer - @reneemulchayphotography | Dress - @alenaleenabridal, @theveilcollective