Real Bride Courtney wears Clivia by Alena Leena
Courtney’s wedding at The Bower Estate was nothing short of a dreamscape, a celebration where love, family and nature intertwined seamlessly. Draped in the ethereal folds of Clivia by Alena Leena, she embodied romance with a gown that felt as fluid and alive as the lush hinterland setting around her.
Her bridal journey began the way many modern love stories do: with an Instagram scroll. Her feed quickly transformed into a vision board of ivory textures and fluid silhouettes. One gown made her pause. A little research later, she had the name, the designer and a list of stockists. And there it was, The Veil Collective. Just a short drive away and perfectly en route to a Sunshine Coast holiday with her fiancé’s family. Serendipity? Absolutely.
Although the specific gown that first caught her eye wasn’t available in-store during her visit in May 2024, the appointment was a revelation. Joined by her mum and mother-in-law, Courtney stepped into a space filled with possibility. With only six months until the big day, a little pressure loomed, yet our team ensured everything felt calm, manageable and free of stress. It was the kind of experience every bride deserves.
And then came Clivia. With its intricate embellishments, soft lines and cascading, floaty skirt, it was everything Courtney had imagined, only better. The gown seemed to move like a waterfall in slow motion, romantic and endlessly photogenic. Clivia didn’t just fit the vision, Clivia was the vision.
Courtney left her first appointment with two favourites, Clivia by Alena Leena and Surrey by House of St. Patrick, each offering a completely different aesthetic. After sharing a thoughtful lunch with her loved ones, she returned that very afternoon with a beaming smile and surprised us all by saying YES to Clivia. To make the gown truly her own, she added delicate, detachable spaghetti straps and a sheer nude mesh insert to soften the plunging neckline.
Set against the storybook backdrop of The Bower Estate, Courtney’s day was filled with love. Her gown floated through the hinterland breeze with ease, made all the sweeter by her three-year-old niece, the flower girl, in a mini white dress inspired by the bride herself.
Courtney shared that despite the tight timeline, the process felt effortless. A rush order ensured the gown arrived a full three months later, giving her plenty of time to enjoy the final fittings and preparations before her big day. For brides still searching, Courtney’s journey is a reminder to trust your instincts. The perfect dress might not be the one you first imagine, but when it’s right, you’ll know and that moment is unforgettable.
Courtney’s Dream Team
Venue - The Bower Estate | Hair and Makeup - Natalie Lucas Makeup | Photography and Videography - Foy and Co | Flowers - Flower Lane