Emma is our muse in Dahlia Chantilly Lace by Alena Leena

On a trip to Double Island, standing atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, Emma’s engagement came as a complete surprise. It was only when Gian dropped to one knee that she realised what was happening. Getting engaged felt like opening the first chapter of the rest of their lives together.

Before the proposal, Emma had not given much thought to her wedding and her early ideas looked very different from the day they ultimately created. She had joked with her mum about eloping to avoid the stress of planning, but it soon became clear that it was a genuine possibility. The decision was sealed when Emma discovered a stunning Italian villa with availability during the exact week they hoped to marry. From that point on, everything began to fall into place. The vision felt clear and within reach.

Emma first visited us at The Art of Bridal without a specific dream dress in mind - being her first appointment, she hoped to explore her bridal style and keep an open mind. With the guidance of our Boutique Manager, Charlotte - she approached the appointment through a process of elimination, slowly refining her vision.

Upon returning to the boutique after deliberating, Emma felt a sense of clarity. After trying Dahlia in mikado, she realised the silhouette was everything she had been looking for - sharp, comfortable and bridal. But something was missing…it was then that Charlotte recommended Dahlia in chantilly lace which had not yet arrived in the boutique. Despite her nerves, Emma trusted both her instincts and The Art of Bridal team and said yes to Dahlia in chantilly lace, incorporating a few customisations, without ever having tried it on.

In the weeks leading up to her first fitting, she questioned her decision. Would it look as she had imagined? Was the lace the right choice? Would the custom changes feel cohesive? The doubts disappeared the moment she stepped into her gown. It was everything she had hoped for and more. Emma’s experience is a reminder that sometimes certainty comes later. You may not feel that immediate sense of “this is the one” until you see your gown in its final form, and that’s ok.

Emma styled her dress with lace sleeves sewn by her sister in law, a meaningful detail that brought the look together alongside a lace edged veil. After the ceremony, she replaced the veil with a long chiffon neck scarf, maintaining the drama and elegance provided by the veil.

Looking back, Emma cannot believe she once thought she would never wear lace. Standing in a beautiful Italian villa, moments away from walking down the aisle to the love of her life, she couldn’t imagine wearing anything else. The ceremony itself felt like a dream, surrounded by family and officiated by Gian’s father. It was, in every sense, a perfect day.

The Italian culture was in full display when the commotion of their wedding caught the attention of a local restaurant owner, who warmly invited them inside, opened a bottle of champagne, and offered them sweets to mark the occasion.

Emma’s advice to brides still searching is simple. Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to say no to styles that you know you don’t love, even if the people you’ve brought with you love them. It will guide you to saying yes to the right dress. 

Join us in the boutique to say yes to your dream dress with the expert guidance of our Bridal Stylists.

Dream Team

Photography: @brieconomos_weddings

MUA: @georgia.munns_ (sister in law)

Flowers: @georgia.munns_ @pascallefargnoli @abbie_munns (all sisters)