Trish is magnificent in Moonflower by Alena Leena
Even though they have been together for 8 years and there were little hints here and there, when Nick proposed to Trish - it was a surprise she didn’t see coming!
What started as a family drive to a country patisserie, turned into a reluctant detour to hike through a national park. With grey clouds overhead, white shoes on and their daughter Matilda’s pram to maneuver through the bush, Trish tried every excuse she could think of to avoid the walk, but Nick was adamant - so they set off towards the lookout. A few minutes into the hike of Trish’s complaining, Nick stopped, reached into their daughter’s bag, and pulled out a ring box with a grin on his face.
On the walk back, Trish certainly didn’t complain about the wet weather or worry about her white shoes! While the proposal didn’t go exactly to plan, it was perfectly them.
When it came to their wedding, calm and intimate was the priority. After welcoming their daughter Matilda into the world, they wanted the big day that felt relaxed and true to who they are.
Trish had quietly followed The Art of Bridal for years and was always drawn to one of the renowned designers, Alena Leena. Once their venue date was secured, her timeline accelerated, giving her just over a month to find her gown.
She had always imagined herself in something minimal. No lace, sparkle, something classic and simple. She tried on around a dozen dresses across Toowoomba and Brisbane and that vision quickly shifted.
“Plain silk didn’t suit me at all. I felt like I was being engulfed by the fabric.”
When texture was introduced, everything changed. Gowns she had originally looked past, suddenly felt right, including Moonflower.
When Trish joined us with her mum, sister in law and dear friend, she felt both nervous and excited. She had unsuccessfully searched for her gown at other boutiques and did not feel comfortable and confident.
“I didn’t have to use my imagination with The Art of Bridal. I could actually see it.”
Knowing she wanted arm coverage, she worked with our experienced team to customise her sleeves, drawing inspiration from ruffle details she loved. With thoughtful changes and customisations, the Moonflower gown became entirely her own.
“It felt like me, but it was also the first time I truly felt like a bride.”
The bespoke journey was not without uncertainties along the way. After her first fitting, when her gown arrived, Trish felt overwhelmed and questioned whether she had made the right choice.
From there, the doubts started to build. She questioned the shade of white against her skin, she wondered if the sleeves felt too frilly. Small concerns quickly snowballed.
“I felt like a crazy bride,” she says honestly.
With support from the team and a few refinements in alterations, those worries slowly dissipated. Trish began to fall in love with her gown again, reminded of all the elements that made it feel so right in the first place.
Looking back now, Trish shares how different to that initial fitting she felt on the day, everything came together exactly as she imagined and “complimented the day so beautifully.”
“I felt beautiful and confident, but most importantly, I still felt completely like myself.”
When asked to choose a favourite moment from the day Trish shared that it’s impossible to pick just one! “We honestly just had the best day.”
Her advice for brides beginning their journey is simple. Focus on what matters to you both. Choose the right people to support you. And take a few quiet moments together, because the day really does go so fast.
Trish’s dream team
Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead
Photographer: Ryan @ The Lane Creators
Celebrant: Kate Totman
Florist: Belle Bouquets
Content Video: Muse & Matrimony
Makeup: Claire Hamilton
Hair: Clay Hair
Cake: Sweet Philosophy
