Embellished Gold Bespoke Wedding Dress
Gold lace found at Joel & Son’s in London — a rare, instinctive discovery that immediately set the tone for the dress. The lace itself was exquisite, but its original tone felt slightly out, so I softened it by hand-dyeing the entire length in a bath of tea, gently ageing the colour and giving it a warmer, more antique depth.
From there, the embroidery evolved slowly and deliberately. I designed an elaborate, bespoke embellishment pattern in bronze and gold beads and sequins, following the natural floral motifs and swirling borders of the lace. The centres of the flowers were built up with clusters of pearls and Swarovski elements — pearls, clasped crystals and beads in soft pinks, peach, gold and iridescent Aurora Borealis tones — creating a surface that shifts and glows as it moves.
Across the gown, I added trailing vines of gold beads and suspended paillettes to enhance light reflection, alongside fragments of broken vintage crystal jewellery, diamante stars and tiny moons — details intended to feel discovered rather than obvious.
A white veil felt too stark against the warmth of the gold lace, so I dyed a length of veiling tulle to a softly aged, dusty gold — slightly Miss Havisham, but in the best way. The remaining beaded lace border was then hand-embroidered along the trailing edge and blusher, finishing the look with the same level of detail as the dress itself.
For the hair pieces, I reworked beaded motifs found in Soho, layering in gold lace, crystals drawn directly from the palette of the dress, and pieces of the same broken jewellery used throughout the gown. I also sourced a pair of vintage golden swallows, which I was able to incorporate — each one pinned behind the ears to hold Emmie’s hair back, framing her face while allowing the rest to fall loosely down her back.
Emmie married at The Ned in London, a richly layered setting that felt perfectly in tune with the gown. Photographer Damien Milan travelled from Australia, via Europe, to capture the day with such sensitivity and style. I’m so pleased to be able to share these images of Emmie in her finished bridal look — a piece shaped by instinct, craft and collaboration, and one I’ll always feel deeply connected to.
