Finally, the day arrived… my dress was getting started! I had had several consultations and measurements at Elizabeth De Varga at their Brisbane flagship store, but my dress couldn’t be started until just eight weeks out from our wedding date, September 17th, 2011. I was so excited for my first fitting, which really consisted of not much more than the calico toile being fitted. I didn’t care, it was the start of my dress!

The second fitting was much more exciting, with the dress taking shape! My gown had the train left on, but I didn’t like it, so decided to have it removed. The keyhole opening at the back was not large enough, so they opened it up, and the bust was a little high, so that was altered too. I showed the EDV ladies my belt to have it attached, and they were impressed!

Finally, the third fitting, where most of the dress was complete arrived, about a month out from our big day. My dress was completed and near perfect! The seams were all finished off and the buttons had been added to the back. The train was cut neatly and the gown, apart from a little gap at the back, was ready to go! I had to leave it for one last alteration, but this was the first time I saw my gown complete. 🙂

My dress was finally complete! I couldn’t wait to wear it on my big day, marrying the man of my dreams. There was still SO much to do!! Knowing I was doing my own makeup was stressing me out, so I went and had lash extensions with Pru Edwards, which made my eyes look amazing! This helped so much on the day, as I only had to enhance, rather than create my eye look from scratch. I felt amazing on the day, and my husband said I looked beautiful, which was all that mattered to me. My son Eden walked me down the aisle, and it was the happiest day of my life. As my best friend Stef did my dress up, I felt my new life starting, a beautiful, love filled dream full with light and laughter.

Photographs by Jodie Greck Photography

Swirl divider7 Hinterland Garden Party Wedding Part Two

Ms Gingham says: Oh how I love the excitement of the wedding dress fittings! To see the progress and the amazing work is truly special.

Jessica says: “I am a recently married 26 year old! I love vintage weddings, garden parties and shabby chic designs.”

Read part one and two of this three part series here.