Rara Avis and Ange Etoiles

I absolutely loved wearing this dress on my wedding day. I always knew I wanted something a little different, light, romantic and European inspired, and this gown was exactly that. This dress is by Ange Etoiles for Rara Avis, a European bridal designer known for ethereal silhouettes, flowing fabrics and intricate handmade detailing. The bodice features a built in corset with padded cups, offering great support while creating a flattering, softly structured shape. The deep V neckline is balanced by delicate layers of sheer tulle and lace, giving it an elegant and romantic feel. The handmade beading across the bodice and waist is incredibly detailed, with leaf motifs, pearls and soft fabric florals that are even more beautiful in person and photograph stunningly. One of my favourite details is the soft fabric attached to the shoulder straps at the back, which can be tied and styled. I tied mine into bows, which added a whimsical, romantic touch and flowed beautifully down the back of the dress. The skirt is multi layered and designed to feel light and airy rather than structured. It features a delicate lace underskirt that runs the full length of the gown and into the train, softly visible beneath layers of lightweight tulle. This creates depth and texture while allowing the skirt to move effortlessly. The gown also includes a tasteful leg slit, which made it easy to move and dance throughout the day. The dress was worn for approximately 2 hours only before I changed into my reception dress. It has since been professionally dry cleaned and is in fantastic condition. In terms of fit, the dress would suit approximately an AU 10 and can also fit an AU 8 due to the adjustable corset back.