Ella Moda Bride | Maria in 'Angelynn'

Maria chose our Angelynn gown with its beautiful silk dupion fitted bodice with collar detail, embellished belt and textured A-line skirt. Straps were added to the design.

Ella Moda Bride | Lauren in custom-made Ella Moda

We don't like to play favourites here, but when it comes to lace, guipure constantly has us in awe. Something about its heaviness, it is bold and fresh. For Lauren's custom designed gown guipure lace was chosen to feature all over. Add in Lauren's vibrant personality and this gown completely came to life and we enjoyed a wonderful experience putting it all together.

Ínspiration | Valentino

We are finally in our new salon and studio at Park Road, Milton! Unpacking our books, we found this Valentino tome from the exhibition at GOMA. Always so inspirational and the perfect reading material for our clients while they wait.

Here we share a few of our favourite gowns that constantly inspire us to make beautiful dresses.

Press | Ella in QLD Bride Magazine Spring 12

Our Head Honcho Ella Stephenson featured in a Behind the Seams special in Queensland Bride magazine.

Ella Moda Captivated by an image her grandmother showed her of her own mother making a beautiful wedding dress with a high collar, lace sleeves and lots of tiny little buttons at the front of the bodice, Ella Stephenson was set on a path to bridalwear. "I still have that image in my mind" she says "Ever since that time I dreamed of one day designing wedding dresses and opening my own salon." She made her dreams come true four years ago with the launch of Ella Moda, stocked exclusively in Ella's Milton boutique. The designer plans to keep creating her distinctive style of beautiful, classic cuts with romantic detailing, utilising the best quality silks and laces." 

What are the key shapes and styles in your latest collection?
I like keeping up with modern trends and subscribe to many international bridal magazines and try to take in all the latest trends overseas and imagine how they can be applied to my customers. 

You are inspired by ... 
I like keeping up with modern trends and subscribe to many international bridal magazines and try to take in all the latest trends overseas and imagine how they can be applied to my customers. 

Your favourite designer or fashion icon?
Was and always will be, Coco Chanel. 

What's on your workroom music playlist?
I like French, Italian and Spanish music. My long time favourite that I am playing at the moment is Julio Iglesias. 

If you weren't a designer you would be ...
a singer ... (if I had a voice). 

Your top tip for finding the perfect gown?
Dear brides, your wedding dress is one of the most personal choices you'll ever make – after your husband-to-be, that is! In fact, choosing it is not unlike falling in love. Your wedding dress should be all about you. Wear something in which you feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. Let the real you shine through, and you can’t go wrong. You know when you've found the right one. 

Any advice for 'encore' brides sourcing a gown?
The best part about shopping the second time around for a wedding dress is that you won’t be easily influenced by what others want (something first–time brides often give in to). This time, you know that your wedding is all about you, so you’ll choose a dress based on what you and you alone love. Before you go shopping, think about the styles that work for you. Examine dresses, outfits, and colours that draw compliments from your friends. You’ll want to keep these in mind as you shop for your wedding dress. 

Any advice for curvy brides searching for their dream gown?
Your best friend– the A-line gown. It hugs the curves of your upper body and flares out from the waist, therefore it flatters your hips and legs. Go for heavier fabrics, such as thick silks, which don’t cling. 

Even on a budget, brides should never skimp on ...
a good, reputable designer (dressmaker). A fine dressmaker can make inexpensive fabrics look luxurious and dresses fit perfectly. 

Ella Moda Bride | Kate in 'Nina'

For her December wedding, Kate chose the Nina gown with its low back with bow detail encrusted with Swarovski freshwater pearl beads (all hand beaded). We straightened the silhouette a little and added some ruching to the back to create a simple, elegant wedding gown with beautiful detailing.

Ella Moda Bride | Brooke in custom-made Ella Moda

Lots of kissing photos here! Brooke wears a custom made Ella Moda gown, short, cute and fun.