Nicole

Every once in a while, a bride will ask us to bring life to a vision that is so avant-garde it’s reminiscent of old world charm yet unequivocally modern. 

As part of our muse series, we present Nicole, the SANT ELIA bride who wore pink. 

As one half of the fashion blog @whenwordsfail, Nicole wanted to wow her family and friends with a SANT ELIA Couture design that paid homage to her beloved grandmother, who was also a pink bride in the mid-20th century. 

Nicole’s design was created as separates allowing the bride to transform her style throughout the day, adding and removing pieces as she pleased. Upon reflection, Nicole wouldn’t have had her design created any other way as she not only kept surprising her guests throughout the day but was able to adjust to suit the tropical climate of her Balinese wedding destination.  

Inspired by haute couture runway looks rather than conventional bridal trends, Stephanie worked with Nicole to create a bold fashion moment whilst still celebrating our bride’s own personal style and beauty. Nicole’s ceremony look comprised of a custom hand-beaded bodice featuring an abstract linear motif, backed with hand gathered tulle on a sheer base. The bodice was finished with a soft ruffled neckline and straps and paired perfectly with her tiered tulle a-line skirt with a pearl beaded underlay. 

For her reception look, Nicole opted for a natural white midi skirt that featured a hand created ‘pintuck’ manipulation in silk organza and hidden hip pockets. Completing the look was our creative director's favourite piece; voluminous off-the-shoulder pink tulle sleeves. 

As with the nature of couture, Nicole’s journey with the studio was incredibly collaborative, our muse noting “I was so excited to work on my bridal look with someone so creative, I felt so comfortable from the start and loved that I could openly share my thoughts, inspiration and vision along the way. In the end, it was a little piece of you and a little piece of me and it was complete magic”

For brides dreaming of a couture look, Nicole suggests that you “follow your heart and find a designer that understands you and makes you feel a part of the process. At the end of the day, you are wearing the dress and your natural self needs to shine through”. 

Nicole’s pink wedding look will hold a special place in the heart of the SANT ELIA studio forever. We thank our muse for the opportunity to create a design so sentimental and inspired we cannot help but share our favourite snaps from their special day with you.