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Weddings are in their essence a demonstration of love and hope for the future. Given the current situation, we could all use a little more love and hope. The year so far has brought local bush fires, a global pandemic and protests in cities across the world. It’s been a wake-up call to some of the big issues facing us; climate change, public health threats and racial inequalities that are still alive today. The repercussions of these events will no doubt be felt for many years to come and will hopefully lead to many changes for the better.
During the peak of the Coronavirus outbreak in Australia, the Tania Maras team did a call out offering a headpiece and/or veil to three soon-to-be brides who have been impacted by the current circumstances. We wanted to provide something positive and beautiful to three special people for their wedding and bring them some joy during a difficult time.
We received many applications with stories of physical, economical and emotional hardships. Everyone who wrote to us was deserving, which has made our decision very difficult. But there were three lovely people who stood out.
To begin with we’d like to introduce you to Irish nurse Gillian Holland, who has been working 12-hour shifts treating and caring for Coronavirus patients. We were close to tears reading about her experience as a front line nurse, while her recount of her proposal to partner Tom brought a big smile to our face.
Treating patients with the virus is one of the hardest tasks to date in Gillian’s nursing career. At a time when patients are frightened, unwell and isolated from love ones, treating and also emotionally supporting patients is more important than ever.
“Care, compassion and commitment are some of the main values underpinning the nursing profession. Ensuring every patient I look after is treated with care, compassion and commitment is fundamental to me as a professional. This mindset did not change during this pandemic,” says Gillian. “Taking time to truly support each patient and listen to their fears and concerns was paramount. Holding their hand at their most vulnerable times was so important. Being their support system during a period of huge uncertainty and a potential life-altering illness was never so crucial.”
Despite the uncertainty and fear, Gillian is inspired by how the community have united to support each other.
“There is a huge sense of teamwork, goodwill and comradery both within the hospital and also the wider community. The kind gestures and goodwill of local communities is what helped keep the momentum and spirits going on the dark days.”
Gillian and Tom met on a dance floor at nightclub over nine years ago and are now building their first home together and planning their wedding. The wedding proposal was a complete surprise for Gillian. Tom picked her up from the hospital at the start of a bank holiday weekend and they made their way up north to where some of Gillian’s relatives live by the beach. They would often make this trip, each time passing a beautiful hotel resort and commenting on how much they’d like to stay there when they have extra money.
“This time Tom suggested that we stop off and stay there one night on the way up to my relatives. I agreed at the time however, when I checked the price for the night, I almost cancelled the booking. I told Tom we didn’t need to go this time, it was peak season and too expensive,” says Gillian. “I was completely and utterly unaware of what he had planned and I really wasn’t making this easy for him, little did I know. We laugh about this now but at the time Tom tells me he was so nervous that I was going to just refuse to go.”
After some coaxing, Gillian and Tom arrived at the resort and went for a drink at the bar followed by a walk around the lake.
“We were so in awe of the place (and Tom was so nervous) that we walked out of the bar without paying for our drinks. Half away along our walk we had stopped and sat down on a large rock to take in the view. I then remembered we hadn’t paid and insisted that we rush back to the hotel to fix the bill, again totally unaware of what was about to happen. That’s when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The ring was the most perfect thing I had ever seen and fit almost perfectly. I was so surprised and overwhelmed that I started crying. It was the most special moment.”
Gillian and Tom don’t have a particular theme in mind for their wedding mid next year, but they do have three essential elements for the day – good food, good music and a relaxed atmosphere.
“Our venue has a very rustic and homely feel to it. There are lots of fairy lights, greenery, candles and floral accents everywhere which we both loved. We want to give ourselves and our guests something to remember so making sure the food is good quality and that the music will fill the dance floor is key. The finer details we aren’t too fussed about. We want our wedding to be a huge party enjoyed by each and every one of our guests.”
When Gillian was first engaged and began pulling together ideas for her bridal look, the intricacies and unique beauty of Tania Maras designs caught her attention and admiration.
“Each piece tells its own story and can be styled in a multitude of ways which I loved,” she says. “Each piece has the ability to completely transform and elevate a bridal look. I have never seen bridal accessories quite like the pieces in the Tania Maras collection.”
Gillian has selected the dramatic Georgette veil for her bridal look. She also loves the Lyric headpiece in silver and the pearl and crystal flowers featured in the Lucille design. We’re combining these two styles to create a bespoke headpiece for her.
Up next, we’ll be sharing the story of our second bride, the lovely Maria.
The stars have always inspired a sense of wonder and romance, making celestial themes a popular choice for weddings. From twinkling stars to radiant moons and sparkling constellations, celestial elements can add a magical and ethereal touch to your special day. Whether you’re planning a night under the stars or simply want to infuse a bit of cosmic elegance into your wedding, celestial-inspired accessories are a beautiful choice.
Your wedding accessories don’t necessarily need to feature literal stars and moons to be inspired by the constellations. There’s a luminous quality to the night sky that translates beautifully to a bridal look in the form of crystal details or soft pearlescent accents.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate florals or pearl elements amongst celestial-inspired details into your look. While they don’t grow in the sky, capturing the relationship between the earth and the sky is just as beautiful and utterly majestic.
The STARRY NIGHT wedding crown with stars hints at the magic above us. This celestial beauty was inspired by an enchanted night sky, featuring a soft golden palette and silver crystal elements that make a beautiful statement of refinement and femininity.
Shop this look: STARRY NIGHT bridal crown
One of the most breathtaking pearl bridal earrings in our bridal jewellery collection, the TASMAN pearl drop earrings features a sophisticated mid-length silhouette, subtle sparkle inspired by the night sky, and lustrous freshwater pearls that will add a hint of elegance and refinement to your look. Timeless and sleek, these earrings will work their way into your wardrobe after the wedding day.
Shop this look: TASMAN pearl drop earrings
Sometimes less is more, and sometimes it’s the simplest detail that can complete a bridal look. The STELLAR crystal hair pins were designed for the minimalist bride seeking that little touch of feminine beauty. Style them across your hair to appear like shooting stars across a beautiful night sky.
Shop this look: STELLA crystal bridal hair pins
The Gilded Lily bridal hair piece takes notes from the ease of the Spanish countryside on a warm summer day. The brass details were designed to capture the harmonious light of summer with an almost celestial tribute. The Gilded Lily can be pinned into the hair above a romantic updo or half up hairstyle. It speaks to a down-to-earth bride seeking something effortless and easy to wear
Shop this look: GILDED LILY bridal headpiece
Inspired by bohemia, the Galia pearl bridal earrings are a breathtaking set of pearl earrings that will work their way into your wardrobe after the wedding day. Featuring an effortless and sophisticated long silhouette, the Galia is textured, luminous and elegance with a hint of refinement for your look.
Shop this look: GALIA pearl drop earrings
The traditional birdcage veil has been updated with the STAR GAZER veil. An unexpected take on traditional styling, it features a muted silver net designed to be worn diagonally or horizontally across the face or hairline. Finished with double sided sparkling crystals, this modern piece feels chic, decadent and effortlessly luxurious.
Pair the STAR GAZER veil with the DREAMER crystal comb to add a touch of modernity contrasted against vintage styling.
Shop this look: STAR GAZER birdcage veil + DREAMER hair comb
For modern romantics, the ARDEN bridal hair pins are a fresh take on traditional hair pins. This set of 10 hair pins brings together the earth, sky and the ocean through the combination of strong floral motifs, crystal elements and shimmering pearls. The result is a textured and classic look that ticks all the right boxes.
Shop this look: ARDEN bridal hair pins
A celestial-inspired accessory that captures the enchanting beauty and mystique of moonlit nights with a loved one. The lightweight construction ensures that you can enjoy wearing this tiara without any discomfort or strain. This delicate bridal headband is not just limited to brides but can also be worn for other special occasions, such as engagement parties, proms, galas, or formal events. It adds a touch of sophistication and glamour to any hairstyle, allowing you to shine like a star wherever you go.
Shop this look: CELESTE bridal headband
Equal parts modern and sophisticated, the Eliza crystal studs are petite and chic. The rose gold or silver plated metal finish adds a hint of warmth and the silver crystal elements exude a fresh and modern feel to a bridal look
Shop this look: ELIZA crystal stud earrings
A hypnotic beauty, the Reina wedding crown is opulent, feminine and rich in botanical detailing. Much loved for its gold sculptural blooms set onto delicate details, this striking piece beautifully merges regality with a touch of bohemian wonder.
We designed this crown for a bride in love with nature and the sea. Its fine detailing reflects an admiration for Mother Earth and the beautiful natural elements that can be foraged from the wild
Shop this look: REINA crystal wedding crown
Crafted with contemporary brides in mind, the Perla minimalist bridal tiara is a sleek stand out headpiece. Featuring a modern silhouette and statement pearl accents that shimmer and shine, this thoughtfully designed piece ensures a comfortable fit and secure hold throughout your wedding day. This is the headpiece for lovers of pearls and sparkle. We love everything about this modern and feminine piece and know you will too.
Shop this look: PERLA pearl wedding crown
Eloping has become an increasingly popular choice for couples who want a more intimate, personal and stress-free way to tie the knot. While elopements often involve simpler ceremonies, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo traditional elements like a wedding veil. In fact, a veil can add a touch of classic elegance and romance to your day, making your day feel just as magical as a traditional wedding.
There’s a few considerations to factor in when planning a wedding with a veil, including practical considerations, how to secure it without a hairstylist on hand, how to choose a veil that will suit the vibe of the elopement to how to transport the veil to and from the wedding. Here’s a guide on all of these questions and more to ensure your elopement is a beautiful and memorable celebration.
The type of veil you choose can set the tone for your elopement. For outdoor or casual settings, shorter veils such as birdcage veils, shoulder-length or fingertip veils are practical and ultra chic. They add a touch of tradition without the overwhelm. However, if you’re eloping in a more formal setting or wish to capture some breathtaking photographs on a mountain top, a chapel or cathedral veil can add dramatic flair and make for some stunning imagery.
We recommend choosing a veil that complements not only the vibe of your elopement but also the style of your dress. A classic and safe choice is a simple, unadorned veil for minimalist brides and minimalist settings.
Photo credits: 1. RIVIERA veil via Michael Schultz Photography | 2. Katie Harmsworthy Photography | 3. Elina Upmane Photography | 4. Jonnie and Garrett Photography | 5. Erin and Tara | 6. Eva Rendl Photography | 6. Kayloe Bridal | 8. Kara Reynolds Photography
The very nature of elopements means it’s important to consider the weather and have travel-friendly options. If your wedding venue is likely to be windy (beach, seaside or mountain top wedding), a shorter veil is less likely to be blown around. However, keep in mind that a long veil can also make for some exquisite photographs in these venues. If you have your heart set on a long veil, be sure to know how to best secure your veil into place by reading this post to ensure it will stay put.
Choose a veil that’s easy to pack and transport. We also recommend packing a portable hand-held steamer for help remove any creases that may have formed on your wedding dress and veil during transit.
Ensure your veil has a comb securely attached to it. This is especially important outdoors to prevent it from slipping or moving out of place.
Photo credits: 1. THEODORE pearl veil | 2. WEEPING CHERRY floral veil | 3. Katie Harmsworth Photography | 4. MARGAUX veil by Keepsake Photography | 5. Rhodes Wedding Co | 6. THEODORE pearl veil
Your veil should enhance your bridal look and reflect the style of your wedding. If you’re wearing a casual dress, pant suit or jumpsuit, consider a playful birdcage veil or a short veil for a fun and flirty look.
For bohemian style wedding dresses, a flower crown with a veil or a veil embellished with 3D florals can add a whimsical and magical touch.
If you’ve chosen a more traditional wedding dress, a classic tulle veil might be the perfect piece for you.
Even in an elopement, the unveiling of your wedding dress and veil is a beautiful and intimate moment. Talk to your wedding photographer about First Look photos, where your partner lifts your veil and reveals you for the first time. This can be a private, emotional experience that enhances the intimacy of your elopement.
If you need to travel with your veil, take some time to think about how you’ll transport it to minimise creases and damage during transit. The best method will depend on the size of your veil, how far you’ll need to travel and the mode of transport.
We have created a comprehensive guide on how to care for your wedding veil and have provided some details below.
Once you get to your destination, remove the veil from its box or hanger and find a safe place to hang it. To remove creases, simply hanging the veil in a steamy bathroom is often all you need to remove soft creases.
Our short and long veil collections are shipped out with a veil hanger for you to hang up your veil. Our veils also arrive in beautiful gift boxes for safe keeping.
So what do you do with your veil if you don’t have a bridal party to help you manage its length? It’s as easy as draping the veil over one arm to lift it off the ground.
By draping the veil over your arm as you walk around, this will keep dirt and leaves off your veil so that when you get to your destination for photographs, it will be in perfect condition with minimal creases.
Learn more about how to bustle your wedding veil.
We love to work with our brides to help them pull together their bridal looks. If you are planning an elopement, have needed to change your wedding gown to suit your new venue, or if you’ve needed to downsize your wedding and aren’t sure what veil would suit your dress, feel free to get in touch with photos of your wedding gown and details about your wedding day. We’d love to offer advice and recommendations to suit.
For some brides, styling their wedding look is the most fun a woman can have. For others, the endless choices and all the little decisions can feel overwhelming and push you out of your comfort zone.
It’s true that styling your look requires planning, an eye for detail and having a good understanding of your personal style. But it doesn’t mean you need to have a solid background in fashion or design. Often the best thing to listen to is your instincts – after all, you know your style more than anyone else. And if you don’t know your style, you certainly know what you don’t like so perhaps a process of elimination might be a good starting point for you.
We recently had the pleasure of working with bride Megan from the USA to create a floral bridal crown and pearl veil for her wedding day. Megan had a good understanding of her style and the vibe she was looking for to complete her bridal look. Megan had a few favourites from our collection but wasn’t sure about the best pieces for her look and how to bring together her accessories to complement her dress and venue in a seamless and cohesive way.
Megan’s bridal dress journey started with a vision in mind of a soft and flowing silhouette with feminine details. In the end, she fell in love with the exact opposite – a classic and structured half ballgown free of embellishments. Her timeless gown created the perfect blank canvas to inspire her accessories.
After having tried on a range of bridal headpieces and veils at her local bridal boutique, Megan reached out to us online in search for detailing that included golden tones and floral elements. Having had an opportunity to experiment with different styles in store, Megan was able to form a better idea of her likes and dislikes and the type of accessories she felt was more suitable for her personality and style.
After browsing our collections, Megan fell in love with the floral and leaf details on our FLORES crown and gravitated towards the shape and airiness of the SONNET. She preferred styles with free space between details to create a sense of airiness and smaller details.
The wedding venue Megan booked exudes an old world and romantic character in her mother’s home country of Ireland. The venue features a variety of design elements – the house itself is a 16th century with an eclectic moody antique space with acres of gardens. The venue also included a white marble greenhouse, and the reception space is a rustic low-lit red brick space.
With a variety of details, colours and accents in the venue, we helped Megan pull together her accessories so they felt consistent and appropriate for her wedding space.
We were also fortunate to be able to design Megan’s bridal headpiece in conjunction with her bespoke pearl veil. To add drama and detail to her structured semi-ball gown, Megan chose our NADIA veil which we customised with a heavier cluster of pearls along the full circumference of the veil for a more dramatic look.
We took some photos of her beautiful veil in the studio before we shipped it off to the USA from Australia.
We are an Australian based designer of wedding accessories and veils. But more than that, we are bridal stylists who love to help our brides pull together their whole bridal look. So we can provide you with the best possible advice, we love to have an understanding of your whole bridal picture – the venue, your bridal hairstyle, your bridesmaids dresses, your bouquet, even your wedding shoes. This helps us understand the essence of your style and all the other important details that need to come together.
There’s no need for an appointment to work with us. We work with brides worldwide via email and can design and create wedding headpieces and veils to suit your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle. We ship worldwide and can accommodate rush orders if your wedding is fast approaching.
Feel free to email us with photos of your wedding dress and hairstyle, including links to styles from our collection so we can get a feel for your style. We can then get back to you with ideas and recommendations.
A wedding veil adds a beautiful, ethereal touch to your bridal look, flowing gracefully as you walk down the aisle. However, as the day progresses, you may want the convenience of a shorter, more manageable veil, especially when travelling from the ceremony to the reception or between photography sites.
This is where bustling your wedding veil can come in handy. Come with us as we guide you through the steps of how to bustle a wedding veil.
Photo credits: I Got You Babe Weddings (Bride Ambar wears our bespoke AUDREY veil), Harwell Photography, RIVIERA floral wedding veil
Bustling your veil involves gathering and securing the veil to make it easier to move around while still looking elegant and avoiding harsh creases as much as possible.
The technique to bustle a veil is similar to how you would bustle a wedding dress. The main difference is it takes only a few moments and you won’t require someone to crawl under your dress to secure the bustle into place.
This is a handy trick if you don’t have a bridal party to help you with your long veil on your wedding day. By bustling your veil and your dress separately, it won’t get in the way during your reception and it reduces the chances of your veil getting damaged allowing your veil to become a beloved family heirloom for years to come.
Over the course of the day, your long wedding veil may have gathered leaves and dust on the underside of the netting. As you will be bringing the bottom section of the veil up towards the comb, it’s best to remove any dirty marks or leaf residue caught in the fine netting otherwise it will be on full display.
If your veil is lightly soiled, using baby wipes or moistened towelettes are a quick and easy way to dab away any marks before they set.
Locate the back centre of your veil. This doesn’t need to be an exact measurement but somewhere near the middle so your bustle will sit symmetrically. Ask a friend or a bridesmaid for help.
The exact point to pinch the fabric depends on your veil length. If you’re wearing a cathedral veil, come in about 1-1.5 metres from the end of the train as a starting point. Pinch the fabric at different points and see how it looks when you bring it up to the comb. Ideally the shortened veil will fall to roughly fingertip or waltz length.
This is where a family heirloom like your grandmother’s brooch comes in handy. Using a brooch pin, carefully thread it through the netting. We recommend threading the pin through a section of fabric that’s about 1-2 inches wide so you have a good hold. Bring it up to the comb, pick up some of the fabric on the comb and secure it. Alternatively, you can pin the gathered section of your veil to the bustle on your dress.
If you don’t have a brooch pin or a family heirloom to secure the veil, a small standard safety pin will do the trick.
Most weekends you’ll find Melanie at a wedding, surrounded by lipsticks and eye shadows as she uses artistry to create beautiful bridal looks. With years of wedding day experience, she knew a thing or two when it came to planning her own special day.
And special it was. Melanie and Matthew married at a clifftop in Bali, overlooking the breathtaking Indian Ocean and they finished the day with a dazzling reception under the stars. Melanie sparkled in a sequin gown and our Bordeaux ponytail veil, a perfect look for a balmy beach-side wedding.
Melanie, Matthew and their guests ventured to the limestone cliffs on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula for the ceremony. The clifftop was later transformed into a glittering reception party with crystal chandeliers, fairy lights and floral displays, all in neutral tones with a touches of soft pink.
“I can’t recommend The Ungasan as a wedding venue enough, it was breathtaking. No photos do it justice, once you walk in you are blown away. Both our ceremony and reception were held there and as a special touch, we had a personalised neon sign made with words from our first dance song – ‘sipping bubbly’. It looked amazing and they ended up keeping it as a permanent sign in their bar!” says Melanie.
After 14 years of being makeup artist, Melanie had stored many ideas and inspirations for her own day and knew exactly what she wanted for her hair and makeup. She loves her job, and now has her own first-hand bridal advice to pass on to her clients.
“I love being part of the bride’s morning. Everyone is always in a good mood and I get to share those special moments with the bride, her bridal party and family. After being a bride I now understand when people say ‘the day will go so fast’ and to make the most of every moment. It really does fly! I now relay that information to my brides as I’ve recently experienced it.”
At Tania Maras we love the work of Australian bridal designer Karen Willis Holmes (KWH) and have many of her gowns featured in our photo shoots. Melanie also shares our love for this remarkable designer and wore a KWH sequin wedding gown, Anya, on her wedding day.
“Once I tried this dress on, I knew it was the one! I loved the delicate spaghetti straps and stunning beads from head to toe. The dress was fitted with a long beautiful train and I had a removable skirt added for a whimsical look for the ceremony. Picking your dress is a feeling not a decision, and I definitely had that feeling when I stepped into it.”
When it comes to picking a gown, Melanie shares her top tips;
“Make sure your dress is comfortable! If the dress has a bustle, get one of your bridesmaids to learn how to put it up before your wedding – this was the best decision I made. Also if you need any alterations made, get them done as close to the wedding as possible to ensure it fits your body perfectly.”
Melanie wore our chic Bordeaux veil which is designed to be worn around a ponytail and features crystal details along the top.
“I found the beautiful veil on Pinterest! I had tried on normal veils but felt it didn’t suit my personal style. Once I tried the Bordeaux veil wrapped around my ponytail, I felt way more relaxed and at ease. It was beautiful!”
Melanie’s wedding also sparked an exciting new business venture for Melanie and her sister. Just like many wonderful ideas, the idea came about as a solution to a problem.
“When I was searching for my bridesmaids’ ‘getting ready’ outfits, I couldn’t find anything that I liked. So if planning a wedding wasn’t enough, my sister and I created our own linen sets to wear on the day. They were perfect! Breathable and comfy linen that we ended up wearing the rest of the holiday. One of the highlights was walking around The Ungasan wearing our own label The Bridal Thread, it felt like a dream!”
The duo launched The Bridal Thread in December 2019, and offer a range of fresh and modern linen/cotton sets, as well as earrings and wedding themed postcards.
“I’m a very creative person which is why I love being a makeup artist and I’ve also ran my own business for the past 14 years. My sister is creative too, she’s a copywriter with many years of digital marketing experience. We make the perfect team as our strengths complement each other.”
“My best piece of advice is to hire a wedding planner! It’s worth every cent to save you time and reduce stress leading up to the big day,” says Melanie.
The LYRIC headpiece is a much loved style from the collection, featuring an elegant willow-like design which offers a carefree detail to natural and relaxed bridal hairstyles. The pale golden palette combined with soft ivory flowers evoke a mood of bohemia and when paired with a classic wedding gown, the look is next level.
To our joy, our New Zealand bride Taylor loved the detailing and look of the LYRIC style but it was a little too long for her classic wedding gown which featured an elegant boat neckline and low cowl back. We love to work one-on-one with our brides and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Taylor to modify the design to better suit her look.
Taylor’s bridal look is the ultimate in classic styling. Her vision was to pair the boat neckline and cowl back of her Trish Peng wedding gown with a beautiful relaxed low set updo. These timeless details are an elegant combination and we wanted to ensure her headpiece accentuated the lines on her gown and the aesthetic of her overall look.
Proportions are very important when we design our pieces. Where a headpiece is too large, it can overwhelm the other details and can draw attention away from the beauty of a dress or bridal hairstyle. Ensuring Taylor’s headpiece was balanced and proportional to the rest of her look was our main priority.
We scaled back the length of the original LYRIC headpiece by 10cm so its dimensions matched our LUCILLE headpiece.
This shortened length allowed it to sit in her hair with a soft curve which was proportional to her updo and also mimicked the lines of her low cowl back.
Taylor had also chosen a cathedral length veil with a tulle wrapped comb so this was another factor we needed to consider when designing her headpiece. To ensure the comb of her veil would be covered sufficiently, we filled in the centre with extra flower details, more pale golden leaves in various sizes and additional pearl sprigs to add fullness and texture.
The finished headpiece feels effortless, classic and sophisticated – the perfect accessory to complete her bridal ensemble.
We are thrilled Taylor loves her headpiece.
We are an Australian based designer of wedding accessories and veils. But more than that, we are bridal stylists who love to help our brides pull together their whole bridal look.
Feel free to email us with photos of your wedding dress and hairstyle, including links to styles from our collection so we can get a feel for your style. We can then get back to you with ideas and recommendations. We love to have an understanding of your whole bridal picture – the venue, your bridal hairstyle, your bridesmaids dresses, your bouquet, even your wedding shoes. This helps us understand the essence of your style and all the other important details that need to come together.
There’s no need for an appointment to work with us. We work with brides worldwide via email and can design and create wedding headpieces and veils to suit your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle. We ship worldwide and can accommodate rush orders if your wedding is fast approaching.
Growing up, Viviane always loved her parents’ wedding photo, especially the statement headpiece her mum wore on the day. Her parents married in 1981 in their hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Almost 40 years later in Southern California, USA, bride Viviane wore her own version of the headpiece she has admired for years and honoured her love and gratitude for her mum.
When this bespoke headpiece enquiry arrived in Tania’s inbox, she was also honoured to be a part of such a special tribute. Viviane’s mum posted the original headpiece to our studio and Tania worked to recreate it, replicating the shape and style of the original piece, but also modernising the design with her signature floral, crystal and pearl details.
When Viviane and her partner Brian began planning their wedding, she expressed her interest in wearing her mum’s headpiece. Viviane and her mum looked into restoring the original headpiece, however over the years it had yellowed and lost some of the decorative stones. They were told that restoration was risky and possibly impossible.
“My mum discovered Tania Maras who said she could recreate the headpiece. We weren’t sure how it was going to turn out, but we were excited to try out this approach after looking at Tania’s other designs. They were all so pretty and delicate. My mum shipped the original headpiece from California to Australia (for reference), and Tania started on her project!” says Viviane.
Tania recreated the shape using a wire base and layered the design with a variety of clay flowers and pearl and crystal elements. Tania works closely with brides when creating bespoke pieces, sending them mock-ups and ideas, to help achieve their vision and complement their style.
“Everyday we feel honoured to work with so many incredibly kind women who put their trust in us on their wedding day,” says Tania. “Anyone who has organised or is organising a wedding will know that a wedding day is one of the most significant, emotional, daunting and exhilarating days of your life.”
The finished headpiece was even better than Viviane imagined. Both mother and daughter have the same dazzling smiles, bright eyes and dark hair. The striking headpiece design looked just as beautiful on Viviane as it did on her mum.
“The piece was absolutely amazing! I adored it. The headpiece obviously drew inspiration from my mum’s piece, but it was unique in its own way too. It was my favourite part of my bridal look and I wore it all night long. Truly a stunning work of art. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better,” says Viviane.
The finished headpiece was even better than Viviane imagined. Both mother and daughter have the same dazzling smiles, bright eyes and dark hair. The striking headpiece design looked just as beautiful on Viviane as it did on her mum.
“The piece was absolutely amazing! I adored it. The headpiece obviously drew inspiration from my mum’s piece, but it was unique in its own way too. It was my favourite part of my bridal look and I wore it all night long. Truly a stunning work of art. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better,” says Viviane.
After trying on about 20 dresses, Viviane chose a Martina Liana dress, featuring a lace bodice and long train. She completed her look with her mum’s original lace veil, natural make-up a and a hairstyle of soft curls.
Viviane and Brian held their ceremony and reception at Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California. From start to finish, they filled the day with special moments and surprises.
“Our outdoor ceremony featured both a Jewish Rabbi and a Catholic Deacon. Brian is Catholic and I am Jewish. We wanted our wedding ceremony to represent both of our belief systems and traditions in an honest and sincere way,” says Viviane.
“One of the fun things we did for the reception was our personalised cake-topper. Brian and I met through beach volleyball, and it is still one of our favourite things to do together. I had our cake-topper created especially for us, featuring a bride and groom holding volleyballs.”
“Our wedding had family and friends travelling from all over the country and the world (Brazil, Argentina, Kuwait, Germany) – so it was incredibly special to have all our loved ones in one place to celebrate with us. We wanted to throw a great party so we hired an amazing 10-piece band for the reception. I found them online and booked them without ever researching any other bands. We danced all night and had the time of our lives!”
The headpiece tribute was meaningful to Viviane for many reasons.
“The most simple meaning was that I grew up admiring that photograph of my mum wearing the headpiece on her wedding day. As far as I am concerned, she has always been the most beautiful bride ever. On a deeper level, the tribute was an acknowledgement to the tremendous example of marriage that my parents have demonstrated over the course of 39 years. And, of course, it was a tribute to our relationship, my admiration of her, and an expression of gratitude for all her love, wisdom, sacrifice, and support.”
The headpiece tribute was meaningful to Viviane for many reasons.
“The most simple meaning was that I grew up admiring that photograph of my mum wearing the headpiece on her wedding day. As far as I am concerned, she has always been the most beautiful bride ever. On a deeper level, the tribute was an acknowledgement to the tremendous example of marriage that my parents have demonstrated over the course of 39 years. And, of course, it was a tribute to our relationship, my admiration of her, and an expression of gratitude for all her love, wisdom, sacrifice, and support.”
“Enjoy your engagement and try not to get too stressed. Brian and I would sometimes joke that as long as we ended the night married, then the wedding was a success. If you have someone in your life who is willing to help with the planning, let them. Don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself. Relish the day – have fun, laugh, dance, and most of all – enjoy each other.”
It’s not every day we get to work with a bride seeking a runway-worthy embellished wedding veil. When US bride Monica first shared her vision with us for her Syrian Orthodox church ceremony, we were in bridal heaven.
Without sharing too many details, Monica’s wedding dress is truly spectacular with a regal cathedral train and classic silhouette. She had envisaged a veil which would add to the grandeur and beauty of her gown whilst bringing an element of the runway to her look. We were thrilled to accept the challenge and couldn’t wait to bring her vision to life.
The specs were simple and clear which we loved. The veil needed to be a commanding 411cm long and feature her favourite embellishments from our RIVIERA wedding veil. The vision was one of high style and intricate beauty. Think head to toe florals and beyond.
This was a labour of love to say the least. We knew from the outset this veil would take many months to create from scratch. Once we started, our inner perfectionists kicked in and we were immersed in the fine details until they were just right.
In total, Monica’s bespoke wedding veil took 6 full months to create from initially cutting the plain tulle fabric through to stitching on the last beaded details and securing the hair comb.
We painstaking hand cut hundreds of lace appliques to form floral and leaf motifs which were pinned and secured to the tulle fabric. Hundreds of sheer petals were lovingly hand formed into flowers, then individually hand beaded with crystal pearls, shimmering crystals and tiny silver seed beads. Crystal pearls were then applied for an extra luxurious detail. The end result? The most breathtaking veil we have ever had the opportunity to create.
Note: The dress worn in the images below is a studio dress and not Monica’s actual wedding dress.
In designing this veil for Monica, it was essential to take into account a number of practical considerations:
Weight:
A 411cm embellished veil will be heavier than a simple chapel length veil. While not a ‘heavy’ veil in the literal sense, it is important that the placement of embellishments are balanced to ensure the veil drapes and drags along the ground evenly.
Accentuating a wedding dress:
The lace and floral details around Monica’s neck, shoulders and waist line are slightly more spread out to ensure the veil doesn’t overwhelm her frame and allows for the silhouette of her wedding dress to show through.
Managing an extra long veil:
To ensure Monica’s veil sits correctly as she walks down the aisle, we secured discreet loops for her fingers (thumb, index or pinky fingers) which she can use as she walks down the aisle. Creating these finger loops means that when she’s holding her bouquet and walking towards her groom, her veil will sit forward and will be pulled behind her evenly. We have positioned them in such a way that they won’t be noticeable.
In effect, Monica’s veil will have 4 points of contact to ensure the weight of the veil is carried evenly. 1. It will be secured to her hair with a comb; 2 and 3. It will be pulled along by her fingers on each side via the discreet finger loops; and 4. The regal cathedral length train on her wedding dress will carry the rest of the weight.
It was a pleasure to work with Monica to bring her bridal vision to life. We feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to create such a spectacular piece of art. A true labour of love.
If you are interested in a one-of-a-kind wedding veil, we would love to work with you. Please get in touch with photos of your wedding dress, details of your vision and bridal hairstyle. We can then go from there.
Explore our collection of embellished wedding veils; customisable to suit you and your wedding dress.
Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!
Shaylee and Mitchell’s wedding day was a fun and colourful celebration of love, topped off with a scoop of nostalgia. Along with the charming chapel ceremony and reception held in a barn, there were also lawn games, live music and a gelato cart as part of the wedding day festivities. Surrounded by family and friends and the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland, Shaylee sparkled wearing her crystal and pearl FLEUR crown and an elegant, off the shoulder lace gown.
Above: A bespoke runway-worthy wedding veil for bride Monica
The ceremony, reception and all those fun activities took place at Summergrove Estate, a picturesque wedding venue on the NSW Tweed Coast.
“We chose Summergrove Estate as our venue because it is stunning yet simplistic, which is exactly our style. It is set on this incredible hillside and the view speaks for itself really! It’s actually the only venue we looked at and we couldn’t go past the beautiful, white chapel and barn. It was just perfect!” says Shaylee.
Shaylee always knew she was going to wear the FLEUR crown, even before she decided on her dress or hairstyle!
“Before I went dress shopping, I found the Tania Maras Instagram page while searching for inspiration for my look and instantly fell in love with the FLEUR crown when I saw it! I knew I wanted to wear this crown and make it the sparkly, special ‘something new’ for my day and based my hairstyle and all of my other accessories around this piece.”
For hair styling, Shaylee decided on a low ponytail with effortless curls and a single layer, cathedral length, tulle veil.
“I felt so beautiful while wearing FLEUR and now she is a heirloom and keepsake to wear on special occasions or milestones. So much love obviously goes into designing such delicate, handcrafted accessories.”
One of the most memorable and emotional moments for Shaylee was when she was wedding dress shopping with one of her bridesmaids and mum. She tried on a beautiful off the shoulder gown with a champagne undertone and intricate, ivory lace.
“My bridesmaid told me to try a dress on that she picked off the rack. I wasn’t really a fan of it but tried it on for fun anyway. As the attendant buttoned me up, I realised that it was seriously beautiful and ‘so me!’ I walked out of the changeroom and for the first time that day, my mum got a tear in her eye and I think I knew then that it was the one”.
The ceremony was held in the white chapel which has a glass window offering dramatic ocean and valley views. During the ceremony, the celebrant asked them to turn around and take in the scenery while making a wish for the future.
“That moment really allowed us to be present and the photo of that will forever remind us of our vows, our wish and our special ceremony.”
The couple organised to have a gelato cart for them and their guests to enjoy. There were three different flavours on the menu: lemon custard and strawberry (Shaylee’s favourite), watermelon (Mitchell’s favourite) and crowd pleaser, Ferrero Rocher.
“This was a must-have for our day as Mitchell and I both love ice cream! It was a massive hit with our guests and added to the fun, easy going, colourful vibe we wanted”.
“My biggest piece of advice for a couple planning their wedding would be to not sweat the small stuff. You are planning a day to celebrate your love for one another and that’s the most important thing. Have fun, compromise, don’t spend outside of your means and keep some sort of spreadsheet of what you have booked, paid for and when your bills are due (this is seriously a lifesaver). Just have fun and I promise you that your wedding day will feel perfect, whatever happens, and you truly will have the best day of your life.”
