I'm writing this to you as a past bride who searched for countless hours trying to find the dress I had been dreaming about but hindered by a smaller budget, remote regional location and my tuck-shop lady arms LOL!
In 2019 when my amazing best friend and partner of 7 years proposed, I was so excited to start the journey of searching for the perfect dress. As someone who had been a wedding photographer for many years, I had seen countless gorgeous gowns and was familiar with most Australian and international labels. But we lived in an area with no bridal shops, and the closest where 4-5 hours drive away. I wanted fitted, mermaid and bell sleeves with lace, yet struggled to find a gown that fit this criteria. I found a couple of online options, but was hesitant to order online for a sleeved gown, as I often struggled to fit my wider arms into most designs from clothing boutiques in general let alone a wedding dress. I drew some sketches up and started looking to see if anyone could create a custom gown, but again price was a factor, and I knew this was totally a ME issue, and that the seamstresses I approached where talented individuals and the time and fabric and fittings and everything else that goes into a custom gown is worth every cent...but I just couldn't find a way to make it work. I didn't want fancy French lace or expensive exclusive fabric, I just wanted a design that I felt confident and beautiful in. So instead, with 9 months from the wedding date and the Covid crisis just beginning, my mum and I road tripped 5 hours away to a gorgeous boutique and the lovely ladies there helped me find a beautiful dress I felt amazing in but it was a totally different style from what I had imagined (V-neckline illusion lace and A Line). None of the options at the bridal shop had sleeves that would fit me, and no bell sleeves to view, so I decided I must give up on the notion and I did adore the dress I had picked. A couple of months later though, the original design was still niggling in my mind, and thanks to an amazing art gallery win with my photography, I had a little bit of unexpected spending money, so I decided to try harder to see if there was a solution to create the dress I had dreamt about. After much deliberation I managed to find an international bridal studio who could work with me to create a dress from my ideas, and within my budget. I was so thrilled! After viewing their work and going through fabric choices and back and forth, the Luna design was born. She arrived just in time to be my second wedding dress, and I was in love the second I tried her on. This design was everything I had wanted when I began my initial search, it hugged my curves, was comfortable and the sleeves made a statement while hiding my insecurities. I felt amazing and at that moment I wanted to share this feeling with other brides....and so Desert Moon Bridal was born. From there on out I built relationships with the wonderful ladies who create the DMB gowns, and I worked hard to create a range of gowns that are inclusive in their sizing and shapes as well as unique and affordable. 11 months later DMB was launched! I hope you enjoyed hearing a little bit about this journey and I will share a few photos below of myself and my handsome hubby from one of the most incredible days of our lives. Thank you for coming on this journey with me, and for supporting this small business. -Jemma xoxo All photography credits to the amazing Wilder + Wild Photography
