REAL BRIDE: Ashley Dyer

This real bride post is dedicated to our very special April bride, Ashely. We have known Ashley for a very long time and we were so excited when we heard she was engaged. It was an absolute honour assisting Ashley in her bridal process and her mother Judy with her MOB outfit.

Ashley came in store already knowing exactly what she was after, so it didn't take long to put all her beautiful fabrics together. She wanted a minute hail-spot tulle to be the feature of the dress, so when she saw our hail-spot tulle she instantly fell in love. Ashley loved her fabrics so much that she purchased them 14 months in advance!

Ashley's mother Judy has been a loyal customer of ours for the passed 15 years, so when it came to her MOB outfit, she wanted something very different to all the ball gown styles she had previously worn. Judy opted for a beautiful beaded French Chantilly lace with gold metallic threading, which was complimented by our 'Sea Foam' silk satin and chiffon. 

Thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding Ashley! It is was a real honor and you made an absolutely stunning bride.

Here is a small interview we had with Ashley and some images she shared with us of her big day. 

Ashely and Judy's beautiful silk dresses was made by the talented Svetlana from Svetlana's Dressmaking.

1.  How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics?

My Mum has been sourcing fabric from Selective Fine Fabrics for special occasion outfits for about 15 years, so when it came to choosing fabric for my bridal gown it was a no brainer- We know that if we want something special, we must visit Anna! We get the best service and advice, not to mention the most special selection of the most beautiful prints and embellished fabrics from SFF! We also got the most beautiful fabric for Mum’s dress there as well, and were able to use the same very talented dressmaker- Svetlana Martynova! 

2. Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made/ would  you recommend it for any future brides?

If you know exactly what you want- then yes, definitely! I designed my wedding gown myself and hadn’t seen anything like it in the shops so I knew that I’d be getting it made. However, even if you’re not completely sure of what look you’re going for, if you compile images that you like then a talented dress maker would be able to splice together ideas you like whilst making a dress that fits you to perfection. Plus, my dress ended up being cheaper than most off the rack dresses, and it was custom made for me! 

3. How would you describe your experience at SFF? 

Friendly, approachable, informative yet professional and efficient.

4. Did you have a wedding theme? 

We had a traditional church wedding; I wanted soft pastels with the main colours being blush pink and gold tones. 

5. What would be the best advice you would give to any future bride? 

Do your research, know what you want and if you have your heart set on something don’t let anyone talk you out of it! There will be many expenses so if you’re trying to keep costs down, compromise on certain elements so that you can spend the maximum on the things that mean the most to you (for eg. If you’re in love with table centrepieces and not fussed on cake, then switch the 3 tier for the 2 tier cake and spend the difference on extra decorations)- let go of things that you have no control over, like the weather! 

REAL BRIDE: Prue Rayner

The last few months have been hectic at Selective Fine Fabrics with the bridal and formal season in full swing. We have also been on numerous overseas buying trips sourcing the latest fabrics straight from the fashion runways.

We have received so many beautiful photos of our special brides so we can't wait to share them all! This post is dedicated to our March bride, Prue. Prue came in store one day in search for the perfect lace to suit her full lace gown design. Her criteria was simple- something unique that was different to the standard floral designs she had seen elsewhere. After looking at a few designs, Prue fell in love with our Savannah Guipure lace, which we paired with our luscious Pearl silk.

Prue's gown was made by the talented Louise Bateman. 

Here is a small interview we had with Prue and some beautiful images she shared with us of her big day. 

1. How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics?

I first heard about SFF when a friend had a dress made from an exquisite lace that she had selected from SFF.  I also had another referral from a dress maker who suggested I have a look at the selection of laces that SFF had to offer.  

2. Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made/ would you recommend it for any future brides?

I trawled, what felt like dozens of bridal boutiques in search of the dress that I had already designed in my head. Although I found some stunning dresses, they just weren’t ‘me’. That’s when I decided to have a look at SFF and where I immediately fell in love with the most gorgeous guipure lace.  

I would most definitely recommend having your dress made, not only does it fit you absolutely perfectly; but you get to choose your own unique fabric and design. Another plus is that you will be the only one with that dress!  

3. How would you describe your experience at SFF?

Where do I start?  As soon as I walked through the door and met Anna and Louise I knew I had made the right decision. They were absolutely amazing from start to finish.  Anna helped me select the perfect lace (from the hundreds that are available!!) and underlay, which was just as important.  Louise provided me with invaluable advice on the design and reassured that the fabric I had chosen would work with the picture that I had in my head.  

I left feeling excited, inspired and like part of the SFF family.

4. Did you have a wedding theme? 

I aimed for a relaxed, fun wedding where everyone felt included. It was a late garden ceremony followed by the reception immediately after and as far as feedback went, everyone had a great time. I also wanted a vintage style elegant dress which I felt comfortable in, and I think I certainly achieved this.  

5. What would be the best advice you would give to any future bride?

My three top pieces of advice for future brides would be:

1. Have your photos taken before the ceremony, it gave us time to just relax and enjoy each others company before the madness started, as well as eliminated any nerves. 

2. Have your dress made! – I guarantee you will not be disappointed and the ONLY one with that dress. 

3. Take a moment to talk to everyone individually – it can mean you are talking all night but makes your guests feel extra special. 

REAL BRIDE: Shelly Ganim

February is the month of love. So this month we decided to share a very special bride of ours. Gorgeous Shelly visited our store with a specific look she was after to compliment her Hamilton Island beach wedding. 

Shelly instantly fell in love with a designer piece that was embellished in beautiful bead work and ostrich feathers. The beautiful fabric was perfect for her simple and elegant style that she was envisioning. 

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and assisting Shelly in her bridal process. It was then a pleasure to meet Shelly's mother, who Shelly had sent to choose her Mother of Bride outfit- who like Shelly selected a designer piece. 

Here is a small interview we had with Shelly and some images she shared with us from her beautiful beach wedding taken by Paul Cincotta from Hamilton Island Weddings.

 1. How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics?

My cousin Maria recently got married at Versace on the Gold Coast.  When she walked down the aisle, her dress was simply breathtaking and the fabric was exquisite. I always intended to buy a dress off the rack, but after seeing Maria’s fabric I thought I’d take a visit to Selective Fine Fabrics with the intention of just “having a look”. Upon arriving, I was greeted by Anna and Steven and their stunning array of fabrics.  I explained to Anna what I was looking for and she presented me with some stunning French sequin and feather fabric, which was far better than I ever imagined. The fabric was STUNNING.

2. Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made/ would you recommend it for any future brides?

I was always intending to buy a “sequin and feather” wedding dress off the rack but after walking into Selective Fine Fabrics and spending about an hour with Anna and Steven I couldn't resist the fabric they showed me and the competence and knowledge they presented to me in relation to fabrics and dressmakers.

3. How would you describe your experience at SFF?

Anna and Steven are BRILLIANT at what they do. They know their fabrics inside out and nothing is too much trouble. I had shopped for fabric in Brisbane City before and I have to say Anna and Steven’s knowledge of fabrics and their eye for buying stunning fabrics leaves other fine fabric shops “for dead”. They are by far the best in Brisbane. I took my mum down there and she also found some fabric and had a dress made for my wedding. I have told so many of my friends & family about their fabrics and my amazing experience. Nothing is too much trouble for both Anna & Steven and they BRILLIANT at what they do.

4. Did you have a wedding theme? 

My wedding was on Hamilton Island and I wanted my dress to be flowing and understated, yet elegant. This is exactly what I achieved in my fabric selection.

5. What would be the best advice you would give to any future bride?  

Enjoy the day, stop all the head talk, take it all in, AND MOSTLY be sure to LOVE your dress. Girls, as we all know, if we feel a million dollars in our dress, then nothing else matters! One word of advice... Make sure you visit Selective Fine Fabrics when choosing your fabric... I can guarantee you will be thrilled with the experience.

REAL BRIDE: Anabelle Smith

Our January bride is the beautiful Anabelle.

Anabelle came in store still undecided whether she would get her dress custom made or buy off the rack. After finding the perfect lace from our extensive 300+ lace range, Anabelle knew that getting her dress made to measure was the right decision.

Anabelle fell in love with an exquisite double scalloped beaded fine lace. The elegant and timeless style of the dress was perfect in showcasing all the beautiful detailing of the lace. Anabelle's full lace gown was absolutely breathtaking with scallop edging on the neckline and straps, as well as a beautiful extended lace train.

Anabelle's wedding gown was made by the talented Elisabeth Rosentreter. 

Here is a small interview we had with Anabelle and some beautiful images she shared with us of her big day taken by Phoenix Milla Photography.


1.How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics?

I had heard about Selective Fine Fabrics through my dressmaker, Elisabeth. I was still undecided as to whether I was going to get my dress made, so she asked me to come into Selective Fine Fabrics to have a look at some materials and go from there. As soon as I had found the material I loved I was 100% convinced I was making the right decision about getting my dress made

2. Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made/ would you recommend it for any future brides?

I had been to numerous shops to try on dresses and there was just nothing I really loved. I knew exactly what I wanted but couldn’t find it in stores. Because I had such a clear vision of what I wanted, I decided to investigate getting it made. It turned out to be cheaper than buying something in store that I would have to alter, and I was not settling for a dress I didn’t love.

I would absolutely recommend that a bride get their dress made if they don’t find one that they like in store, or don’t want a dress that’s less than perfection for them. Why pay for a dress that you have to get altered to fit or make adjustments to when you can get one made that’s perfect for you.

3.How would you describe your experience at SFF?

The staff were amazing! I think they pulled down every type of lace they had in store for me to look at and were extremely patient and helpful. They were knowledgeable about what materials would work and gave great advice.

4. Who was your dress made by? How did you hear about them?

Elisabeth Rosentreter. She was so easy to work with and nothing was ever too much trouble. Her work was everything I had hoped for plus so much more. I got her contact through a friend of a friend who was also getting her dress made by Elisabeth.

5. What would be the best advice you would give to any future bride? 

Don't settle for a dress. There are so many things that could go wrong or stress you out on the wedding day, but a perfect dress makes everything else seem less important. As long as you feel amazing, then the day will be amazing.

REAL BRIDE: Sarah MacKenzie

Our December bride is the lovely Sarah. 

Sarah came in store knowing exactly what she was after; however after being inspired by our fabrics, her bridal party colour palette most definitely changed. 

Sarah fell in love with a beautiful printed silk dupion with accents of soft blues and purples,  and wanted to incorporate it into her bridal party. This lead to the transition from apple green bridesmaids, which Sarah always envisioned, to 'Riviera' blue. The junior bridesmaids were then dressed in the printed silk dupion, which tied in with the bridesmaids perfectly. 

The whole bridal party was a beautiful story of riveting blue hues with touches of violet purple, all complimenting Sarah's luxurious Platinum 'Amelia' duchess silk wedding gown. 

We had so much fun assisting Sarah in creating her bridal party colour story. Here is a small interview we had with Sarah and her beautiful images of her big day. 

Thank you Sarah for allowing us to be part of your special day! 

1.   How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics?

My mum and I came down from north Brisbane after finding SFF online.  When we visited, Melissa recommended our dressmaker, Frida to us. 

2.  Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made/ would you recommend it for any                  future brides?

Absolutely.  I always knew what I wanted and I dreaded searching for days and not being able to find it – so having it made seemed the best option.

3.   How would you describe your experience at SFF?

It was excellent!  The range and quality of the fabrics is exceptional.  We originally went in to get plain green silk but once we had a look around and spoke to Melissa, we got a lot more adventurous!

4.   Where did you find inspiration for your bridesmaids? Did you always want to get something         made to measure for them?

 Our inspiration actually came once we saw the painted silk fabric – I loved it instantly so we built the colour palette around it.  The bridesmaids wore vintage blue wiggle dresses with purple lining which looked beautiful with the floral flower girls dresses and my dress, which was a pale silver grey duchess silk.

5.   What would be the best advice you would give to any future bride?

 Look around for single elements you like and dislike and then decide on a style that will flow through your whole wedding.  When you’re clear on that, it’s easier to see when something fits with that style – colours, fabrics, designs and all the finishing touches.

REAL BRIDE : Candice Gessner

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that we have been absent the past few months. Selective Fine Fabrics has had a world-wind year with so many weddings and formals! We have also updated our website so make sure you check that out www.selectivefinefabrics.com.au

We are excited to introduce something new and exciting to our blog! We will be featuring an interview with one of our past real brides every month including pictures of the dress and their big day. We will be asking all sorts of questions in regards to the dress, the venue and even honeymoon ideas. So if there is anything in particular you would like for us to ask feel free to comment below!

Our first real bride is the gorgeous Candice. As you will read below, we were fortunate enough to have met Candice when she came in for her formal fabric. More than 10 years on, we were absolutely delighted to see her back, but now for her wedding dress! It was also an absolute pleasure to help Candice with her beautiful bridesmaids and her mother Pam's outfit. Here is the interview we had with Candice and some beautiful pictures of her big day taken by Van Middleton photography.

REAL BRIDE: Candice Gessner 

1. How did you hear about Selective Fine Fabrics? 

I first heard about Selective Fine Fabrics 11 years ago when I purchases my year 12 formal material. Walking into SFF Anna greeted us with the biggest smile and 11 years on walking into the store ,Anna still remembered my mum and I and still had that infectious smile.  

2. Did you start your design process with a sketch/picture or were you inspired by fabrics? 

I only had an idea in my head of what I thought I wanted. I knew I wanted “bling” and I had a fair idea of what style/fabric/colour. After 5 minutes of being in store at SFF and seeing their amazing bridal range, I knew I was in the right place. After playing with fabrics and beading with Melissa, I was lucky enough to be introduced by Anna to a dress maker who was in store at the time. After meeting with Svetlana and having Melissa’s great design/colour knowledge my dream dress was coming to life on paper. I left that day with my bridal & bridesmaids material and it only took 2 hours!

3. Why did you decide to get your wedding dress made? Would you recommend it for any future brides? 

I knew I was never going to be a typical bride who would find her dress off the rack BUT I also wanted to do the “bridey” thing and try on wedding dresses. Trying on dresses was a great way for me to see what style suited my body shape and what didn't so I knew exactly what I wanted to get made. Choosing your wedding dress is such a personal thing. If you are a bride who loves something different I would 100% recommend having your dress made.

4. How would you describe your experience at SFF?

The most satisfying experience a bride could have in the preparation for her wedding. The team at SFF helped me create a dress that I would not of found anywhere in the world. I still pull my dress out of the cupboard and hold it up to the light just to see it glisten in the sun.

5. What did you think of the range at SFF?

If you’re looking for something different there is no other fabric store in Australia that holds the key to an amazing outfit. SFF's extensive range of fabric & colours makes for your perfect outfit.  The team at SFF take time to drape different colours and fabrics on you to give you an idea of what you can create with different style and colour. 

6. Did you always want to get your bridesmaid dresses made to measure as well? 

Again, I knew I wanted something different and amazing for my bridesmaids. I was sick of seeing the same style bridesmaid’s dresses. After searching the internet I found a picture of something I liked. I showed Melissa & Svetlana the style of the dress and straight away they chose an amazing  colour & fabric which was just gorgeous and complimented my wedding dress and theme beautifully.

7. Where did you have your wedding reception? 

We had our wedding reception at Victoria Park Golf Complex. We had a large guest list and I wanted a venue where we could have our ceremony and reception all in the one place.  Victoria Park offered the perfect setting.  We had a gorgeous ceremony planned outside on the deck next to the garden marque but due to wet weather at the last minute, the ceremony was moved into the bar area of the reception.  It was still gorgeous and at the end of the day I still got to marry my husband

8. Did you have a wedding theme? 

I had a modern vintage theme. I wanted the elegance of white wedding with a touch of vintage. I brought the vintage theme in with tin pails with baby’s breath and a chalk board guest seating chart.  .

9. Where did you choose to go for your honeymoon?
My husband and I chose to go to Fiji for our honeymoon. My husband travels long hours for his work so didn’t want to travel for hours but still wanted and island holiday.  We spent 7 nights at the Sheraton Resort on Denarau Island. It was fantastic. On our last day Ben surprised me with a private boat charter to a private island in the middle of the ocean. It was a Perfect way to end our honeymoon. 

10. What would be the best advice you would give to any future brides?
Planning our wedding was so stress free. I had the most amazing people working with me to create our day. My advice is to find a team of people who you connect with. Give yourself time to plan and once you have made a decision don’t go back on it. It’s such a fun time in your life so don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Candice and her bridesmaids all in 100% silk gowns

Pam's Mother of Bride outfit- Silk, tulle and exclusive crystal motif.