A Custom Mikado Wedding Gown at Stones of the Yarra Valley
Sometimes a custom wedding dress begins before I’ve even met the bride.
I first met Kate’s mum when she happened to wander past my studio and came in for a chat. That chance meeting eventually led me to Kate, who already had a lovely sense of how she wanted her wedding dress to feel.
Kate had found elements she loved, along with a handful of particular details she wanted to bring together. Rather than beginning with an existing gown and altering each element individually, starting from scratch gave us the freedom to consider the silhouette, proportions and finishing as one complete design from the beginning.
The result was a gown that felt beautifully resolved and entirely Kate’s — created for her wedding to Fin at Stones of the Yarra Valley.
The Gown
Kate already had a clear sense of the silhouette she loved, but it was the combination of smaller details — and getting the proportions just right — that made starting from scratch feel like the most considered approach.
Kate has a little more height through her frame, which gave us room to play with the proportions of the bodice. The bodice length and depth of the neckline were designed specifically for her, creating an elongated line while keeping the volume of the skirt beautifully balanced.
We chose Mikado for its beautiful structure and subtle lustre.
The bodice was boned and softly draped, balancing the internal structure with a much more effortless finish on the body. From there, the gown opened into a full Mikado skirt with a side-front leg split — a subtle interruption to an otherwise very classic silhouette.
It was an exercise in proportion as much as design: where the neckline finished, the length of the bodice, where the skirt began and how its volume related to Kate’s frame.
These are relatively small decisions individually, but together they completely change how a gown feels on the person wearing it.
And Then There Was the Back
From behind, one detail changed the otherwise beautifully minimal gown.
A continuous line of pearl buttons travelled from the back of the bodice all the way to the very end of the train.
From a distance they created one long, uninterrupted line through the gown. Up close, they became one of its loveliest details.
The finished design was clean and architectural without feeling severe: structured Mikado, softly draped corsetry, a glimpse of leg as Kate moved and that line of pearls disappearing into the train.
Most importantly, it brought together all the individual things Kate had been looking for without any one detail feeling added on afterwards.
At Stones of the Yarra Valley
Set among the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, Stones was a beautiful counterpoint to Kate’s clean bridal silhouette — old stone, established gardens and wide open landscape.
Rick Liston’s photographs move effortlessly between those surroundings and the quieter moments of the day.
Kate + Fin
Because a wedding dress should be designed for much more than standing still.
Kate + Fin, thank you for allowing me to play a small part in such a beautiful day.
Jennifer x
Wedding Details
Kate + Fin
Venue — Stones of the Yarra Valley Photography — Rick Liston Videography — @isforeverfilms Suit — @institchu Florals — @theprovidorestyling Hair & Makeup — @georgiahayes_ DJ — @main_entertainment Custom wedding gown — Jennifer Bowden Designs
Wedding date — 17.01.2026
Considering Custom?
Sometimes you know exactly what you love — you simply haven't found all of those elements in one dress.
Custom bridal allows us to begin with your ideas and consider the silhouette, proportions, fabrication and details together, creating a gown designed specifically for you.
Comments