Today we're bringing you two gorgeous posts, for the price of one.
Not only will you be swooning over the beautiful Kelsey Genna wedding dress collection (with the most stunning flower-infused shoot by Kate Grewal Photography) but we're also chatting to the designer herself about the ideas behind her designs and her top tips for brides-to-be.
Double the prettiness. And double the inspiration.
An independent, eco-conscious designer, based in New Zealand – so many exciting NZ bridal designers lately BTW! (Sally Eagle, Rue de Seine) – Kelsey has established a signature style that's romantic, pretty and feminine.
With a penchant for floral details, (her blog The Flower Bride is so chic!) Kelsey finds inspiration in nature, and her travels.
Scroll down to see her gorgeous collection shoot by Kate Grewal Photography, but first up, read our chat with the super talented, utterly inspired, Kelsey Genna.
What inspired you to get into fashion design? And specifically, bridal fashion?
It's all I can ever really remember wanting to be. I taught myself how to sew when I was about 15.
Firstly I made pyjamas and secondly a prom dress, to this day it's still one of my favourite and most impressive creations.
The bridal element came into it after I finished university. I was creating flower-inspired gowns and a couple of the champagne, light gold pieces got picked up by a New Zealand bridal magazine.
It was from that point, my line slowly blossomed into bridal. Like most things in life, it wasn't what I set out to do – but I am really pleased it's where I've progressed to.
My work makes me very happy.
Left, Kelsey Genna, and right, one of her favourites, the Vienna dress.
Which is your favourite dress from your latest collection and why?
Probably the Vienna. I made myself a tea-length version and wore it to a friends art opening in Sydney last week. I handmade earrings and a ring with fresh lilac flowers picked from a local park.
I'm now trying to find an excuse to wear the full length Vienna!
That is what I like about many of the pieces in our 2015 collection – they work fabulously for bridal, but could also work for evening pieces too.
Who is the Kelsey Genna bride?
She is colourful, creative and unique. She is not afraid of trying something different and embracing her feminine side.
I think in many ways, aesthetically, she is me; maybe a more bold, fairy-tale version of me?
What is the first thing you consider when you design a wedding gown?
I don't think I ‘think' too much. There have been times where I've tried to think from the perspective of what would sell well etc. and it doesn't really satisfy me.
So mostly I just create what comes naturally in that moment. There are always times where I feel more or less inspired, as I grow as a designer, I'm learning to make the most of those creative windows.
A lot of my job is business minded, and I love the contrast between the two roles.
If you could design a wedding dress for any woman (celeb/icon/personal inspiration) from the past or present, who would it be and why?
I look forward to making my own dress if/when that day comes.
Other than that – I have the most beautiful, inspiring friends, all with their own unique style and personality. I hope they all let me make their bridal dresses!
What are your trend predictions for bridal fashion in 2015 and beyond?
Trends, I'm not too sure… I spent a lot of my time based in South East Asia and honestly feel like I am so out of the loop with these things.
But I hope brides continue to be more innovative and daring with bridal.
What is the number one piece of advice you would give a bride searching for her dream wedding dress?
Firstly not to leave it too late, that can be really stressful. But most importantly, pick a dress which is you and expresses your personality.
I talk to wedding photographers who tell me each season they feel like they shoot the same dress on every bride. It's nice to be a little different and shy away from what may be predicted or traditional.
Take a Look at the Kelsey Genna Wedding Dress Collection
So, so, so pretty! The dresses are just dreamy, and how fabulous is the floral styling by Yvette Edwards of the The Piccadilly Flower Company. I love how romantic and whimsical it is, and gorgeous hair and make-up inspiration too, from Beauty on Demand.
Thanks so much to Kelsey Genna for sharing her gowns, and her insights, with us. Kelsey Genna dresses are priced from $1400-1850, visit her website and her blog for more information on her beautiful creations.
Searching for your dream wedding dress? Check out more Designer Collections + our Wedding Dress Inspiration Board
