I always love meeting my brides and seeing them at fittings, and Kim was no different. Every time she came to our bridal loft, her entourage was there with her, joking around, teasing each other and creating a warm family atmosphere. The bond between Kim and her family and friends was obvious, and you could tell that she was very loved. Being a part of Kim’s wedding journey was an honor for me. It was extremely nice to see the bride and her entourage just enjoying the experience. This was probably also why I had so much fun at every fitting.

We actually got goose bumps when these amazing wedding photos of Kim and Ben landed in our inbox. Marnie Hawsoncaptured their day so perfectly. Kim looked absolutely radiant in the 4 pieces she put together- Ivana gown, Bambi skirt and Gigi blouse, finished with the Skye veil. The flexibility of our layered bridal separates really allowed Kim to style her own bridal look, which was so important to Kim. It must reflect her personality but at the same time compliments the beautiful venue, Churchill in Taradale.

Words from the bride:

“I tried on all sorts of dresses from different suppliers in both Melbourne and Perth. Some were the typical princess dresses and others were sleek evening gowns. Some made me look too much like a bride (like a meringue) and others, like simply a guest at a wedding.

I honestly liked many of the dresses I tried on but none really fit the feel of our wedding; our personalities, our venue or the ambiance. When I tried on my dress at Cathleen’s there wasn’t a light bulb moment of ‘this is THE one’ rather as time went by; and as I processed, it became clear that it was the ‘right’ dress. The dress was one of the most important decisions for me. My dress had to look like no other dress I had ever worn or will ever wear again but I needed to still feel like myself. Cathleen’s ensemble reflected my personality and character perfectly.

Cathleen is happy and this dictates the whole experience. She is a gentle and patient voice in amongst so many opinions of mothers and bridesmaids.

“Our wedding day went perfectly. I am extremely organised and every detail that I could control went to plan. Yet we were completely unprepared for the onslaught of emotion. There was an inordinate amount of love in the room. At times, it was entirely overwhelming and yet we savored every moment. I felt alive. Every person in our lives that we loved was there and that’s never happened before.

I was quite nervous walking down the aisle until I looked out and saw Ben. He looked so happy and that’s all I really remember. I just kept focusing on him, the whole reason why I showed up. I used to think I knew things about life, like I had a hold on our tiny existence. The older I get the more I have understood that love is all that is left when you peel back the layers. So many things in life are ‘like chasing the wind’, except for love. In that moment as I walked down the aisle toward Ben, I knew nothing but what Emeli Sande puts so well, that “this is us, this is love and this is where I’m home”.

Even just from her words we can tell how much love she received on that day. We wish Kim and Ben all the happiness.

CJ x

Where do we even begin with our Love Struck London Campaign? Our love affair with London began back in November 2016, while the creation process of Love Struck was still at its early stages. One Spring evening about 1 am, I got an email from Suzie at Knot & Pop inviting us to attend a bridal showcase in March 2017, at the gorgeous Town Hall Hotel in East London. (Yes I check my emails ALL the time, and yes I don’t sleep) Our dresses have never travelled that far before, but the idea of travelling with my own designs is so romantic. Everything just seemed perfect, a chance to showcase our gowns to UK brides and the opportunity to photograph Love Struck in London.

The collection symbolize romance and freedom by the use of light and vintage inspired bridal separates for the modern day bride. It represents freedom and love quality. Our bridal separates allow brides to layer complimentary pieces, to inject her personal style into her wedding day look, encapsulating the concept of liberty in all forms.

Following a long twenty four hour plane trip from Melbourne to London, being able to see the creation of the Love Struck campaign shoot was a luxury. The streets of London were the location we chose for the shoot, not only because of the picturesque grounds but also because of their recognition in marriage equality.

We were fortunate enough to have Jason Williams photograph the collection. Not only had he nailed the brief, an intimate elopement of two modern day lovers. His photos also seamlessly incorporated the beautiful city colors while allowing the details of our gowns stand out.

We were also given the pleasure to have the gorgeous Town Hall Hotel in East London as our indoor venue. Being a Melbourne based designer, we usually shoot in places with raw and rustic themes. However, this time around it was much more monochrome and darker compared to our previous style shoots.

Working with a team of talented and friendly people will always guarantee a good outcome and, more importantly, a lovely experience. The atmosphere was relaxing, yet professional when needed to be. Makeup artist Birute Thomas and hair stylistZoe Kramer did an amazing job preparing the models for the shoot. The result was nothing less than what we would like to call art.

Our new Love Struck collection includes wearable and minimalist separates, which can be easily paired with the previous Wild Romance collection. We encourage brides to step outside the traditional wedding idea and choose something that emulates their personality and character.

View Love Struck Collection here.

View Wild Romance Collection here.

Thank you for your endless inspirations and an unforgettable trip London, we promise our dresses will come back soon.

CJ x.

Imagine descending after a peaceful hot air balloon ride over the city with your fiancé to see family and friends holding letters that spelled out a proposal. This was how Vanessa and Jake romantically tied the knot.

Vanessa was like many brides I had seen before: not sure what she wanted but definite on what she did not want. I was glad that she chose a Cathleen Jia gown and experience. Seeing the photos makes everything seem even more worth it!

The wedding was in a picturesque little town called Murchison, where the little barn her reception was held was only just in time for the celebration. It had a beautiful rustic atmosphere, and the plants and nature that were used as décor were absolutely stunning and gave the venue a comfortable environment.

Words from the bride:

“Once the venue was booked, I spent one day searching for a dress. Prior to visiting Cathleen Jia, I went to a place that stocked various designer dresses. I was very unsure of what I wanted but knew what I didn’t want. The lady was unsure how to help me and I was tempted to cancel my appointment with you because I’d had enough for one day. Somehow you just knew how to ‘wow’ us. From the moment we walked in you were pinning lace and designing a dress I couldn’t have even imagined. It was just perfect. I couldn’t have asked of anything more.

Our wedding day was full of love and laughter. We celebrated with many close family and friends. It started quite early and we continued the celebrations right through to the evening. Everyone says it flies by so quickly but I disagree as we made ours last forever! It was the perfect way to celebrate and an unforgettable experience.”

I wish Vanessa and Jake a journey filled with happiness.

CJ x

Photographer: Kirk Richards

When you work with brides almost every day, the love stories you get told are often the sweetest and most beautiful things you’ll hear. I love watching the faces of my brides lighten up as they tell me the story of their journey. Kathleen had a wonderful tale to share, and working with her was one of my greatest delights. She had such a kind and gentle personality and a lovely smile to reflect that.

Kathleen and Mick’s ceremony was held in scenic gardens of Cameron Lodge, with luscious greenery to accompany them on their special day. Splashes of colour were added in with flowers by Raven and Rose, creating a truly magnificent setting.

Words from the bride.

“Every girl dreams of marrying her best friend. Every girl wants to look and feel the most beautiful and Cathleen helped me feel just that. I was struggling to find ‘the one’ until I discovered Cathleen Jia. Can I just say ‘wow’ because every gown I tried on looked stunning. One particular gown I tried on was called the Sarah, and at that moment I knew I found my dream dress. I instantly fell in love with the delicate lace. Cathleen created a bespoke version of the Sarah to suit exactly what I wanted.

I’ll never forget the experience I had with Cathleen. Catching up for our fittings was always a delight. It gave me such an appreciation seeing the incredible effort that went into making my dream gown.

Our special day was everything we imagined and more. After waking up in the most superb cottage with my two best friends, we had the most relaxing day together. Throughout the day I would sneak off and have a quick glimpse at my dress, holding back tears of happiness. I couldn’t wait to put it on. The sun was shining and the gardens were looking fabulous. It was perfect. I am so grateful I found you Cathleen. Thank you for being so wonderful.”

Photographs by Stevie Lee Fisher.

When April was looking for her dream dress, it was very important to her to go with a Melbourne based designer. And I’m absolutely glad she did, because it gave me an opportunity to meet her and be a part of her wonderful journey.

April came to try on a variety of styles at our boutique, there was a certain design that she had just fallen in love with. The gown must have also loved her back because she was glowing with confidence and looked stunning in it.

Being a super relaxed and easy going couple, this was reflected in their wedding. It was nice to see the candid photos shot by photographer Blanc Weddings filled with smiles, fun and pure happiness. The venue at The Thornbury Bowls Club also ensured the mood was laid back and not tense – just like them! It was lovely to see a wedding that was so unique, and even through the photos I could tell that the day and night was just so ‘April and Nathan’.

Words from the bride:

“I wasn’t the brideiest of brides. It was such a relief to meet Cathleen. She was so easy to deal with and understood exactly what I wanted. It was important for me to be supporting a local Melbourne designer and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to speak directly to the person making my dress. Everything was so simple and the end result was stunning.”

I wish April and Nathan all the happiness in this exciting chapter of their lives. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to contribute to their special day.

Love,

CJ x

Photos by Blanc Weddings

When Anna Taylor and I met at a networking event, I was immediately drawn to her talent as a photographer and the way she was able to capture raw emotions. In the world of wedding photography, she stood out. We decided on a collaboration to take my gowns and do something different. We accomplished just that with a stunning beach bride series.

The new range, “Wild Romance” has just been released. It’s a step away from the unique, yet more traditional wedding dresses in my collection. Wild Romance is a line of bridal separates, allowing brides to choose different pieces to create their own unique wedding look. Vintage inspired and designed for the modern bride, Wild Romance provides every woman the opportunity to truly make her day exactly as she always imagined.

Anna’s concept of a beach-side elopement set the perfect stage to showcase the short wedding dress featured from the Wild Romance collection. The weather was perfect, the sunset flawless, and the calm water allowed the models to be playful. Anna’s talented shooting perfectly captured the care free nature of the evening. The intimacy of the couple shone through each picture. We took away all the distraction of a traditional wedding with an elopement story and focused solely on the couple.

The results were beyond what was imagined. The deceptively simple photos captured the essence of each moment in this Melbourne elopement. The hair and make-up, provided by Rikki fromPin Ups Hair and Make Up, reinforced the feel of the carefree couple without distracting from their elegance. The prestigiousWhite Magazine also included a feature of this styled shoot on their website. Check it out here https://whitemag.com/blog/a-moment-to-themselves/. The beach elopement shoot is not one easily forgotten!

This photo session, with both the styling and bride’s wardrobe done by us, brought the Wild Romance collection to the attention of the modern bride. The stunning photographs featuring a beach-side elopement beg brides to consider the less traditional route, from the unique wedding dress idea of bridal separates to the barefoot, seashore nuptials. There’s nothing more romantic and heartfelt than these captured images.

Dresses/ Styling – Cathleen Jia

Photographer – Anna Taylor Photography

Hair and Makeup – Pin Ups Hair and Make Up

We say that beauty can be found anywhere, even in an old barn out in the countryside. Even though we are a Melbourne based wedding dress designer, we often travel outside of the urban jungle to get inspirations.

A picturesque wedding doesn’t have to be held in a mansion with chandeliers- even a simple space can come alive with a little bit of creative decor. We utilized this idea and created an editorial for our unique rustic brides.

Flowy, simple gowns from our Wild Romance collection were styled in this photo shoot. Featuring delicate laces, luxury silks and polka dot tulle, the gowns were not over the top but rather a gentle texture against the rustic setting.

Paired beautifully with a bouquet of pastel flowers as well as a flower crown with raw elements, which made sure the accessories didn’t overthrow the simplicity and cleanness of the gown.

The setting was all about natural beauty and rawness. Tins, exposed bricks, rough wood flooring juxtaposed the softness of our gowns so perfectly.

Pale flowers, candles and antique furniture decorated the location. The photo shoot had a much more warm and romantic atmosphere to it, as captured by Jenna Fahye White Photography, whilst leaving that punch of rustic charm that we love. We are so happy with how the bridal editorial turned out, and we hope it inspires you think about the beauty of different locations.

Editorial as seen onIvory Tribe.

Wedding Dresses/ Veil- Cathleen Jia Photographer- Jenna Faye White Styling- Weddings of Desire Hair & Make up- Sheridan Kate MUA Venue- Austins & Co Cake- Cake Ink

CJ x

Ps. Our [Modern Rustic Wedding Styling Guide] is now here! A collection of images from our Real Weddings to Styled photo shoots that will sure to inspire. Yours free to download, just click here.

When I first met Roxanne, I knew we’d have a fantastic time collaborating to create the gown for her once in a lifetime day. With such an open and quirky personality, Roxanne and I had the freedom to design a classic, beautiful dress that suits her perfectly. The dress features a neckline and a natural waistline that flattered Roxanne in every way. Such a simple, elegant gown allowed her to pick a bouquet that practically shouts FUN! without overwhelming the bride.

The dresses for her bridesmaids were fun vintage fabrics which Roxanne sourced individually. Roxanne and Ben’s wedding was held at Gum Gully Farm, a beautiful wedding location. Roxanne’s lovely bouquet and flowers were done by Zingara Life. Roxanne and Ben had a stunning celebration of their love and we could not be prouder of having been able to be a part of their special day.

Words from the bride.

“When Ben proposed to me in Bali we were in no rush to walk down the aisle. It wasn’t until a year later that I even started looking at dresses. Finding the perfect dress was a weird experience for me as it was both really hard and so simple at the same time. It was hard because I didn’t know what I wanted but I knew exactly what I didn’t want and all the bridal shops seemed to have what I didn’t want.

I found Cathleen through Hello May magazine and while looking at her website I came across her Eliza gown and fell in love straight away, I knew this was the dress for me. I had recently had my first child so trying on dresses seemed extremely daunting. When I finally had my first appointment to try on the Eliza gown Cathleen made me feel so relaxed and comfortable, it was actually a great experience and I knew straight away I was in great hands.

Our wedding day was everything we had hoped for and more. The deer and fawns at the property were absolutely magical. We really wanted a relaxed, family friendly wedding that showcased the love we have for each other and our son, Jude. I loved how comfortable I felt in my dress, and I owe that to Cathleen. I couldn’t be more thankful to her and I feel so lucky to have come across her designs.”

Wishing Roxanne, Ben and Jude a world of happiness. CJ x.

Ps. Roxanne is a talented children’s wear designer, check out her quirky kid’s wear Hey Jude.

As a designer, I jump at the chance to challenge my creativity and ability. In this instance, I challenged myself to design one of a kind vintage wedding gowns. Once I had my dresses completed, Jessica Abby Photography took over and was able to create this exquisite series of photos.

As a Melbourne wedding designer, creating enchanting, unique dresses for each bride is the reason I do what I do. For my part in this series, I was able to focus on vintage wedding dresses. Free flowing and designed for to flatter any form, each dress captures the vintage look with a modern feel.

I utilized the timeless grace of lace in these wedding gowns to provide a softer look for any bride. A bridal head piece provides an individualized look and is the perfect wedding accessory. Reminiscent of the flapper age, the bridal head piece featured in this series by Jeanette Maree is an elegant alternative to a traditional wedding veil.

For the modern bride, these unique wedding dresses are designed to turn your already special day into one that is truly unforgettable. I was able to produce exquisite vintage wedding gowns while Jessica photographed and Vanee from Babydoll Make up completed the look with her exquisite skills. For a closer look at the series, One Fine Day Wedding Fair featured the editorial as well.

CJ x

P.S Model Wearing The Opal gown, Tillie gown, Margot gown and Norah gown from The Heart Song collection.

When it comes to the definition of a down to earth bride, Jen was your girl. From the moment we met, she was just incredibly relaxed and really open to ideas. It took us only one appointment to sketch up her dream gown. Fast track a few months, Jen and Chris discovered they were expecting their first child! The most amazing news and I was incredibly happy for them. But naturally, there were questions about fittings and how will it affect the gown. For us, it was about having a few more fittings to accommodate for a changing body, and we really needed the bride to trust us. And Jen did exactly that. Jen never lost sight of the reason behind all of this. She embraced every second of her wedding journey, and from that we formed an incredible bond. I was fortunate enough to meet her gorgeous baby boy at every fitting. And to see these gorgeous photos of what she has described as a “Rustic Wedding Festival” really makes me incredibly emotional.

Words from Jen.

“I was so blessed to find Cathleen to make my dress and allow me to express what I wanted. She was so flexible and talented in accommodating my changing body after having my baby boy. It allowed me to be comfortable and feel beautiful on my special day. I loved catching up with Cathleen every dress fitting, I felt more like a friend than a customer. Thank you Cathleen for everything.”

Jen wore a Bespoke gown with vintage gold lace top and ivory silk skirt, styled with Patricia head comb.

Photos by Victoria Scott.

I know I say this a lot, but I just love my brides. Nothing is more rewarding than making great friends doing what you love. Janet and I bonded immediately, I knew our relationship would last beyond our time in the boutique. From her down to earth personality to her warm smile, there is just nothing I don’t like about this girl. It has been an amazing journey and an absolute honor to create Janet’s dream gown. Janet and David’s wedding was held at the picturesque Stones of Yarra Valley, with Lulu bird as the florist and a pair of stunning Alexander Wang Heels to finish her bridal look, need I say more? This was one Ah-mazing wedding, congratulations Janet and David. CJ x

Words from Janet.

“I am so proud to be a Cathleen Jia bride. I really struggled early on in my wedding dress hunt to find a dress that was unique, modern and suited my style. When I came across Cathleen Jia and had my first appointment, the Helena dress literally had me at hello. Cathleen was such an important part of my wedding planning journey, not only did we work together to create my dream dress, but she recommended suppliers to me and provided so much good advice in the lead up to the big day. I cannot speak highly enough of Cathleen, I always looked forward to my appointments not only to see how my dress was progressing but, because seeing Cathleen was like catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while. Through the whole process, it was always apparent that I was dealing with someone passionate about their job and someone who takes great pride and care in her work. The day itself was absolutely magical with Stones of the Yarra Valley providing the most picturesque back drop for our long lunch wedding. A day being surrounded by our families and friends and filled with tears, laughter, happiness and so much love, it was the best day of our lives.”

Janet wore a modified version of the Helena gown with Sienna veil.

Photo, video and entertainment by The White Tree.

We often get asked if we have a favorite dress, or favorite wedding. The truth is, we love them all! But sometimes, there are unforgettable, truly emotional moments that tugs at our heart strings. Erin and her family were the sweetest bunch of people. From the moment she walked through our doors, I knew this was going to be an amazing day. The perfect dress was found with tears of joy and the rest was history.

Words from Erin.

“I still remember the moment when I first walked into your store, in search of the perfect dress to compliment my vision of a relaxed vintage styled country wedding. From the moment I began browsing the racks of dresses I knew I had found what I was looking for! When I tried on the Sarah gown I had the moment every girl shopping for a wedding dress is waiting for – This is the one! Followed by excited squeals of delight from my bridesmaids and tears from my mum.

On our wedding day I relived that moment all over again slipping into my dream dress, I felt so happy & excited that today I get to marry my best friend – & I am wearing THE most amazing dress that is totally going to knock Barry’s socks off!

The day was truly perfect from start to finish despite the 43 degree heat, it was everything we could have dreamed for celebrating with all our favorite people at my dads picturesque property in the foothills of Briagolong.”

Erin wore the Sarah gown with Kierra head comb.

Photos by the talented Love Katie + Sarah.

Congratulations Erin and Barry, thank you for choosing our gown and mostly, thank you for the joy you have brought us at every fitting.

CJ x

Tall crops, thick bushes, and let the wind sweep your heart away. Pure yet enchanting, we were inspired by our natural surrounding and the relaxed yet intricate gowns, to bring you this “Enchantress” series.

These truly divine images were taken by the talented Jessica Abby. Styled perfectly by one of our favorite wedding stylist Ruffles and Bells, showing off our renowned vintage glam dresses against the natural backdrop perfectly. With an injection of purple blooms by Lulu Bird and flawless make up by Baby doll make up artistry, making this editorial breathtakingly enchanting.

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It is no secret we love what we do. And who doesn’t love, well love? Every bride we meet is different, their love stories are never the same. Kate was definitely one of our very unique brides. From her tale of the proposal to the quirky styling of her wedding day, Kate and Ash had their personal touch in every aspect, making the process and occasion a very memorable one.

Words from the bride.

“I awoke to sunshine which slowly and beautifully morphed into epic clouds and teasing rain. The day was unexpectedly calm and effortless. I spent the morning with my mum and best friend being pampered by lovely, talented hair and makeup artists before slipping into the most beautiful, elegant and comfortable dress I could ever have hoped for. I simply loved wearing this dress. It felt perfectly me and yet wonderfully luxurious at the same time. Our day was so full of love and it was wonderful to be able to share that with our friends and family.”

Kate chose a bespoke version of the Kierra gown in ivory. Her beautiful photos are by Jazzy Connors Photography.

Thank you for allowing us take part in your special day, we wish you all the happiness with your beautiful new family.

CJ x