One Fine Day Wedding Market is the highlight of our social calendar, largely because we have the distinct honour of curating the runway show every year, and 2022 was no different! We get to work with so many of our favourite designers for this event, many of whom are debuting brand new collections to the 1000s of engaged couples who swarm Barangaroo for two glorious days of wedded inspo!
VIP Ticket holders score front row seating at the Hello May X One Fine Day Runway show and it’s always such a pleasure seeing brides or grooms to-be snapping photos, taking notes and pointing out their faves as close to 100 looks pass them by. Whilst the runway itself features dozens of amazing designers, we thought we’d take a moment to highlight our 10 fave designers from the runway…
Before we dive in a big shout to Kristie Carrick Photography (aka: one of our fave Sydney wedding photographers) who took these stunning runway photos, as well as Dove Grey Bridal and Forever Soles, who hooked our models (the lovely Demi, Mikayla, Laura, Kelly, Aruna, Simay, JD, Heidi, Sophia and Astou) up with the most stunning range of pearl earrings and blush bridal heels you ever did see! But what made everything extra special was one of our fave Melbourne Hair and Makeup artists, Mon and her talented team from TONIC, have opened up a Sydney branch and were on hand to create the dreamiest hair and makeup looks for each of the girls…
Let’s break each of our fave designers down shall we…
ALCA LINE BRIDE
Amy has to be one of our fave emerging designers. It was tough picking only five of our fave looks from her amazing new collection, Embrace 2022, to send down the runway. We highly recommend you check out all 14 new looks here if you are in the gown shopping stage of your wedding planning journey. There is literally something in this collection for everyone.
MOIRA HUGHES COUTURE
Moira is the real deal guys! She is so well respected and known for her quality garment construction and Parisian corsetry techniques that hug you in all of the right places. If you’ve always imagined handing your gown down to generations to come, then Moira Hughes Couture is your gal! Her latest collection, Take Flight, which you simply HAVE TO check out here, has literally just launched and it is the stuff dreams are made of – whether you are looking for a cute mini dress, a full skirt, layers of blush tulle or something a little more tailored and chic, we are sure you will find it in this new collection.
KAREN WILLIS HOLMES
Karen Willis Holmes has so many amazing collections under the KWH banner (check out Wild Hearts, Elope and Bespoke just to name three) that we were chuffed to be able to showcase a bit of everything from her ever groing range! Not only is Karen one of Australia’s leading bridal gown designers but she is also the queen of accessories, and if you only do one thing today, make it heading to her website and scoping out her gorge range of cover ups, veils, wraps, detachable trains and other accessories.
PREA JAMES BRIDAL
Regular readers of Hello May will know we LOVE us some Prea James. This talented Aussie designer has quickly risen through the ranks to cement herself as one of Australia’s leading bridal designers and we are just smitten kittens with everything she does. Want to know more about the woman behind the brand? Be sure to check out our in-depth Designer Profile with Prea right here. Her latest collection, Riviera 2023, is out now and worth a look and then some.
APRIL LORRAINE BRIDAL
Another new kid on the bridal block who’s work we just can’t get enough of is April Lorraine Bridal. This Southern Highlands based designer has such a diverse offering, it is well worth the weekend road trip to try on her stunning designs if you live in NSW. We specifically love the Bridgerton-esque Noah gown with the empire waistline. You can see more of her gorgeous designs, including some cute mini dresses, here.
GRACE LOVES LACE
No runway would be complete with out an appearance from cult Aussie label Grace Loves Lace. These guys won our hearts with their love of sustainability. Their Lumi gown is an eco-friendly wedding dress crafted from 96% recycled materials and their entire collection is hand made in their Gold Coast studio. Once you’re done pouring over these gorgeous runway snaps be sure to check out two of our all time fave GLL brides and their wedding days here and here.
MAISON OUI
Owners of Cherie by Oui (which we showcased on the runway, above) and Oui The Label, these guys are hands down one of our all time favourite Melbourne designers. Their latest collection, Unbridled Love, is a must see and available to try on at their Melbourne boutique. Don’t live in Melbourne? An appointment at Maison Oui is well worth the road trip – with two brands under the one umbrella there are so many unique styles to try on, you’re sure to walk out with your dream gown sorted. Make your appointment here.
OLEG CASSINI
Affordable bridal at it’s best (everything at Oleg Cassini is priced from $1300 – $2500) they are a staple on the OFD runway. Polly is their latest design (bottom right) to land in their easy to use online store. We love her puffed sleeves and flattering skirt. These guys also do an impressive range of bridesmaids dresses from in over 40 different colours ranging in sizes from 0 to 30.
M.J BALE
Repping for the gents was one of our fave Aussie menswear brands, MJ Bale. These guys have stores nation wide and stock the most dapper range of suits and accessories. We love their natural linen suit for summer as well as their green and navy options for winer. For the adventurous groom there are velvet options and off course their classic black tuxedo is always on point.
DOVE GREY BRIDAL & FOREVER SOLES
Affordable yet beautifully made and quality was the brief for the Hello May X One Fine Day Runway accessories and boy oh boy did Dove Grey Bridal and Forever Soles deliver. If you’re after robes, hand bags, veils, earrings or necklaces for yourself or your maids then you can’t go wrong shopping with Dove Grey. Same same for our mates at Forever Soles. Low heel, high heel, velvet green, blush or white heel – what ever you are after they have your tootsies covered, literally.
CREDITS Event One Fine Day Photos Kristie Carrick Photography Hair & Makeup TONIC Accessories Dove Grey Bridal and Forever Soles