Real Bride - Anna S

Bride Name: Anna S

Wedding date: April 19th 2025

Place: Hycroft Manor, Vancouver

Dress: Custom Mikado gown with silk tulle draped bodice and a matching veil

Reception dress: Hazel Mini

1. What was your dress hunting process like, and how did you end up with a custom-designed dress? 

I have this tendency when shopping, where I imagine something in my head and assume I can find it if I look hard enough. I had such a specific vision for my wedding dress, but after browsing around, I wasn’t able to find a dress that matched. I had started doing some fit modelling for OUMA, where I tried on dress prototypes so they could adjust the fit, and putting on their dresses felt so special. The craftsmanship was incredible. Ou and her team were some of the kindest people. After a few of these sessions, I knew I had to have an Ouma dress, but I was still so married to the idea of my dream dress. Naturally, I thought exploring custom options with Ouma would be my next step.

2. Were you scared when you only saw the sketch? What made you trust the designer?

I wasn’t worried at all when I saw the sketch. First and foremost, it was like Ou had taken exactly what I had thought of and made it even better. Then, having tried on numerous other OUMA gowns, I had absolute confidence that the result would be perfect, just like her other dresses. I knew that we would have multiple fitting sessions and things could be adjusted if needed, which was also very reassuring.

3. Can you share some tips with other brides who want to get a custom dress? 

My best advice for other brides is to try on some dresses by OUMA first. This will help you understand what you truly want because it’s one thing to have a vision, but this can change when you see how things look on you. Having a starting point was so helpful in finalizing the direction I wanted to go.

4. One special moment of your wedding day that you will never forget.

I will never forget my husband, Brendan, and I’s first look. Brendan is a stoic man, and I’ve rarely seen him cry. His tears when he saw me were so special to me. He was so handsome that day. We are so lucky to have each other.

5. Can you share something special about your second dress?

My second dress was the life of the party! I knew I would want every second on the dance floor, and to be able to move freely was important. The way this dress twirled stole the show. I didn’t have to worry about tripping or being too hot… It was a great decision to get the mini Hazel.

Photos by: Paige and Holmes Photography

Floral: Things From Gardens

Coordinator: Joyful Events

Makeup: Isabella Martini

Designer's note:

Anna has always been drawn to the romance of the past — the quiet elegance of vintage silhouettes and the stories they carry — yet envisioned a gown that felt unmistakably modern. Inspired by the structured grace of our Hazel fabric and the soft, weightless tulle from Cris, we wove the two together to mirror her duality: grounded in nostalgia, yet confidently her own. Her love story felt like stardust — a series of near encounters before the stars finally aligned. We adorned her veil and shoulder straps with delicate crystals, a celestial tribute to fate and the quiet beauty of finding each other, again and again, across time and place.