Welcome to where the magic happened.

When I was younger, I loved reading Disney princess stories like Beauty and the Beast, and Cinderella. They were by far my favourite. Call me old fashion, but I loved when the princess found her prince charming and “they lived happily ever after”. What I loved, even more, were the princess’s ball gowns. When Disney made these fairy tales into movies, I fell in love with the costumes all over again, paying more attention to that, than possibly the story itself, as I already knew the storyline.

When I think about where my passion for designing custom bridal gowns and eveningwear started, those Disney fairy tales, are some of my earliest memories. When working with clients, through their very own journey, for a custom Helena Couture Designs designer wedding gown, I want their experience to feel just as special and memorable. We are all playing a part, in their very own fairy tale.
Working with such a wonderful team of wedding industry professionals from the Gold Coast, and under the direction of Marisha from Magnolia Studios, we have created a glorious mix of classic opulence fused with modern romance, inspired by these timeless fairy tales.
Marisha’s soft colour palette of pinks, blues and greys, accompanied with black and white, set the tone for a magical day.
Claire-Elise, from Claire-Elise Photography, captured the romance, with subtle natural lighting. Her style, eye for detail, and relaxing nature made working with her a breeze and complimented this whimsical styled bridal shoot.
Hampton Estate Wines, nestled at the top of Mt Tamborine, is surrounded by trees as old as time and the breath-taking views of our magnificent Gold Coast hinterland, was the perfect location. The venue boasts a mix of heritage and modern elements, perfect for our styled bridal shoot, with many different areas available for weddings, including accommodation.
Their large gazebo-style dance floor, with high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass, makes you feel like you are outdoors, rather than indoors.
Images of our models, Connor, and Tahlia dancing around the low-hung chandeliers, from Scenic Rim Wedding Hire, were reminiscent of the ballrooms from my childhood fairy tales. The glass candlesticks, crystal glassware, and crockery, for the reception scene, gave almost an angelic feel, especially with the baby’s breath, hanging from the high ceilings.

The Chanel ghost chairs used in the ceremony complimented the fairy tale cathedral window ceremony arbor, made especially for this styled bridal shoot by Magnolia Studios.




Tammy from Berry and Maple made a delicious sponge with blueberry compote and lemon curd, and it was so good, I ate way more than I should have on the day. Along with the gorgeous, two-tier wedding cake, was pink macaroons and personalised cookies.
The stationery by Little Green Leaf was perfect. The soft pastel hues, the texture of the paper, with its hand-torn edges, the fonts, to the colourful watercolour marks, looked like they fell right out of pages of one of Disney’s fairy tales.


Our bridal gown, named Tahlia, is shown throughout the styled bridal shoot with both the overskirt on, over our modern wedding dress, and off, creating two very different looks. A wonderous transition from a traditional silhouette, but for today’s brides, to a whimsical, floaty, modern wedding dress, showcasing Tahlia’s beautiful dancer’s legs, with the thigh-high split.
The intricate hand detail of the beading, lace, and 3D florals, cover the see-through bodice and meanders down to the split of the semi-sheer floaty chiffon skirt. The subtle soft shades of silk white, ivory, blush pink, and silver are a perfect blend of the depth of colour.

The soft romantic hair and makeup by Bella Brides is flawless and suits Tahlia beautifully. Lasting the entire day, her hair and makeup looked just as good at the start, as it did by the end of the shoot.


The stunning aquamarine and diamond engagement ring, wedding bands, and earrings from My Jewellery Shop, looked like they too jumped out of a Disney fairy tale. The delicate detail of the bride’s rings and earrings, and the simple, geometrical detail for the groom’s wedder, were a perfect match.
Velvet ring boxes from The Whole Brides.
Connor looked so handsome, dressed in Urbanna. The beaded lapel, and a mix of black-on-black fabrics and textures, created a modern twist on a classic three-piece tux. Very much the wow factor of what grooms are looking for in their suit attire.

Connor and Tahlia are such a gorgeous couple and were so professional to work with.
Helena Couture Designs – Where your dreams coming true is just the beginning…
Thank you to all these vendors who made magic happen…
Planner, Stylist & Florist: Magnolia Studios
Photographer: Claire Elise Photography
Venue: Hampton Estate Wines
Stationery & Signage: Little Green Leaf
Cake & Desserts: Berry & Maple
Wedding Dress, Veil and Hair Slide: Helena Couture Designs
Groom’s Attire: Urbbana
Hair and Makeup Artist: Bella Brides
Earrings & Rings: My Jewellery Shop
Ribbon & Ring Box: The Whole Bride
Candles: Southern Lights Candle Co.
Furniture and Decor Hire: Scenic Rim Wedding Hire
Models: Connor & Tahlia
As seen in Queensland Brides Online Magazine – out now!
Our second shooter, Tahana, from ItsTahana was also at the shoot and caught a few great images too.