A message from %%!account_organization%%.
Image
Image
Image
Image
 
 
LEG-BARING DRESSES WE LOVE
NOW IN STORE
__


From plunging necklines to backless – sexy styles are in, and the thigh split wedding dress has recently been added to the mix… Our buyers searched the runways and sourced the most gorgeous designer bridal gowns that pay tribute to this effortlessly cool trend. Here are our top five wedding dresses that featuring leg-splits all available at Raffaele Ciuca Bridal.
 
Image




DRENEA
___



Undoubtedly, this dress will leave you speechless. The simplicity of the front of this mermaid style dress created in crepe, with train skirt and leg split, contrasts with its spectacular jewelled back in tulle and gemstones, filled with detail. Crystal appliqués outline the armholes of its halter neckline. An incredible piece to dazzle everyone.

Location: Armadale
Image
Image






PENELOPE
___




The sensuality of the neckline with delicate lace detailing and the deep V back, set off this magnificent dress, created in crepe and tulle with long sleeves and open mermaid skirt. An incredible design that streamlines the silhouette, accentuating its wearer’s femininity.

Location: Armadale
Image
Image
Image
Image






LAEL
___



 
Sensual and very feminine. These words describe this incredible mermaid dress with a sweetheart neckline. A fabulous wedding dress that combines a beautiful crepe skirt, low waisted and with a leg slit, with a bodice in embroidered tulle that plays with sheer effects. The beaded lace spaghetti straps form a beautiful V-shaped back.

Location: Brunswick & Armadale

 
Image
Image





PADUA
___



You feel love at first sight when you see dresses like this one. A mermaid design, fitted at the waist, with the skirt and train in crepe for a sensual and sophisticated bodice and sweetheart neckline. A bodice that blends into the skin creating a beautiful tattoo effect. An off the shoulder design with front leg split.

Location: Armadale
Image
Image
Image
Image








LEIRE
__




Very sexy. This exquisite flared-skirt wedding dress with a leg slit creates the sensation of movement with the fabrics, georgette and tulle, that contrasts with a front and back V-neck bodice in lace with thread embroidery and beaded appliqués, with matching long sleeves.

Location: Armadale
Image
Image
 
TOP TIPS FROM OUR EXPERT BRIDAL STYLISTS

When it comes to buying your wedding dress, our bridal stylists have heard it all. We asked our Raffaele Ciuca Expert Stylists to spill their secrets so you have a more productive wedding dress shopping experience. 

But first of all, our most important piece of advice; savour every moment; it'll be over before you know it!
Image
 


1. Don't Rule Anything Out
More often than not, a bride comes into our emporiums with a very distinct idea of what she wants (and what she thinks won't look good on her), and she leaves with a gown she would have never expected to love. Some of my most popular dresses are the ones that have little to no hanger appeal and often gets overlooked, but when we suggest a bride try it, she's shocked to find she looks and feels like a million dollars!



 2. Try on Every Silhouette
Just because you read somewhere that ball gowns aren't recommended for brides with a full bust, or strapless gowns are out of style, doesn't mean you should automatically eliminate them. Try on everything, so you know what you really love and dislike.







3. It's OK if You Don't Cry
Don't expect to have that "moment" we see on TV and in the movies where you're overcome with emotion and you have an overwhelming feeling when you find your gown. The majority of our brides don't shed a single tear during their appointment but still leave with the gown that's perfect for them.

You'll know if you've found the perfect gown when you can envision walking down the aisle, taking hundreds of photos, and dancing the night away in it. The winner should be the dress you can't wait to wear again. Most importantly, unlike any other gown you tried on, it should make you feel the most beautiful; that's what it's all about.
Image
Image
Image
Image
APOLO BY ROSA CLARA
Image
 







4. Don't Expect to Get Your Gown Immediately (Or Even in a Few Weeks)
Bridal gowns are special orders, which means a bridal gown does not exist until the order has been placed. It can take anywhere from four to seven months, depending on the designer and fabrics used.



5. Don't Second-Guess Yourself
It is OK to fall in love with a gown at the first store! Relax, order your dress, and cross that task off your list. You have so much planning to do around your gown choice.


6. Make Sure You Order the Correct Size
We've seen brides who joined a boot camp to tone up their muscles, and then the gown that they ordered didn't fit! Our best advice is to get the larger size; it can be taken in, rarely can dresses be 'let out' without ordering extra fabric and spending extra for alterations.



7. Budget To Have Your Gown Altered
Ninety-nine percent of wedding gowns will need alterations of some sort. The bride’s measurements are taken into consideration when compared to the size chart provided by the designer, so everything doesn't always match up perfectly.
Image
Image


8. What You Wear Underneath Is Just As Important As Your Dress Itself
When gown shopping, bring a strapless bra or even a nude coloured bra. If you have curves that need to be redirected and smoothed over — as we all do — bring shape wear, especially if you plan on wearing a corset or Spanx on your wedding day. If you plan on wearing high heels, bring a pair close to the height you want to wear to your appointment.



9. Choose Your Entourage Carefully
Don't bring more than three people with you. The more loved ones you have there, the more opinions you will get. Bring your mum and a very close friend that understands you and your style.

It is so confusing to have group members voice their opinions when they do not know what the bride likes or what they want to spend. We've had up to 17 guests running all over the store pulling gowns that she really doesn’t like or can't afford. It becomes an embarrassing hot mess; the bride leaves exhausted, and the search for the wedding gown becomes overwhelming. Instead of bringing a whole group to try on styles, why not keep the dress a secret and then do a grand reveal with your bridesmaids on your wedding day?
Image
10. Stay True to Yourself, No Matter What Others Say
This is your wedding, not anyone else's. Stick with a dress that reflects your style, whether it's bohemian, glamorous, or more traditional. Make yourself happy, and everyone else will be thrilled for you!
Image
 

THE LOVE STORY
Tully & Cihan


This week we feature #rcrealbride Tully who married the love of her life Cihan
in a
 stunning lace wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley.
__
Image

THE FIRST SIGHT
__
 
We had our first date at Panama Dining Room in Fitzroy. We were both rather nervous and quite formal which is fitting with the old world atmosphere of Panama. Gradually we loosened up a bit more and then both became intrigued with one another. Our second date though, was when the magic became apparent. We met for breakfast at The Red Door Corner Store, and something about having a date during the day felt fresh, more natural and revealing. It was one of those golden, crisp, autumn days, which are enchanting all by themselves. We ate a slow breakfast and we were much more ourselves, more relaxed and very, very drawn to one another. From that moment, I felt like I was pulled into a really wonderful dream. I was smitten!
 
Image
Image

THE DRESS
__


I wore a Sottero and Midgley gown. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and a gorgeous fitted bodice which gently flared out just below the hip into a beautiful train. The gown was made from an ivory Chantilly lace with a champagne fabric beneath. I wanted something simple, classic and if possible with vintage flair. I’m a lover of a clean aesthetic, so really liked that there wasn’t anything too fussy about the gown. I felt it drew its glamour from the corseted waist, providing that hourglass silhouette, and from the abundance of lace with the subtle drama of the train. 
Image

FINDING THE ONE
__


The experience of shopping for the gown was like a frothy, delicate, lacy, feminine wonderland. I bought my dress from Raffaele Cuica, and stepping into the store and seeing the rows and rows of dresses with heavenly fabrics spilling out all over was so exciting. Throughout the experience I felt brimming with happiness with an undercurrent of vibrating, nervous excitement.
Image

THE CEREMONY
__
We wanted our ceremony to be honest, heartfelt and true to us. We tried to avoid anything too long and formal, but at the same time wanted to mark the significance of the event in our own way. We especially wanted to take the opportunity to honour our families, for the incredible amount of love and support they have given to us. Our celebrant Yvonne Woodwent to incredible lengths to prepare and guide us through the ceremony, and she was so respectful and nurturing. We both wanted our families to be a big part of the ceremony to help us demonstrate their significance to us. My dad gave me away and our mothers “warmed” our rings each one holding a ring which they then gave to us during the ceremony. My younger brother was one of the groomsmen, and Cihan’s brother and my Nunna were our witnesses.
Image

THE VENUE
__


It ended up being the perfect place for our wedding. Suzie Cammareri was our coordinator, and we were impressed by her attention to detail, professionalism and warmth. She was experienced, knew what worked and what didn’t in terms of the venue, and gave us sound advice. On the day, we were so grateful to all of the staff who were attentive, bubbly and polished. Farm Vigano is this unexpected gem, a heritage building set amid beautiful gardens, a sweet little orchard and a rolling expanse of bushland.
Image


THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
__


The people! Our loved ones together in one beautiful place. Witnessing the meshing of cultures, and marrying each other! Beauty in all of its elements – the emotions, the florals, the heritage building, the beautiful autumn day. That things just felt so natural and so right, and feeling everyone’s genuine joy and delight for us. It felt like hyperreality, like a perfect, delicious dream, a merry-go-round where I can recall flashes of conversation, trails of music, so much laughter and happiness, and effervescent love….

 
Image
Image
Image

ADVICE
__


We chose to have our ceremony and reception at the same location, we wanted our guests to feel relaxed and thoroughly enjoy the day. We are so pleased that we made that decision! We were seeking a sense of vibrancy, of intimacy and warmth, of magic. We wanted people to feast, indulge and to be surrounded by beauty and love. The venue has a lovely charm both inside and out. Outside there was that fresh, crisp, country air – people could escape and take a stroll through the orchard. Inside held all the fun, and had a well designed layout that created a merry, cosy environment.
Image
Image
Image


Watch Tully and Cihan's love story come to life.
Their gorgeous wedding video was filmed by our friend at Purple Ribbon Weddings.


 
Featured: Polka Dot Bride / Photographer: All Grown Up Weddings / Videographer: Purple Ribbon Weddings / Bride's Dress: Sottero and Midgley / Bridal Salon: Raffaele Ciuca /  / Rings: Rose & Crow / Groom's Attire: Jack London / Groom's Shoes: Aquila / Groomsmen Attire: Jack London / Bridesmaid Dresses: Young Designer's Gallery / Bridesmaid Shoes: Guess / Bridesmaid Shoes: Modcloth / Bride's Shoes: Call it Spring / / Hairstylist: Rock Paper Scissors Hair Design / Makeup Artist: Ellen Mary / Flowers & Decor: Georgie Boy Flowers / Invitations & Stationery: InkPaperArt / Venue: Farm Vigano / Rental Furniture: Good Day Rentals / Ceremony Officiant: Yvonne Wood / Musicians: Family & Friends / Catering: Farm Vigano / Dessert Table: Pana Chocolate / Transport: Triple R Luxury Car Hire
 
 

CONSULT WITH A
RAFFAELE CIUCA EXPERT
__

 
Image
Image
 
ARMADALE BRIDAL EMPORIUM
__


Experience High Street Armadale luxury in our glamorous conveniently located Emporium. Let our expert stylists guide you through our extensive collection of the latest in bridal.


1088 High Street Armadale
(03) 9509 8731
Image

BRUNSWICK BRIDAL EMPORIUM 
__


Sydney Road’s flagship Bridal Emporium; Raffaele Ciuca Brunswick will impress with the ultimate bridal shopping experience with over 250 styles to choose from including our new RC Curve Collection.

441-443 Sydney Road Brunswick
(03) 9380 4044
Image

LUXURY BRIDAL SUITE
__


Raffaele Ciuca Bridal strives to exceed our customers’ expectations. We have opened a Luxury Bridal Suite above our Armadale Emporium. This is a VIP experience like no other in Australia.

Level 1 1088 High Street Armadale
(03) 9509 8731
Image