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GORGEOUS PLUS SIZE 
Wedding dresses
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Raffaele Ciuca has been researching, testing and collecting the very best bridal gowns in sizes 14+. We believe that every body type is beautiful and no one should settle for anything less than their dream wedding dress. Working with some of the best bridal designers in the world to bring together a collection of gowns specifically created for the curvaceous bride. Our service doesn’t stop at providing a large range of fashion- based 14+ bridal gowns, we also have the most experienced staff, providing the best customer service there is. Our customers are one of a kind… and so are we. Our professional stylists understand our customer’s individuality with attention to detail, a keen sense of style and a vision of perfection. Our service is unsurpassed with over 50 dedicated professionals ensuring the ultimate in customer experience. Each Curve gown has been hand selected with different body shapes in mind, Raffaele Ciuca is dedicated to helping our Curve customers find their Curvy Confidence.
 
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ALCANAR
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Some brides who feel like princesses want to wear a fairytale wedding dress. If that’s you, this is your perfect dress. A spectacular design with a very full skirt crafted in layers of soft tulle paired with a sweetheart bodice in lace. A two-piece effect dress thanks to the contrasting fabrics and the balance of the proportions and volumes.

Available in our  Armadale Emporium

 
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DRILEAS
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A wedding dress that perfectly exemplifies sensuality with a modern touch. A mermaid design in mikado that envelopes the sweetheart bodice in a profusion of thread embroidered flowers and beaded appliqués that descend from the waist to cover the hips.

Available in our Brunswick Emporium

 
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CAMBRIA
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A magnificent fit and flare wedding dress, the Cambria features the metallic embroidery and bead work over a Chantilly lace underlay for added dimension. A structured dress, it is flattering on most figures. Pair with a beautiful beaded veil to finish the look.

Available in our Brunswick Emporium

 
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AVERY
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Varied laces combine in a unique way across the strapless, fit and flare frame of Avery. The satin underlays fits the figure and accentuates curves. A Chantilly lace train fans out in a semi-cathedral length. The option of a removable panel reveals an illusion back.

Available in our Brunswick Emporium

 
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SEDONA
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Wonderful mermaid wedding dress with a spectacular skirt that is fitted at the waist and fans out into a lace skirt. A wedding dress that hugs the figure and accentuates femininity with a sweetheart neckline and its fabric. Delicate lace with a scallop lace border.

Available in our Brunswick Emporium
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OLIVIA
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A lace bodice and illusion bateau neckline add romance and enchantment to this tulle ballgown. A unique illusion lace back features cascading keyholes, while a Swarovski crystal-embellished belt adds a touch of sparkle. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure.

Available in our Brunswick Emporium

 




ALLISON
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This gorgeous ballgown features a layer of lace appliqués over tulle. A V-neckline and open back with lace illusion trim add hints of alluring romance. Accented with Swarovski crystal belt and embellished straps. Finished with covered buttons and zipper closure.

Located in our Brunswick Emporium
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THE ULITMATE GUIDE TO
Plus size wedding dress shopping


Trying to find "the perfect dress" is daunting for any bride, so here are some tips to help you have the most fun shopping adventure of your life.


 


1. SHOP WHEN YOU'RE FEELING GOOD
 
Every woman has days when they don’t feel great about themselves? To make sure you aren't trying on a dress on those days: Avoid shopping when you have PMS, drink tons of water, and lay off alcohol and salty foods the night before. Then prep your brain the morning of by focusing on the parts of your body you're excited to show off — great cleavage, sexy hips, or the colour of your eyes — and share them with your stylist right off the bat. We're our own harshest critics, so silence your mean inner monologue before you set foot in a fitting room.





2. KEEP AN OPEN MIND.

You may have imagined a particular style for your wedding day, but your stylist suggests a completely different silhouette - try it on, you may be completely surprised at how it looks!
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Sybil  - Maggie Sottero
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Allison - Maggie Sottero





3. DON'T DELAY
You may be hoping to lose weight before you start looking, but the longer you wait, the less options you'll have. Gowns take six to eight months to come in, so if you wait too long you'll be limited to what's in stock. Dresses can be altered to accommodate weight loss, but trying to find "the one" from floor stock is limited, so come in as you are, because that's how your groom likes you!




4. THIS IS YOUR EXPERIENCE
Not your mum's, not your sister's, and not your friends. Don't buy a dress just because everyone around you is urging you toward something you don't love. Buy the dress that makes you feel so beautiful and happy that the only thing that could top it is meeting the love of your life at the end of an aisle and saying "I do."






5. DON'T SWEAT THE SIZE.

Once you've chosen a gown, our stylists will pull out her tape measure and order the size that matches your largest measurement. (All women have to do this.) Add to that the fact that bridal lines tend to run in larger sizes and this may be the "biggest" dress you've ever bought. Take deep breaths and repeat, "Nobody at the wedding will know, or care, what size I'm wearing."



6. BOOK IN FOR ALTERTIONS

Our Alterations department are experts at creating "the perfect fit". Our tailors can add boning, straps, or bra cups to make you look even better in your gown. Remember, this is a wedding dress and probably the most expensive piece of clothing you will ever own. If it fits well, you'll feels amazing!
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Rosamund - Maggie Sotttero
 
THE LOVE STORY
Aimee & Rob

 #rcrealbride Aimee wore the stunning Sottero and Midgley "Winifred" gown for her winery wedding. As featured on Ivory Tribe.

Photography by Elk and Willow
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THE FIRST SIGHT
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Rob and I met at school, Mooroolbark College, and we first started talking when we sat next to each other on a school ski trip to Mt Buller. I was 15 and Rob was in the year above me. Even though we were so young, I think we’ve always known we were meant for each other from that very first bus ride. He’s my best friend and we bring out the best in each other. We never stop laughing when we’re together and I can’t imagine what life would be like without that happiness in my life.
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THE PROPOSAL
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Rob picked up the ring he’d had made on Monday, 28 November 2016 and he wasn’t sure how or when he was going to propose. After work I suggested we drive down to the beach with our dog, Frankie. We grabbed some burgers and walked along the beach which was a pretty typical night for us and I obviously didn’t’ suspect a thing but Rob was acting a little strange. Just as a thunderstorm started to roll in and we were walking back along the beach to head home, he got down on one knee and proposed! It was such an amazing surprise and it was such a perfect moment, doing something that we love.
 
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THE VENUE
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We wanted our wedding day to be a true representation of the two of us. We wanted it to be a laid back day filled with lots of love, fun and laughs. We knew that Acacia Ridge was the perfect spot for us as soon as we arrived. The venue owners were so easy going and such a pleasure to work with and had the exact vibe we envisioned. We knew food trucks were a must because it’s something we do regularly. There were lots of DIY projects leading up to the day because we wanted lots of games and activities to encourage our guests to get involved and have fun.

 
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THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
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It sounds so cliché but it was definitely seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. I’ve never felt so full of love and happiness! It was also the little moments we got together when it was just the two of us and we got to watch all our friends and family having such a great time together.
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THE DRESS
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My friends and my mum and I went shopping shortly after we booked the venue over one weekend. I didn’t have any particular styles I had in mind and was open to anything really. We went to a few stores on the Saturday and we found some nice dresses but nothing felt like it was ‘the one’. On the Sunday we booked a last minute appointment at Raffaele Ciuca and as soon as we walked in, we all felt like the dress for me was there. After trying on a couple of dresses, I tried on the dress that was meant for me. I tried on a couple more after to be sure but we all knew I’d found ‘the one’. The worst part was waiting for my dress to arrive which took months. All I wanted to do was look at it!

Aimee wears our Winifred gown by Sottero and Midgley

 
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ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
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Make the most of all aspects of the wedding including the planning. Everything will fall into place and you’ll only do it once so you want to look back on the time with great memories, not ones of stress. Make sure you take the time together to take in your wedding day because it goes way too fast!

 
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Ceremony and reception location: Acacia Ridge, Yarra Glen / Celebrant/ Officiant: it was a joint effort between Allyson Nicholls of Life Long Celebrancy and our long-time friend, Ally / Photography: Elk & Willow / Florist: Piccolo Posy / Hair and Make Up: Hair – Rachael Evans  Makeup – Chelsea Darnell Makeup Artistry / Bridesmaids dresses: Rodeo Show / Grooms and groomsmen suits and ties: Briggins
 

CONSULT WITH A
RAFFAELE CIUCA EXPERT
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ARMADALE BRIDAL EMPORIUM
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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
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BRUNSWICK BRIDAL EMPORIUM 
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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
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LUXURY BRIDAL SUITE
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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
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