As the year draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to look back on what this year has meant for Gown & Altar.
So much of what we do happens behind the scenes in our little studio in Mount Maunganui. Cutting fabric, fitting gowns, steaming veils, answering late-night emails from excited brides. But woven through all of that are the stories of the women who trust us with one of the most meaningful dresses they’ll ever wear.
This year has been full of those moments.
We began the year in true bridal fashion, with a hectic January filled with late orders and last-minute timelines. It was busy, intense, and a good reminder of how much trust our brides place in us.
This year, though, things have felt different. Not quieter, just more considered. We’ve worked further ahead, planned better, and created more space in our days. It’s been a really positive shift, and one that’s allowed us to focus on the details that matter most.
Our collection drops also looked a little different this year.
Early on, we released a mini separates collection, Daphne Bridal Separates, designed to mix and match and give brides more flexibility in creating a look that feels like them.
Later in the year, instead of our usual February to April launch, we released our newest collection in October, the Cameo Collection. It’s been so lovely seeing the first few orders come through, but we know most of these gowns will shine next season, with weddings planned further ahead.
We also added new separates to the range, and while many brides choose full gowns this year, there’s still a special place for mix and match pieces for those who want to personalise their look and feel more like themselves in a simple, two-piece style.
Behind the scenes, it’s been a year of change and growth in the studio too.
We gave the space a little refresh, only to be faced not long after with a sudden flood that was more than a little scary. Thankfully nothing was damaged, but it certainly gave us all a fright and a few unexpected clean up days.
Isabel also spent time working on some special vintage gown projects, including a beautiful wedding in Spain and several for this New Zealand summer season. These pieces have been such a joy to bring back to life.
We launched the new Flora lace veil, which has quickly become a favourite, and created the beaded slip Gala gown for our overseas and elopement brides. We’re still waiting for a southern hemisphere bride to wear Gala, so if that might be you, we’d love you to be the first!
To our brides who have already said “I do” this year, thank you. Seeing your photos come through, sometimes weeks or months after your wedding day, is one of the greatest joys of what we do. From beach ceremonies to backyard celebrations, mountaintop elopements to traditional church weddings, every story reminds us why we started Gown & Altar.
We’ve loved seeing your photos so far and can’t wait for many more to come over the next few months.
And to our brides getting married soon, especially those with weddings from January to April, the countdown is well and truly on. Whether you’re coming in for fittings, waiting for your gown to arrive, or still deciding on those final accessories, we’re right here with you every step of the way.
One of the real highlights of the year was our second trunk show in Christchurch. It was so special meeting so many wonderful brides, and we were truly touched by how many of you travelled up to Mount Maunganui for fittings afterwards.
Because of that, we’re excited to be heading back to Christchurch next year, and to be adding Wellington to our trunk show calendar as well.
This year, you may have noticed a little more from us in your inbox. Isabel started an eCommerce course, which is why you’ll be seeing more emails from Gown & Altar. We hope you’re enjoying them, but if they’re ever too much, please let us know. We always want our emails to feel helpful, not overwhelming.
Lucy has been doing an amazing job on our social media, creating fun videos to show our new pieces and different ways to wear them. She’s now been with us for a year and a half, and we’re so grateful for everything she brings to the studio.
And Jane, our main seamstress, has been with us for nearly five years. Her skill, care, and attention to detail are stitched into every gown that leaves our studio.
This year also saw our very first Black Friday sale, where many of you picked up some incredible deals on veils and sample gowns. It was so much fun seeing those pieces find new homes.
We always keep a bridal sample sale page running too, so if you’re shopping on a budget, it’s a great place to start.
Whether you found us this year, walked through our studio doors, tried gowns from home, or have been following along for some time, thank you for being part of the Gown & Altar community.
Thank you for:
It truly means more than you know.
We ended the year with a lovely team celebration at Clarence Restaurant and a fun session at the Tauranga escape rooms, followed closely by our most last-minute bride who kept us busy right up until the final week.
Now, we’re ready for a short break, some special family time, and a chance to rest.
Come January, we’ll be back refreshed and ready to complete this season’s gowns, and to begin work on our upcoming elopement and overseas brides’ dresses.
For now, we just wanted to say thank you.
From our studio to you, we wish you a beautiful holiday season and a very happy new year.
Warmly,
Isabel
Gown & Altar
Next draw 1st February 2026
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