Not "a Dress" Wedding Dress
There's a missing market in the Bridal and wedding industry and we are on a mission to fill it. You're a Bride/Nearlywed, and you don't want to wear a wedding dress or a suit.. what do you wear?
You want to feel "Bridal", but a dress is just not you. Not everyone dreams of lace, trains, or tulle. Not everyone wants to look like a "bride" in the traditional sense. That is exactly where we think it gets interesting. We're on the hunt of wedding looks that don't come from tradition, but they come from your identity. This shift isn't about rejecting weddings, it's about rejecting the idea that there's only one way to show up as a Bride or Nearlywed.
For our queer, androgynous, and non-traditional couples this matters. The traditional bridal industry continues to feel limiting. We know you want to find a wedding outfit that makes you feel powerful, grounded, and seen. You'll find all the alternative wedding looks in our Ottawa Bridal shop.
ENTER ZOBA MARTIN
This is why we are so excited about our current trunk show with Zoba Martin. Handmade in Toronto, founder and leader designer Chizoba brings unique and high-level design concepts into the bridal world.
As soon as her collection, our owner Abby had to try every piece on, OBVIOUSLY! All these pieces are a part of the "take the thanks" collection. A luxury made-to-order ollection that blends timeless bridal styles with intentional couture structure to create a made-to-measure line that any Bride or Nearlywed can wear.
THE JUMPSUIT
Collectively, I think all of our brains answer the "not a dress wedding dress" question with the same answer, the jumpsuit. This is for the Bride/Nearlywed who wants a modern look while still being comfy.
The casual top and open back can be layered easily with a lace underlay because paired with the wide leg trouser, it's effortless.
Not shown in the photo, but the back of the jumpsuit is completely open and pulled together with bows! Adjustable and we think it could be one of the rare wedding outfits that could be actually worn after the wedding day!
Wedding Jumpsuit Ottawa, the Melesi Jumpsuit
Wedding Jumpsuit Ottawa, the Melesi Jumpsuit
THE TWO PIECE
Abby has NEVER said, "I feel sexy" in a bridal look, EXCEPT for this one! HOW COULD THAT BE? A flowy two piece is not her look at all, but she's killing it.
This is something very powerful about a look that doesn't ask for approval. The slightly undone shirt paired with the fluid pants feels like an elevated version of your favourite pieces in your wardrobe. The soft tailoring creates a balance between masculine and femme.
Abby has styled this wedding two pieces it by opening up the front of the blouse into a peakaboo style and tucking it in on the side.
The Manjura two piece wedding set, available during Zoba Martin's Trunk Show at Always
THE SLIP + CAPE COMBO
Okay, while this one is technically a dress, it doesn't have the dress feel to it. You get what I am going with?
Abby's direct quote was "I have never felt cooler in my life". We know we can't say that this ISN'T a dress, but it feels like the anti wedding dress. The satin slip and ruffled cape combo for the alternative bride.
It easily gives you a two in one look! Keep the ruffled cape on for the ceremony drama and then reveal the simple clean slip dress for cocktail hour and reception. As Hannah Montana once said, you get the best of both worlds
All this to say you don't have to "look like a bride." How freeing is that to hear ? You don't need to soften your style to fit expectations or explain your wedding outfit to LITERALLY anyone. You can show up as yourself, just elevated.
The goal is ALWAYS to feel like you. If this is you, this is your appointment. Don't avoid wedding outfit shop all together, THIS IS YOUR SIGN. The zoba martin trunk show is for you.
