“Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of Magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden—in all the places.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
I want to share a secret that I've been nurturing in my heart and in my sketchbooks for so long. It's a story of enchantment, romance, and the transformative power of nature. This idea blossomed into a collection of bridal gowns inspired by one of my most beloved novels, "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. As I designed each dress for The Secret Garden Collection, I couldn't help but feel like I was turning the pages of that cherished book once again, discovering new wonders and revelations. I invite you to step into the pages with me to explore the magic and beauty of the secret garden through these exquisite gowns.
I have always been fascinated with how nature and architecture play with each other - the balance between our desire for clean lines and order in contrast to the rambling free will and chaotic beauty of life itself. With the Trellis gown, I imagine delicate vines climbing up aged garden structures. The antique ecru trellis patterned embroidery from my favorite embroidery house in France combines the interweaving of lines and scrolls with graceful florals. With sheer Victorian long sleeves and a subtle bateau neckline framing the collar bone, the fitted bodice gracefully transitions into a flowing A-line skirt, creating a timeless and romantic silhouette. Featuring silk covered buttons at the wrist and bodice, this gown is a vintage-lover's dream dress.
"Late roses climbed and hung and clustered and the sunshine deepening the hue of the yellowing trees made one feel that one stood in an embowered temple of gold. The newcomer stood silent just as the children had done when they came into its grayness. He looked round and round. 'I thought it would be dead,' he said. 'Mary thought so at first,' said Colin. 'But it came alive." (Chapter XXVII)
Continuing the inspiration of architecture within nature, I found myself sketching a world of antique ivory stripes and florals interlaced together in the Arbor dress. The balance of the vertical lines and the playful chaos of flowers celebrates the special relationship between order and wilderness. This softly structured gown has a stunning ruffled train featuring this very unique cotton Leaver's lace from one of our favorite family-owned (4th generations and counting!) lace mills. In my mind's eye, I see the sunlight filtering through the garden trellis touching the scattered blooms as we discover the untamed beauty which flourishes within the garden's walls.
![Bride wearing The Arbor lace gown with a dramatic train from the Secret Garden Collection, standing beside a vintage armchair in a room adorned with ivy and a scenic mural.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-7CT.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Close-up of a bride wearing a lace wedding gown with thin straps and intricate floral detailing, posing with a soft, romantic expression in an ivy-adorned room.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-8LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride in a flowing lace wedding gown with a fitted bodice and a layered skirt, standing in an enchanted room decorated with ivy and soft candlelight.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-9RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride wearing a fitted lace gown with a flared skirt and floral detailing from the Secret Garden Collection, posing gracefully against a mural of a garden scene.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-10LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride in a lace wedding gown with a flowing train, adorned with floral detailing and a low back, standing in an ivy-decorated room with warm lighting.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-11RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
"The sun is shining—the sun is shining. That is the Magic. The flowers are growing—the roots are stirring. That is the Magic. Being alive is the Magic—being strong is the Magic. The Magic is in me—the Magic is in me. It is in me—it is in me. It's in every one of us..." (Chapter XXIII)With this collection, I was entranced with the image of the moon and the sun framed amongst the trees and flowers of Mary's secret garden. After all, it is their life-giving light and Mary's care that finally awakens the Magic within the garden slowly but surely.
![Bride reclining elegantly in a vintage armchair, wearing a the Juniper gown with a fitted bodice and a hint of sparkle, surrounded by lush greenery and ivy.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-12CT.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Back view of a lace wedding gown from the Secret Garden Collection, showcasing intricate floral embroidery along the low-cut back and delicate, flowing fabric.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-13LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride wearing a gown with lace detailing, a fitted bodice, and sheer cap sleeves, standing gracefully with a soft expression against an ivy backdrop.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-14RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Close-up of a bride in a Juniper, highlighting the floral lace bodice with subtle sparkling details and elegant cap sleeves.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-15CB.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride in the Primrose embroidered wedding dress with a peplum waist detail, and a long flowing skirt embellished with intricate embroidery.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-16CT.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Full-length view of a bride in a strapless lace gown with a peplum detail and embroidered bodice, set against a mural backdrop of a garden scene.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-17LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Close-up of a bride in a strapless lace wedding gown with a peplum waist, standing against an ivy-decorated wall, showcasing floral details and intricate embroidery.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-18RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Black and white image of a bride in a vintage-inspired lace gown, standing in a dimly lit, ivy-filled room for an ethereal and timeless look.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-19CB.jpg?v=1730942739)
“And they both began to laugh over nothing as children will when they are happy together. And they laughed so that in the end they were making as much noise as if they had been two ordinary healthy natural ten-year-old creatures—instead of a hard, little, unloving girl and a sickly boy who believed that he was going to die.” (Chapter XXVII)
While the sentiments within "The Secret Garden" stand alone for their beauty and insight, at the heart of the story are the main characters: Mary and Colin. They represent the beauty of discovery and growth - the unbridled joy and love that I wish for all of my beautiful brides. There are chapters in the story where Mary dances and twirls among the flowers, feeling the sun on her face and the grass beneath her feet, and that is exactly what the Soleil Mini was made for - celebration, dancing, and unabashed joy! This flutter sleeve golden glitter mini can be worn for your wedding reception, a welcome party, or just any time you feel inclined to sparkle like a woodland fairy.
Introducing the Kristene Mini - a delightful reimagining of the iconic Kristene gown in a flirty, above-the-knee silhouette. This charming mini dress is adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery.
With a sheer back and scalloped hemline, this pretty sheath captures the essence of classic bridal beauty with a playful twist, making it ideal for a city hall elopement, bridal shower, welcome dinner, or for your 2nd look reception dress to dance the night away! The perfect dress for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their special occasion.
Delicate lace adorned with silver embroidery and insets of lush silk velvet create complexity with details that reveal themselves gradually, just as the garden's secrets unfold in their own time. With the Laurel dress, I combined luxurious creamy velvet with airy vintage lace to replicate the deep, nourishing soil and the soft, tender petals of a flower.
The draped fit-to-flare silhouette gracefully enhances the bride's figure, while flutter sleeves add a touch of romantic charm leading to the dramatic sheer back and statement long train. Crafted from the finest French couture fabrics, the Laurel gown is perfect for the bride seeking a sophisticated look with a touch of vintage allure.
"The seeds Dickon and Mary had planted grew as if fairies had tended them...And the roses—the roses! Rising out of the grass, tangled round the sun-dial, wreathing the tree trunks and hanging from their branches, climbing up the walls and spreading over them with long garlands falling in cascades—they came alive day by day, hour by hour. Fair fresh leaves, and buds—and buds—tiny at first but swelling and working Magic until they burst and uncurled into cups of scent delicately spilling themselves over their brims and filling the garden air." (Chapter XXIII)
![The Tudor Rose gown by Claire Pettibone with intricate floral embroidery featuring red and blush roses, hand-beaded branches, and green leaves on delicate French lace. The bride stands gracefully near a softly lit window.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-34CC.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Side profile of the Tudor Rose gown showcasing the fit-to-flare silhouette and detailed floral motifs in vibrant shades of red, pink, and green, set against a natural, ivy-covered backdrop.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-35CT.jpg?v=1730942739)
![The Tudor Rose couture wedding dress, highlighting the flower-strewn train and scalloped hem, with delicate embroidery and beadwork shining in the light.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-36LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Close-up of the Tudor Rose gown bodice, revealing meticulously crafted roses and wildflowers in shades of red, blush, and green, accented by pearls, beads, and sequins on French lace.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-37RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
![The Tudor Rose gown by Claire Pettibone, featuring a lace bodice with vibrant embroidered red and blush roses, wildflowers, and greenery. Soft sunlight highlighting the intricate beadwork and embroidery on the fitted silhouette, creating a romantic garden-inspired setting.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-38CC.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Back view of the Tudor Rose Wedding dress highlighting the corset halter-style neckline, with sunlight streaming through, illuminating the embroidered floral patterns on the lace bodice and train.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-39LL.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Detailed view of the embroidered flowers on the Tudor Rose gown’s lace train, featuring vibrant red, pink, and green hues that capture the essence of a blooming garden.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-40RR.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride seated under a sheer veil, showcasing delicate lace details with soft natural lighting.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-41CC.jpg?v=1730942739)
![Bride reclining in an antique chair, surrounded by foliage, wearing a romantic lace gown.](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0926/1504/files/Introducing-The-Secret-Garden-42CC.jpg?v=1730942739)
Dresses: The Secret Garden Collection by Claire Pettibone
Rings: Claire Pettibone & The North Way Studio
Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography
Videography: Kathleen KKinscreative
Beauty: Madeline Eleanor