“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. 
"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.
The Juniper dress is my ode to secrets discovered and moonlit revelations. The delicate silver French lace bodice is adorned with shimmering beaded appliques accenting the waist and the gown is further embellished with a stunning keyhole back (also adorned with jewels) and sheer silver ribbons. Metallic embroidered tulle flows into a romantic light-as-air overskirt, creating a mesmerizing effect with every step as our bride makes her way through the mysterious moonlit mist in the Yorkshire moors.
The Primrose gown speaks of the blush of dawn. The dusty rose and antique gold floral embroidery captures the hues of flushed early morning light while the peplum waist evokes the petals of the first flower's unfurled bloom. As the sun peeks through the branches, the garden statuaries come to life under warm rays. A softly structured bodice highlights this stunning French embroidery pattern, and the flowing layered skirt is perfect for a vintage-inspired, yet utterly modern bride. 
“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)
Roses are the quintessential romantic flower. I adore how in the story, the roses symbolize not just love but life. They are the culmination of Mary's garden in full bloom. This flower beckoned a unique tribute for my brides as well as the story's English heritage. Thus, the bloom of this collection: the Tudor Rose, a true work of art and an homage to the timeless love that lies at the heart of the story. This couture wedding dress features stunning red and blush roses, hand-beaded branches and leaves in varying shades of green and twig, along with pale blue forget-me-nots and pink and coral wildflowers all meticulously crafted with pearls, beads, sequins and silk embroidery on delicate French lace. A celebration of The Secret Garden as it comes into full bloom. 
This collection is an invitation to step into a story that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for generations. A story of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love and care. As you walk down the aisle on your wedding day, I hope you will feel like you're turning the pages of your own secret garden story. A story of a love that has been nurtured and tended with the same devotion and care that Mary Lennox showed to her beloved garden. A story of a beauty that blooms from within radiating out into the world like the first blush of spring. 
Let's explore the magic and wonder together! Schedule an appointment to discover your own one-of-a-kind bridal gown at our Los Angeles Flagship, or with our New York Salon at Nicole Bridal. 
Dresses: The Secret Garden Collection by Claire Pettibone
Rings: Claire Pettibone & The North Way Studio
Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography
Beauty: Madeline Eleanor
