Alessia is all about texture through two different types of silk organza. The pleats on the bodice are slimming while the textured skirt is whimsical and lavish.
I am so happy to "unveil" my 2013 Collection. It seemed fitting to stage the photoshoot at the beautiful Auberge St-Gabriel. My own wedding took place there seven years ago, and I have the best memories. I just love the character and architecture of the location. In fact it is the oldest inn in North America.
Aileen is all about the beautiful open back and the gorgeous Alencon lace. Simplicity and romance come together beautifully.
This photo shoot and collection were especially close to my heart, as this is my own collection. We have loaned our gowns for numerous shoots that were more collaborative efforts, but there is something just so satisfying about being able to conceptualize and execute a vision from A to Z. I can't thank Lisa, (our in-house Designer and Stylist) enough who worked hard to go over everything from hair and concept inspiration right down to the perfect shade of lipstick. Two of the dresses are in fact Lisa's designs, including the convertible dress below.
Laura is our Stylist Lisa's creation which is actually a silk satin inner dress paired with a lace overlay. The pieces can be purchased together or separately. Laura is named after Lisa's sister, who inspired the dress.
In terms of the inspiration for this collection, it is really all about simplicity and elegance. Our brides want to look beautiful without looking artificial, and that is partly why l'Auberge was the perfect location - it has lots of natural beauty and character, as do our dresses. This collection is made of natural fabrics such as silk satin and silk organza, which have nice movement and sheen, and with the earthy exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and antique furniture of l'Auberge, it became a perfect match.
Grace is an edgier take on a classic ball gown. It has a full circular-cut skirt of pure silk organza,and a corset-style bodice
There are a variety of silhouettes: mermaid, dropped waist, A-line and even two ball gowns. I tend to design dresses that have a purity to them, and this collection is definitely representative of my core aesthetic: symmetry, minimal embellishment and a balanced silhouette.
Audrey is a modern classic with a gorgeous mermaid silhouette and slimming princess seams.
I also want to thank Julia Vona of junophoto for the excellent photography. Cynthia-Cristina did a fantastic job on hair and make-up. Last but not least, our "trooper" of a model Dimitra put up with a gruelling schedule and didn't even blink and eye when we pulled out the "booty-enhancing" crinoline! We find she has a striking resemblance to Keira Knightly, don't you?
Lynne is a lighthearted tulle ballgown for the inner girl in all of us.
Here is Maggie, our consultant Rina's favourite dress of all time.
The gallery above was created January 4th - therefore there are lots more gorgeous
gowns that will be added to our sample racks the day of the sale that are not shown.
Who doesn't love a great sale? Brides certainly do - which is why everyone needs to know about our upcoming sample sale. If your wedding is in 2013 or 2014 you will not want to miss this opportunity.
The sale will only be held the weekend of January 31 to February 3. If you're a bride who is open to various styles and might be willing to overlook a couple of very
minor imperfections on her dress (things that no one will notice - trust us!), then you
can save as much as 40% or more off the original price (up to 70%!). That means you can get your pretty little hands on a gorgeous high-fashion dress for a fraction of the price and still look as beautiful as you always envisioned for your special day.
We are often asked, "Why are you selling these dresses at such a good price?" Designers release new collections either once or twice a year, and our store's top priority is to have the most current collections available to our customers. We have a finite amount of space in the showroom to display our dresses, and therefore we simply need to make room. Some of these dresses have been in our immaculately clean loft for only 6 months to one year and been tried on only a handful of times.
We also have accessories and headpieces on sale that our expert consultants can help you choose to really complete your look.
If you're interested in this unique sale, you've got to be a quick decision-maker because these dresses will likely be gone after the weekend sale. We'd love to see you, but it's important that you call first because, as always, you can only visit our boutique and see our professional stylists by appointment only. You can also use our convenient feature by following the preceding link to book your appointment in real-time and receive an instant confirmation.
Sample Sale Hours:
Thursday, January 31: 3:00 - 7:30
Friday, February 1st: 10:00 - 8:00
Saturday, February 2nd: 10:00 - 5:00
Sunday, February 3rd: 10:00 - 5:00
Pinterest has been catching on like wildfire (in fact, it's the number-one social media site today), and it's especially useful when it comes to wedding planning. The wealth of images that are out there, particularly when it comes to fashion and accessories, is astounding (maybe even a tad overwhelming), and rather than go through pages and pages of magazine spreads, a bride (or groom, or even her wedding party) can scroll through an endless array of beautiful images to find looks and styles that they love on Pinterest instead.
We're very proud of our Christianne Brunelle page (be sure to follow us!), as we have nearly 300 pins of our own, and we love following the various designers that we carry. There's also a fabulous array of pictures of brides and photo shoots, wedding accessories, hairstyles, and more to check out. We want our brides and their bridesmaids to feel empowered and inspired, and our virtual corkboard is a great starting point.
Pinterest is also useful for other wedding details, like finding unique decor ideas, centrepieces, flowers, favours, and more. In fact, you can find recipes, crafts, photography... the list goes on and on! If you haven't checked it out, then go to Pinterest today (and don't forget to follow Christianne Brunelle Couture, of course!).
We love ivory dresses and accessories, and so, too, do our brides.
Approximately 98% of our dresses are displayed in various shades of ivory as opposed
to a pure white. There are two types of white: poly white (which has almost a blue tinge to it - and maybe only 2% of women can pull off this unique hue), and silk white, however a much more flattering colour is ivory. It's more natural and therefore more people can wear it. It can be extremely complimentary to various skin tones and hair colours, and it's much less stark than a true shade of white.
Ivory is also luxurious-looking. It's one of the reasons why our dresses tend to look more expensive than
they actually are - because of the rich, elegant colour. (Of course, high-quality fabrics
help as well.)
Most of the dresses that we offer at Christianne Brunelle are available in
both colours (white as well as ivory), giving brides the choice between the traditional white gown and the more modern ivory style. However, we can tell you: very few brides go with a very pure white once they see how flattering and stunning their dress looks in ivory.
Ivory accessories are also extremely popular, and we offer a vast selection of such items in this beautiful colour, giving our brides a completely lavish look from head to toe.
Call us today to book an appointment with one of our professional
stylists, who can put together your perfect look from head to toe - in the colour that looks best on you!
Most brides like a second opinion when wedding dress shopping, but a third, fourth or even fifth opinion can make things very overwhelming. How many people should come with the bride during her gown consultation?
We've helped hundreds of brides choose their perfect dress, but something that we have noticed is that when she brings too many people
it becomes a bit counterproductive. She quickly finds herself being pulled in different directions, and even
worse, someone may shoot down her top dress choice without even realizing it.
That is why we allow two guests to accompany the bride on weekend and evening appointments, and recommend no more than this. We are on the bride's side, and when the group
gets bigger, she gets less attention from them, not more, since a larger group
tends to start talking amongst themselves. Too much input makes the experience less memorable and more overwhelming.
When you decide to go wedding dress shopping, make it a more personal event. Invite your mother and maybe your maid of honour, and keep it at that. Set up some ground rules before you go so that everyone knows their "role" in the shopping process. Ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime experience is really all about you - after all, you deserve it!
What bride wouldn't want to be adorned in a stunning collection that was inspired by the Greek goddess of light?! They'll find such regal beauty with the new White Collection from Theia.
Designed by infamous evening and bridal designer Don O'Neill, who has worked with a number of industry greats, this line of dresses is perfect for the bride who likes to stray ever-so-slightly from the conventional and traditional. Layered flowing fabrics, subtle detail, and flattering silhouettes are what make Theia gowns such a popular choice with modern brides. The styles are simplistically elegant and allow women to truly find a look that mirrors their inner goddess.
Call us today to book an appointment with one of our professional
stylists, who can put together your perfect look from head to toe.
Our most anticipated event of the year is around the corner... the Lis Simon Trunk Show! We've always loved Lis Simon for the high quality at such a reasonable price. Montreal brides have followed suit by making Lis Simon one of our most popular collections.
After having seen the 2013 collection in New York at the International Bridal Fashion Week, I really have to say that this is the best one by far. I literally stopped reviewing the dresses at one point, stepped back and exclaimed, "These look so expensive!" (I was quickly reassured by the designer that the prices had not gone up...) It can get overwhelming reviewing hundreds of wedding dresses in one weekend, and for a minute I forgot the price-point of the collection, which was showing near dresses double the price.
All this to say that if you tend to have "champagne taste on a beer budget", this could be the designer for you.
What is a Trunk Show? We are having the whole 2013 collection flown in for an event November 2-4. It is by appointment, which is normally how we work. You will have a consultant to help guide you through the process. It will be a festive atmosphere with bubbly and Parisian "Macarons". We will also have a special incentive for brides saying "Yes to the dress" during their appointment. Shhh! It's a surprise!
The dresses in the slideshow below will give you a little taste of the 2013 collection. Call us to make your appointment: 514-285-2002, or, you can book online.
The Alyne line defines what we have always stood for: simple elegance at an affordable price. Designed by Canadian Rita
Vinieris, the collection is for the budget conscientious yet fashion-forward bride, with dresses that are made
with only the finest materials like raw silks, silk organza, and French lace. Sophisticated and downright gorgeous, Alyne gowns pride themselves on their form-fitting good looks and attention to detail.
Caroline Castigliano out of the UK is making her mark on North America for the first time this year, and Christianne Brunelle is only one of two boutiques who have exclusive rights to this gorgeous collection, with traditional gowns that speak to the chic bride. Form-fitting and sculpted like true works of art, this line boasts lightweight silk satins, organzas, and taffetas that look luxurious on every body type. For effortless yet breathtaking style, these dresses have all the "wow" factor that a bride is looking for.
Call us today to book an appointment with one of our professional stylists, who can put together your perfect look from head to toe.
We want to thank all our gorgeous brides who sent in pictures! You are beautiful. If you would like your picture added, please send it to us. Feel free to send a a few, we just can't get enough of them really.
Our Rivini collection is arriving. We are so excited every time we receive one. These gowns are the pinnacle of simple yet truly inspired bridal design.
We are excited to announce that our boutique is now carrying Tara Keely gowns, designed by the famous Lazaro. Along with Justina McCaffrey, the name Lazaro has come to be synonymous with haute bridal couture and is also a top seller at TLC’s "Say Yes to the Dress": Kleinfeld’s bridal shop. His Tara Keely line presents the ultimate in designer luxury at a reasonable price point. The magic of the Tara Keely gowns is that they are ultra feminine. From two-tone lace to embroidered silk flower details, often topped with a signature taupe ribbon, there is a definite tendency towards the romantic and vintage, which is offset by a subtle sexiness from deep sweetheart necklines or perfectly fitted drop waist bodices. Tara Keely appeals to the bride who wishes to not stray too far from the traditional, while still being modern and having a touch of drama.
Have a look at our fall 2010 and winter 2011 events revealing the highlights of our latest collections. The gowns shown are from Justina McCaffrey, Lis Simon, and yours truly, Christianne Brunelle. Huge props to Marco and his team from sixdegrees who put this all together. If you're looking for the best photographer and videographer team in Montreal, check them out.
We worked some magic at a recent photo shoot at the Loft hotel. Here's a sneak peek of the great work by Six Degrees, a photographer/videographer dynamic duo. The Sylva K team rocked the hair and makeup oh so glamorously. The wedding dresses are by yours truly and are part of my 2011 collection.
"Carrie" has a simple satin trumpet silhouette with slimming princess seams, a neckline of
handmade satin flowers and a one-shoulder detail. Aisle style has never been so comfortable!
Price: $$$ (See legend on side bar.)
Stella is an ultra-glamourous "bohemian" wedding dress complete with form-fitting
mermaid silhouette, sweetheart topped pleated bodice and playful ribbon organza skirt.
Price: $$$$ (See legend on side bar.)
Headpiece: Kata Banko Couture Jewelry: Roca Bijou
Stella is a dupioni silk satin pleated gown with a sweetheart neckline and
removable organza skirt. The belt is sold separately and is solid Swarovski crystals.
Price: $$$$ (See legend on side bar.)
Headpiece: Kata Banko Couture Jewelry: Georgianni/Giavan
This last pic is in fact our ad coming out in January's edition of Marions-Nous. Get your copy at the show January 8-9th at Place Bonaventure, or come in for an appointment after that date.
It was a huge honour to be selected as the only bridal boutique to participate in this year's Festival Mode & Design. Our dresses were featured in the largest event of the four-day festival: "I Love Sensation". The closing ceremony of the Festival Mode & Design has been called the largest fashion event in North America with an estimated 30,000 spectators. Dick Walsh was the Artistic Director of the outdoor fashion show, which marked the festivals 10-year anniversary. Dick is well known in fashion and event planning circles: he has worked with first class international designers and planned Celine Dion's wedding!
I have posted our segment of the fashion show featuring my own gowns, and those of Lis Simon. We carry Lis Simon gowns at our boutique and the feedback so far has been phonomenal. Enjoy the show!
First I should mention that it is a honour to be amongst the exclusive group of wedding professionals to be featured in Elegant Wedding magazine. Theo Dermatis and her team are passionate about helping brides plan truly exquisite and unforgettable events by providing inspiration in their publications, blog and bridal showcase.
The shoot that we participated in had a "dream team" of providers. Special thanks to Alain Doss from Six Degrees photography who captured the beautiful moments on film, Sofia Karambela who seemed to read my mind for hair inspiration, and to Eva from Mindy Shear for helping our model's beauty shine through. Marco Paternostro, also from Six Degrees, captured the essence of the shoot in a fabulous video included below.
The dresses are gorgeous designs by Lis Simon. Annette, has an A-line silhouette with an organza overlay and radiating lace. This wedding dress is so flattering due to the radiating lines and pleated bodice. A must-try for the sophisticated bride. Berlin is a modern take on the ballgown silhouette with a crisply pleated bodice and fabulous texture in the skirt with the use of pleated taffeta.
Be sure to see the whole editorial piece in Elegant Wedding coming out this month. Here is the preview on the Elegant Wedding Blog.
You may have guessed by now that we are very different from most bridal stores in Montreal. I like to think that we've raised the bar quite a bit. (Let's face it: when you think of shop windows with dresses and mannequins straight out of the 80's it makes one cringe just a little.)
So, what makes us different?
1) Our central location yet private loft environment
Our twelve-foot ceilings and view of the mountain are truly inspiring. See the video for a "virtual" experience of our space!
2) All our wedding dress designs are customizable.
Are you a picky shopper? Of course you are! We're talking about your wedding dress here. There is no need to compromise. We can modify any of our designs to suit you that much better. I don't mean modify after the fact like everyone else. Your dress will be hand made for you specifically including any design changes requested. Almost anything is possible!
3) All our bridal gowns are made-to-measure
We realize that women come in all shapes and sizes. That's why all our dresses are custom-made to your 12 key measurements. This is a world apart from the usual process in almost all other stores: they take your three measurements and then order a dress in your "largest" measurement. When the gown comes in, they ask you to come in for a fitting to take in your dress and shorten it. Aside from being expensive, it is a hit and miss process that can actually compromise the design of your dress. That's why we believe in doing it right the first time: your dress pattern is adapted to your measurements first, then created specifically for your shape. When you try it on for the first time you won't believe how flattering it is on you. As the saying goes, there is no style without fit!
I'm proud to announce that we are the first retailer in Eastern Canada of the Lis Simon line of wedding dresses. I met the team behind Lis Simon at the Chicago Bridal Market exhibition at the end of March. I was immediately struck by the quality of the designs and fabric. What really got me next were the inner construction details. Let me just say Wow. I am a real stickler for boning and an inner wide elastic strap to give structure and support. (Blame it on my background in Architecture.) This is surprisingly hard to find! The Lis Simon line is the best in this department that I have ever seen. The result of this is that her strapless dresses stay put 1000%. No slipping down, period. The effect of the boning is that it molds you subtly into more of an hourglass figure. It's like the benefits of a whole slew of Pilates and Yoga classes. Instantly! :) You gotta love that!
By this point I wanted to carry the line, but can they be made-to-measure? After all, that is the concept behind Christianne Brunelle Couture Nuptiale...! The answer is yes. Not only can they be made to measure, they can accommodate several customizations: custom train length, changing a zipper closure for a lace-up style or vice versa.
Finally, I have to mention the embellishments. This is definitely one of the defining elements of the Lis Simon line. The lace is very unique and light. The beading is modern and innovative - never overdone. Some of the dresses even come with polished stone spherical buttons that can be done up to conceal the zipper. This one detail alone gives the impression of a $5000 dress with a price tag of less than half that.
So yes, I'm definitely in love with these gowns. We will have a trunk show of the entire line in the coming months. An event not to miss! As of today we have three styles in our showroom with three more coming in two weeks. Many more are coming in two months. Can't wait!
Here are two of our wedding dresses featured in the fashion show of the "Let's Get Married" (Marions-Nous) bridal show in January 2010. My inspiration for this show was to feature simple wedding dresses. This is definitely the direction of the trend in Montreal right now. Brides are really searching for a simple dress but don't want to compromise on elegance. I hear it all the time: "Why is it so hard to find a nice, simple wedding dress in this city?"
(I don't think it's just here: it seems to be everywhere, judging from my recent trip to the Chicago Bridal Market. More on this in another post, but this is the largest bridal show exclusively for buyers in North America.)
Congratulations to Stephanie Dotto, the winner of our draw for a wedding dress up to a $2,000 value. Entrants were collected at Marions Nous and Salon de la Mariée in January. Stephanie was surprised and thrilled to bits to hear the good news. After a short exchange I realized I remembered her and her mother stopping by the booth: she reminded me of our discussion about the inner structure of our gowns. She was concerned that if she opted for a strapless dress that she would be adjusting it all day. I explained that I had a background in Architecture and that our dresses are constructed accordingly! We all had a good chuckle. Congrats Stephanie! Looking forward to helping you. ... and yes, you'll see what I mean about that strapless dress not budging!
I've been doing a genealogy project on and off for a few years, and was lucky enough to uncover some amazing photos in the process. It's incredible how the more things change the more they stay the same.
My Grandmother in Montreal, 1941. What a gorgeous slim A-line gown with almost no embellishment. My "Nana" was always ahead of the fashion curve her whole life. Her wedding dress was no exception!
My Great-Grandmother in Kennebunkport, 1916. This was a particularly amazing find. There is a similar photo that I have seen before (and turned into a painting) which was taken in the same session. The difference is that in the other one she is holding her huge bouquet closer to her body so that almost the whole front of the dress is hidden. My theory is that she found the dress a little revealing and circulated the more modest picture. It was 1916 after all!
My Great-Great-Grandmother in Montreal, 1872. Photo by William Notman courtesy of the McCord Museum. Another amazing find. I had the inspiration to check the McCord website and wow - I came across this incredibly well-preserved archive of William Notman's work. He was a world-famous photographer when the art was in it's infancy. The gown is a silk taffeta ballgown with an inner metal hoop crinoline. Wow! It looks so similar in many ways to a modern-day wedding dress, but to put this in perspective, this was a gown fit for a princess at the time. Elaborate wedding dresses were just not within the reach of most people. Although I am no expert on historical bridal fashion, it seems really interesting to me that the sleeves are not the huge "poofy" variety that were popular in the late 1800s. Oh, then a century later in the early 1980s!
