2025 a Year of Love and a Toast to 2026
As the festive lights begin to twinkle across Perth and the holiday vibe picks up, I find myself in a familiar, beautiful position… reflecting. With Christmas just a week away, the studio has slowed down just enough to allow me to look back on the whirlwind of lace, silk, embroidery and joy that filled 2025.
Running JRW Bridal is more than just a career for me, it is an invitation into some of the most intimate and significant moments of a woman’s life. As I sit here with a cup of tea, scrolling through the photos sent to me by my 2025 brides, I am struck by the sheer diversity of creative beauty I’ve had the privilege to be a part of.
This year has been a spectacular mix of “I dos,” and I want to take a moment to celebrate the women who made 2025 so unforgettable.
A Year of Love, Custom Creations and Ready-to-Wear Radiance
In 2025, the JRW studio was a hive of creativity. This year, more than ever, I noticed a shift toward “authentic bridal”—brides who weren’t afraid to step away from tradition to embrace what truly made them feel like themselves.
My Custom Couture brides this year challenged and inspired me. There is something truly magical about the custom process. It begins with a sketch and a conversation, often over several months, as we source the perfect unique lace or the exact shade of ivory silk. I remember Tamara who was pretty overwhelmed when she first came to me. Her excitement grew as we talked through her options and even created her own unique embroidered lace. Watching her face light up during the final fittings is a feeling that never gets old.
To my 2025 custom brides, thank you for trusting me with your dreams. Your individuality is what keeps my passion for design alive!
Jo was absolutely amazing! I was a bride who was so overwhelmed by everything and confused on what types of dresses I liked, she was so patient with me and understanding, I could not recommend her enough to anybody!
I LOVE that our Ready-to-Wear (RTW) collections also found their way to some truly incredible women this year. From sleek, minimalist crepe gowns for chic city ceremonies to ethereal, floral-adorned tulle for romantic outdoor weddings, our RTW pieces were designed to offer high-fashion silhouettes with the ease of a curated collection. Seeing how each bride styled her JRW gown with her own unique accessories, hairstyles, and, most importantly, her beautiful smile, was a highlight of my year.
The Impact of the Dress
People often ask me why I love bridal design. My answer is always the same… it’s about the impact. When a bride steps into her dress, her posture changes. She stands a little taller, her shoulders relax, she sees herself not just as she is, but as the version of herself she always hoped to be on her wedding day.
To have played a small part in that transformation for so many Perth brides in 2025 is an honour I don’t take lightly. Whether we met for multiple fittings or you found “the one” in your first RTW consultation at our stockist Bridal by Aubrey Rose, please know that I have carried a piece of your wedding story with me throughout the year. Your photos from the Swan Valley, the South West, and our beautiful Perth CBD remind me why I love what I do.
Looking Forward: The Magic of 2026
While reflecting on the past brings me so much joy, looking toward the future brings a sense of real excitement. The bridal world is constantly evolving, and I am already deep into the design process for what 2026 will bring to JRW Bridal (a little Mini Dress RTW Collection).
I’m anticipating a year of textures, modern necklines, and a continued emphasis on comfort without sacrificing any of the glamour. But more than the trends, I am looking forward to the people. Every new year brings a new group of engaged couples and Mothers-of-the-bride, each with a unique love story that deserves to be celebrated through bridal fashion.
To the brides currently planning their 2026 and 2027 weddings, I cannot wait to meet you. I would love to hear about your venues, your colour palettes, and the “vibe” you want to create. My goal for the coming year remains the same… to ensure that every JRW bride feels empowered, beautiful, and entirely herself!
An Invitation: Start Your Journey in the Swan Valley
If you are a newly engaged Perth bride—perhaps with a sparkling new ring from a Christmas or New Year’s Eve proposal—I would love to meet you in person to start this journey together.
I am thrilled to announce that my first major event of the new year will be the Swan Valley Wedding Open Day at Sandalford Winery in the heart of the Swan Valley.
- When: January 22, 2026, 4-9pm.
- Where: Sandalford Winery, Swan Valley
- What: A day of inspiration, luxury, and “all things bridal.”
Sandalford Winery is one of Perth’s most iconic and romantic wedding venues, making it the perfect backdrop for us to chat about your wedding style. I will be there to showcase some of our favourite pieces, answer your questions about the custom design process, and help you navigate the exciting world of bridal fashion.
Whether you have a clear vision of your dream dress or you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, please come and say hello. There is no pressure—just a chance to connect, look at some beautiful fabrics, and start dreaming about your “big day” bridal look.
A Final Note of Gratitude
As I wrap up this final blog post for 2025, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my community. To the vendors I’ve collaborated with, the photographers who capture my work so beautifully, and most importantly, my brides—thank you. You make JRW Bridal what it is.
I wish you all a safe, joyful, and love-filled Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Here’s to a 2026 filled with even more romance, stunning lace, and unforgettable “I do” moments.
With love and gratitude,
Joanne