TAKE the drive to Kurnell, and there in a suburban cul-de-sac you'll feel like you've made an appointment at an exclusive Paddington bridal boutique.
Step inside what used to be an old rickety shed and be surrounded by an elegant, vintage Parisian haven for brides-to-be.
It is the project of new stay-at-home mum Melanie Bowman, who recently created her second "baby" — The Barefaced Bride.
After she was made redundant late last year, Melanie launched the backyard business.
She focuses on buying and selling second-hand designer wedding dresses.
The preloved gowns, which have been worn only once and sourced on consignment, come without a big price tag.
All dresses — bought originally for up to about $6000 — are below the $3200 mark.
Most are straight off the rack, never- worn-before samples, in a variety of sizes.
From Maggie Sottero to Melanie's own dress by Helen English, the gowns are made from delicate French lace, fine Italian silks, and evoke timeless vintage class.
And think beyond the traditional, basic white.
The studio is filled with ivory, and a splash of champagne tones.
"As a recent bride having forked out a small fortune on my designer gown, I didn't want to face the same sad fate as so many other wedding dresses - thrown in a box never to be seen again," Melanie said.
"After spending many hours searching online for a way to trade in my dress, I realised what was lacking was a specialised bridal service that offered a selection of preloved and second-hand designer wedding dresses in one location.
"It takes the stress out of searching for a dress while saving time and money."
Melanie also plans to branch out into bridesmaids' dresses.
Details: thebarefacedbride.com.au, email melanie@thebarefacedbride.com.au or phone 0450 462 820.
