How We Created Australia's Most Talked-About Bridal Runway | Collette Emily | GWIW

What does it take to create a runway that leaves guests speechless, designers emotional, and an entire industry talking? In this episode of Get Wedded in Wonderland, we sit down with runway director and stylist Collette Emily, the creative force behind the Wedded World 2026 runway at Crown Sydney. With 16 designers, 70 looks, live music, couture gowns, ready-to-wear fashion, and an audience of couples, industry leaders, and international guests, Collette was tasked with transforming a traditional runway into an immersive emotional experience. From creative direction and storytelling to backstage energy, model casting, inclusivity, designer trust, and creating moments that people could actually feel, this conversation explores what happens long before the lights go up and the first model steps onto the runway. We also discuss: • How to create emotional connection through fashion • Directing 70 looks across 16 designers • Building trust with luxury brands and designers • The importance of energy backstage • Why representation matters on the runway • Creating a runway experience for real couples • The future of bridal fashion in Australia • Wedded World and the rise of immersive wedding experiences This is a conversation about creativity, leadership, storytelling, and the power of making people feel something. Hosted by Get Wedded in Wonderland. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The role behind the Wedded World runway 01:40 Creating a love story through 70 looks 03:15 Managing 16 designers on one runway 05:30 What Wedded Wonderland means to Collette 06:10 Creating an emotional runway experience 07:30 The backstage culture nobody sees 09:00 Trust, representation and inclusivity 10:30 Why designer experience matters 12:20 Giving couples a front-row seat to bridal fashion 14:00 The power of music, lighting and storytelling 16:20 How the runway concept was born 18:30 Creating an international standard in Australia 20:20 Why Australian bridal fashion deserves more recognition 22:00 Finding your own creative voice 24:30 Energy, boundaries and leadership backstage 26:30 Staying calm under pressure 27:30 The emotional response after the runway 29:30 Real women walking the runway 31:00 The custom vows veil and closing moment 32:00 What's next for Wedded World Follow Wedded Wonderland: Website: https://weddedwonderland.com/ Instagram:   / weddedwonderland   YouTube:    / @wedded.wonderland   #WeddedWorld #BridalFashion #Runway #ColletteEmily #WeddingIndustry #LuxuryWeddings #FashionStylist #WeddingBusiness