Photo: langloisbrides on Instagram

Although notable names like Vera Wang may instantly come to mind when you think of famed bridal designers, Canada is also home to a number of design talents who specialize in elaborate wedding gowns. From Catherine Langlois to Manuel Mendoza, here are a few leading Canuck bridal wear designers to keep in mind if you’re searching for a fairytale dress to complete your special day.

Catherine Langlois

The Toronto designer was raised in Montreal, and studied Creative Arts at John Abbott College and fashion design at Ryerson University. Langlois began creating wedding gowns 15 years ago, and was selected to craft a special gown out of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue last year. The designer is known for her love of silk fabrics, along with her use of elaborate beadwork and architectural inspiration. Her handmade gowns are created in Toronto, and range from classic designs for the traditional bride to modern cocktail-length frocks. Langlois also designs bridal accessories, such as intricate veils and delicate bow belts.

Photo: leaannbelterbridal on Instagram

Lea–Ann Belter

Based in Toronto, Belter trained in glass and textiles at Sheridan College and later pursued fashion design at the International Academy of Design and Merchandising. Belter has been in the bridal design business for almost 20 years, and discovered her passion for the craft when she created a wedding gown for her brother’s fiancée. Today, the designer has her own Broadview Avenue boutique and is known for her modernized design aesthetic. Her collections include the Belle Époque line of flowing chiffon and lace creations, and the Classics line of simplistic yet elegant dresses.

Photo: palomablancabridal on Instagram

Paloma Blanca

This long-standing Toronto bridal boutique was founded in 1937 by Manny Bernstein and began as a Spadina Avenue shop. Originally named Blue Bird Dress, the boutique was later headed by Manny’s brother, Harry. In the late 1970s, Harry’s two sons Marty and Shimmy worked on expanding the business into the United States and renamed the brand Paloma Blanca. Still based in Toronto, the family-run bridal wear label features Canadian-made creations. As for the gowns themselves, the collection offers everything from lace and satin strapless numbers to gowns with tiered, ruffled organdy skirts.

Christianne Brunelle

The Montreal-based designer founded her eponymous boutique in 2008, and carries both her own exclusive line and a variety of imported dresses. Brunelle has a degree in architecture from McGill University and an M.B.A. in Strategy and Architecture, also from McGill. Although she has a corporate background, Brunelle was inspired to open her bridal boutique while she was hunting for her own perfect wedding dress. Her own designs focus on effortless elegance and simplicity, with plenty of sweetheart necklines, textured silk skirts and ribbon sashes on display.

Photo: manuelmendozacouture on Instagram 

Manuel Mendoza

The well-known Vancouver atelier was founded over thirty years ago by Filipino-Canadian bridal designer Manuel Mendoza, who immigrated to Canada from Manila in 1976. Mendoza started his fashion career in Canada as a sportswear designer at swimwear and athletic apparel brand Jantzen Inc. Although Mendoza sadly died in 2012, his bespoke bridal gowns are now created by designer Alison Hartford (who trained with Mendoza for a decade). From simple white frocks to dresses with intricate French lace and trailing hemlines, the designs range from subtle to striking.