Interview with Bridal Magazine

For the gown you’ll wear as you walk down the aisle to begin the adventure of a lifetime, the ocean and its coastline offer endless inspiration. The steady rhythm of the tides, the soft embrace of the sea breeze, the endurance to withstand any storm – why not let the romance of the coast inspire the gown for your beachside wedding? Join Western Australia Wedding & Bride’s Hannah McDonaldas she teams up with Sophie Linardopoulos, owner of Zolotas Bridal, to explore the new wave of coastal bridal fashion that’s making a splash in today’s wedding landscape.

Starting in 2016 in the spare bedroom of her home, Sophie founded Zolotas Bridal, which now operates in Subiaco. “I love that bridal fashion tells a story. It’s where craftsmanship, emotion and individuality meet. Every gown has the power to capture who a bride truly is, while celebrating one of the most meaningful moments of her life. I’m especially drawn to handmade, artisanal details – the kind that reflects heritage and artistry because they make each dress feel personal and timeless,” she explains.

Coastal weddings have a natural magic about them – a feeling that, if done right, can be captured stunningly in a bridal gown. “The light, the breeze, the sound of the sea, everything feels effortless and free. There’s something deeply romantic about the way the ocean connects places and people, whether it’s the coastline of Western Australia or the whitewashed shores of the Greek islands. I think that’s what makes coastal weddings so inspiring – they reflect a sense of calm, authenticity and beauty that’s impossible to recreate anywhere else,” Sophie states

The boho aesthetic is evolving into something more refined. It remains free-spirited, but with a touch of sophistication. “Think elevated simplicity: clean silhouettes with artisanal detail, organic materials with modern tailoring. It’s moving toward authenticity and craftsmanship,” she notes. In the eyes of Sophie, achieving your perfect beachside boho look requires just as much communication, vision and genuine artistry as any other bridal aesthetic.

Her process begins with the main anchors of the wedding. “I always start by asking about the venue and the location. From there, we talk about comfort and practicality. For seaside weddings, I often steer brides away from heavy fabrics or overly structured designs, as they can feel restrictive in warmer climates. Instead, I guide them toward natural cotton lace, silk and lightweight linings that breathe and move beautifully,” she says.

Crafting your bridal look is a special opportunity, one that is meant to reflect your distinct vision. “I always remind brides that their gown should tell their story, not just follow a trend. We might incorporate a detachable sleeve, a statement back, or a lace pattern that resonates with her personal style. It’s about layering meaning into the design so that it feels uniquely theirs and bespoke,” Sophie expands.

Seaside Chic

For Sophie, bridal designs for the beachside are all about effortlessness, authenticity and airiness. “Beach-inspired bridal looks carry a sense of freedom and natural elegance. They’re less about formality and more about flow. Gowns that move with the breeze and feel effortless against the sand and sea. These designs often feature lighter fabrics, soft silhouettes and organic textures that echo the landscape itself,” she describes.

The secret to the perfect beach-ready bridal gown lies in combining free-spirited details with timeless structure. “Think soft, flowing skirts paired with carefully handcrafted lace or an elegant neckline. Hair and accessories should feel natural, not over-styled. When everything feels cohesive but unforced, that’s where effortless beauty truly shines. Less is always more!” Sophie adds.

When nature provides the ideal backdrop for a day of love, its only right we offer the environment the same level of love in return. “Sustainability is no longer a trend… it’s a shift in mindset! Brides are becoming more conscious of where and how their gowns are made. Handcrafted, natural-fibre dresses made in small ateliers hold a story of care and longevity. I think the future is about quality over quantity and pieces made ethically, worn with love, and cherished as heirlooms,” she predicts.

Tidal Textures 

On the beach, every detail comes alive through texture, which is why this element takes centre stage for a coastal wedding gown. “Texture adds dimension without heaviness and reflects the organic surroundings of a beach setting. Handwoven lace, crochet and layered fabrics create a tactile richness that moves with the breeze, almost like the ocean itself. It brings the gown to life in a way that’s soft yet full of character,” Sophie explains.

A popular choice for an elevated bridal boho look is crochet lace. “Crochet lace embodies everything a coastal bride dreams of, such as natural texture and a sense of history woven into every thread. It reflects sunlight well and has that handmade authenticity that feels right at home by the sea. It’s breathable, timeless and connects beautifully to Greek island heritage where crochet work is part of the culture,” Sophie shares. “Natural cotton lace and lightweight silk blends beautifully by the ocean. They’re breathable and capture light and movement effortlessly. Silhouettes that skim the body rather than constrict it, like A-lines or soft fit gowns, photograph stunningly in natural light,” she expands.

Final Flourishes 

For a lasting impression, subtle accessories are always necessary to enhance your coastal look. “Statement earrings or delicate gold accents inspired by nature pair beautifully with boho beach gowns. Think shell motifs, pearls, or organic-shaped metals that catch the light without overpowering the look. A simple flower crown or soft hair scarf can also tie everything together in an authentic, coastal way,” Sophie suggests.

All in all, if you keep your focus on quality fabrics and timeless shapes, you’re bound to grace the aisle with true beachside elegance. “A bohemian gown doesn’t have to mean casual – it’s about effortless luxury. Choose designs with handcrafted detail and natural movement and keep accessories minimal and meaningful. Less is always more when the craftsmanship speaks for itself,” she concludes.

Image courtesy of Zolotas Bridal.