The story behind Gemma's bridesmaid dresses

Keeping the wedding of the year under wraps was "crazy hard" for Kellie Taylor, owner of Moochi, who can now finally share that she designed and made Gemma Flynn's four bridesmaid dresses for her wedding to Richie McCaw in Wanaka at the weekend.

"I was so excited. I had said to my brand manager, Georgia, as soon as I had heard they were engaged that I would love to look after their bridesmaids," Ms Taylor said.

"Somehow, it all came together and we are very honoured to have been involved ... Keeping it under wraps was crazy hard, but in fairness it is their day and they deserved the privacy. As the date approached I had to bite my tongue more than once."

The four bridesmaids were dressed head to toe by Moochi, including shoes and jewellery.

"At first glance they are pared-back camisole dresses, but if you take a second glance you will see all the beautiful details, including the draped skirt that ties into the waist sash at the front, a subtle thigh-high split on the left and the back neckline falls beautifully low while crossover strapping allows for undergarments."

Ms Taylor, who grew up in Tauranga, started the Moochi brand in the Bay when she was in her 20s.

Gemma's bridesmaid dresses. Photo / supplied

Now living in Auckland, Ms Taylor said she had not met Gemma before but believes the brand resonated with the hockey star. 

"This was the first opportunity we've had to work collaboratively with Gemma, but in meeting with her we discovered she has been wearing Moochi for a while, which was awesome to learn."

Gemma had her mind set on blush pink from the get-go.

"Right from the beginning Gemma knew she was after a classic, timeless look and it had to be blush. Our job was to source just the right shade in a beautiful silk crepe de chine. We sourced a variety of shades and all loved the end selection."

As for the design, Gemma also had a vision of what she wanted, as well as what her bridesmaids liked to wear, so Ms Taylor's job was to come up with something creative that pleased everyone.

Ms Taylor said the team cut three samples before the final dress design was agreed upon and the final four gowns were cut.

Read the full story here: Bay of Plenty Times