The July light settled over Landscheune Barsikow country barn in Germany as True Bride Vanessa and Alexander exchanged their vows. A summer wedding day that Vanessa described as “absolutely perfect.”
Surrounded by the people who matter most, Vanessa and Alexander brought a sense of genuine joy to the day. The rustic charm of their venue gave the celebration an unhurried, intimate quality — a backdrop that felt less like a setting and more like a reflection of who they are together.
From the moment she tried on Martina Liana 1848+, it was the answer to something she had carried since childhood — a vision of princess-worthy volume and romance that finally had a name. The bodice, with delicate embroidery framing visible boning, rose to a sweetheart neckline, giving her the structure and drama she had always imagined, while the detachable oversized bow at the back sent long, lacy streamers cascading dramatically down the train — the kind of statement detail that draws a collective inhale from every guest in the room. Below the elongated basque waist, a gathered ballgown skirt billowed in luxe organza with the full, sweeping volume she had dreamed of, and when she finished the look with a glitter-dusted veil, the combination was everything she had hoped for and more.
Keep reading to discover how their love story began, the proposal and the unforgettable dress-shopping experience.
VANESSA, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?
Alex and I met at the wedding of his oldest brother — it was just like a romantic film. We sat next to each other and instantly fell in love. He’s a firefighter and I’m an operating room nurse, so even in our jobs we fit together perfectly.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROPOSAL LIKE?
I got my dream proposal in Greece, right on the beach — just the two of us, with waves, sand, a sunset, candles and Alex on one knee. It was everything I could have imagined.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.
I wanted to look like a princess — I’d dreamed of it since I was a little kid. My dress is the absolute dream: a big bow in the back, lace, a long train and so much skirt. I paired it with a veil full of glitter, and everyone was absolutely stunned.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT TRUE SOCIETY IN BERLIN.
I visited True Society in Berlin twice — once for my civil wedding and once to find my big dress — and both times I felt pretty, comfortable, and completely understood. True Crew member Lisa was so lovely; she even sent me handwritten letters that I’ll always keep with love.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.
Everything worked out so beautifully, but the most special part — besides marrying Alex — was that my maid of honor, Mona, was also our wedding officiant. Her speech had every single person in tears; it was heartbreaking and wonderful all at once.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS GOWN
Martina Liana Style 1848 brings a fresh perspective to the fairytale ballgown. Embroidered floral lace and exposed boning give the corset bodice a romantic feel, while a strapless neckline and elegant basque waist beautifully frame the silhouette. The gathered organza skirt delivers sweeping volume — with discreet pockets we always love. The finishing touch? A detachable oversized bow with long lace streamers that make the view from the back just as memorable.
A corset back wedding dress like the one Vanessa wore features a lace-up closure at the back of the bodice, typically threaded through a series of loops or boning channels, rather than a fixed zipper. The lacing can be tightened or loosened incrementally, which means the fit adjusts to the body rather than the body adjusting to a fixed size. For brides who want secure support through the bust and waist without a rigid, unforgiving fit, the corset back offers a practical advantage: it accommodates natural fluctuations in fit between the first appointment and wedding day, and can often be self-adjusted for comfort throughout the celebration.
If you also have a ballgown wedding dress vision, you may want to pin this dress to your inspiration board — and explore more designs like it in the new Martina Liana collection.
Photography: Anne Moonia
Venue: Landscheune Bariskow
Florist: Kians Garden
Cake: Konditorei Fahrbach
Hair & Makeup: Wunder&Weiss
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Ready to find a dress that makes you sparkle on your wedding day? Find a True Society store near you and book your appointment today!
