With a devotion to fabrics, embellishments and silhouettes it was natural for Ilyese to complete a Fashion Design degree from AUT. This knowledge and then experience in the fashion industry made Ilyese a natural addition to the team in Auckland. She has progressed to lead the team and teach them all the knowledge she holds. Brides who have a booking with Ilyese will be lucky recipients of her expertise in garment construction combined with her knowledge of how a gown can be tailored for the perfect look.
I had the most incredible experience at Astra Bridal Newmarket. It was my very first time stepping into a bridal store in search of the dress, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start to the journey. From the moment I booked online, I was contacted by Ilyese to set up a Zoom meeting ahead of my appointment. That little extra step made all the difference. It really helped calm my nerves and gave me confidence walking into the store for the first time.
On the day, Ilyese made me and my guests feel so welcome and comfortable. She offered a range of dresses that suited my style and gave genuine, professional advice (she really knows her stuff!). I never felt rushed or pressured to like a certain dress. It was all about what felt right for me :0
To my absolute surprise, I ended up saying YES to the dress on my very first try-on! <3 The whole experience was special, relaxed, and full of joy. I’m so glad I chose Astra Bridal. Highly recommend to any bride-to-be starting their journey!
July, 2025
My experience at Astra Bridal Newmarket was phenomenal. Ilyese, you are a star! The patience, knowledge, determination, and kindness you show in the way you approach and support your brides to be is outstanding.
I’m so grateful for the many visits I had at Astra before we finally found my dress. I definitely looked around, but I kept coming back to Astra Bridal Newmarket because I knew Ilyese had my best interests at heart and truly wanted to help me find the perfect dress.
We searched high and low, and Ilyese was willing to do anything to find what made me feel amazing, and we got there! I'm beyond grateful for the team here, especially Ilyese.
I highly recommend this beautiful bridal shop. In my opinion, the dresses and the service are miles ahead of all the other shops I visited in Auckland!
June, 2025
I recently booked in for the 90 minute stylist consultation at Astra Bridal Newmarket. The service was absolutely outstanding. Ilyese was so experienced and amazing to deal with. It was my first time trying on any dresses, and she helped me find the perfect one. She also made my family feel really included in the process. I couldn’t recommend Ilyese and this store enough.
June, 2025