The wedding dress, traditionally a centerpiece of the ceremony, commands significant attention and meticulous care from both the bride and her designer. Weddings hold a profound significance, uniting different families into one harmonious union.

In influential spheres, weddings occasionally culminate in alliances between kingdoms or corporations, thus, the wedding dress takes on added importance. Symbolizing the status and demeanor of those entering this union.

Deep in history, the wedding dress symbolizes a marital union in many cultures

For many years, wedding dresses predominantly featured long, white gowns with voluminous sleeves and cathedral-length veils, a trend popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840. However, in recent times, brides have been redefining the conventional design and color to mirror their personal preferences.

Today, wedding gowns need not adhere to the long, somewhat mundane archetype. They can be short or mid-length, adopting various styles such as straight, mermaid, sheath, or fit and flare, among others. Some brides even embrace non-white colors, a deviation from the traditional white, which was once deemed improper.

What happens when someone’s choice becomes more offensive than inspirational?

Nevertheless, these modifications to the conventional norms have sparked a debate about the ethical boundaries of wedding attire. This debate was exemplified by the choice of one bride, Ellie Gonsalves, a model and influencer who donned three distinctive dresses and shared them on social media during her wedding.

Yet, Ellie’s choice didn’t go unnoticed, and it sparked controversy, with some social media critics deeming her attire indecent. This, in turn, led to Ellie’s unapologetic responses to her detractors. To discover how she confronted her critics, read on.

It was one dress in particular that sparked attention – a transparent wedding dress

Gonsalves catapulted to online fame with her opulent wedding photos. Particularly, one dress choice stirred controversy among certain segments of social media users. While this might have marked the first introduction of her name to many, Gonsalves had been a prominent figure on the internet for quite some time.

Born on February 5, 1990, in Brisbane, Australia, Gonsalves embarked on her modeling journey during her teenage years after being discovered by a talent scout. Her early exposure to the world of modeling instilled a passion that she continued to pursue as a career after completing her education.

Subsequently, Gonsalves ventured into social media, where she expanded her influence and recognition. Her star rose even higher when she participated in the Australian version of the reality TV show “Big Brother” in 2021. Known for sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the fashion and entertainment industries, Gonsalves also graced the cover of MAXIM Australia magazine three times.

In an in-depth profile featured in Gritty Pretty, Gonsalves is described as a “philanthropist, model, actor, hair care ambassador, entrepreneur, and a symbol of bold hair transformations.” She also disclosed to the outlet the Hollywood star who had the most significant influence on her journey.

“I pulled a lot of inspiration from many people growing up, but I think I really admired Angelina Jolie. I feel like she represents a strong woman and, to me, she seems very honest about a lot of things people generally weren’t honest about. Such as her sexuality – which I was massively struggling with as a young kid,” Gonsalves said.

As an ambassador for L’Oreal, Gonsalves has quite a following

As a L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador, Gonsalves spoke about the invaluable support she received from her inner circle. Particularly her fiancé Ross Scutts, who always embraced her for who she truly is. It was this support that empowered her to publicly acknowledge her bisexuality.

Her journey also encompassed significant career milestones, beginning with her appearance in a Yellow Tail Super Bowl commercial in 2017. Subsequently, Gonsalves made her cinematic debut in the 2019 film “Fighting with My Family,” directed by Stephen Merchant, featuring Hollywood luminaries such as Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, and Florence Pugh. In the same year, she graced the Spring campaign for Good American, Khloe Kardashian’s denim fashion label.

Beyond her flourishing career, Gonsalves actively engages in philanthropic endeavors

She is a global ambassador for the Steve Irwin Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors charity. Her involvement with the organization was inspired by a visit to the zoo’s Wildlife Hospital, a deeply moving experience that fueled her desire to make a meaningful difference.

Gonsalves has also emerged as an advocate for self-acceptance, using her influence in the industry to promote positive beauty standards. She sees herself as a voice within the fashion and beauty world. Striving to encourage and shape these standards in a constructive way. Her partnership with L’Oréal has further amplified her ability to convey this empowering message.

“I love that such a huge international brand like L’Oréal Professionnel has gotten behind every daring transformation I’ve decided to make with my hair. But the pixie transformation has by far been the most impactful. Following the change, there were so many women all over the world empowering themselves by making their own hair transformations and a lot of women who were also going through chemotherapy were embracing the pixie because they saw more representation.” She continued.

Driven to inspire, Ellie pushes boundaries and stirs thought

Gonsalves emphasized that her endeavors have been centered on challenging societal norms and empowering women. Who often face immense pressure to conform to stereotypes and expectations. She encourages women to pursue their dreams fearlessly, without being constrained by the opinions of others.

Gonsalves has undeniably left her mark on the world of social media. Boasting an impressive following of over 11,000 subscribers on YouTube, 144,400 Twitter followers, 1.2 million Instagram followers, and three million Facebook followers. Given her substantial online presence, it’s no surprise that her wedding to her partner of 14 years, Scutts, garnered significant attention in her native Australia. Vogue’s Australian edition covered the wedding preparations and featured stunning photographs from their momentous day.

Reflecting on their wedding plans, Gonsalves revealed that she and Scutts initially contemplated eloping abroad but had a change of heart upon discovering a captivating venue on the Gold Coast’s main strip called La Luna, a floating beach club with a Mediterranean-inspired ambiance and breathtaking marina views. Their vision for the ceremony was one of intimacy. Especially considering the emotional significance of the day, as both had lost their fathers.

In a private ceremony attended by only a select few of their closest friends and family, Gonsalves and Scutts exchanged vows. Their cherished dog, Daisy, played the role of the ringbearer, adding a special and heartwarming touch to their wedding day. “I felt like I was walking on water. … We got married the way we started, just him and me. Celebrating our love in the most special way we could think of,” Gonsalves said.

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