Anna Schimmel: A Designer We Trust for Custom Gowns

Vendor Spotlight: Bridal & Wedding Dresses

Most of the dresses we photograph come off a rack. Anna Schimmel's don't always start that way, and you can usually tell. She's an independent Auckland designer working out of a small Point Chevalier studio, and a good number of her brides end up with something either custom made or meaningfully altered from the ready to wear range. When a dress fits a person's actual proportions instead of a standard sample size, it changes how it moves in photos, and we notice that difference constantly.

A structured satin A-line gown with a low V-back and covered button detail, designed by Anna Schimmel.

Why We Recommend Her

Anna works in fabrics like French crepe, Chantilly lace and Mikado satin, and she designs and fits every gown herself rather than running a multi-brand showroom. That hands-on approach means small adjustments, a raised strap, a deeper V, a different button placement, happen easily and early, instead of being squeezed in during a rushed final fitting.

What She Offers

The range spans ready to wear, fully custom and couture pieces, with small seasonal collections rather than a sprawling catalogue. A styling consultation and alterations are included as part of the process, so brides aren't left sourcing separate seamstresses once the gown arrives.

The Experience

Anna sees brides by appointment at her studio at 41 Walmer Road, Point Chevalier. She also partners with the SHE charity, with proceeds helping fund education for a girl in Togo, so a booking here supports something beyond the wedding itself.

An ivory Mikado satin gown with slender straps and a structured, fitted bodice, designed by Anna Schimmel.

Our Tips

Backless and low-back designs like Anna's photograph beautifully for a first look or a walking-away shot, so we always ask whether a bride's dress opens up before we plan the day's shot list. If you're considering a custom piece, start the conversation with Anna early. Custom work needs more lead time than a straightforward alteration.

Anna Schimmel at a Glance

Location: 41 Walmer Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland, by appointment only

Style: Ready to wear, custom and couture gowns in French crepe, Chantilly lace and Mikado satin

Approximate cost: Not published; independent designer gowns typically start upward of $3,000, with custom pieces priced individually. Treat this as a general guide only and confirm directly with Anna.

Contact: 0204 032 2093, anna@annaschimmel.co.nz

Website: annaschimmel.co.nz

For any of our couples working with Anna on a custom piece, we're always happy to see fabric swatches or fitting photos ahead of the wedding so we know exactly how a gown will catch the light. Full day wedding coverage means we're photographing your dress from the first fitting nerves through to the last dance, and knowing the details in advance only helps us do that better.

Planning Your Own Wedding?

Planning your Auckland wedding? Explore our photography and film packages or get in touch with your date and venue. We can help you build a relaxed team and coverage plan around your day.