By ROBYN SHANKS

Muskoka, Algonquin, Niagara – all notable Ontario locations that represent beauty, comfort and ease. They’re also the names of three wedding dress collections by Canadian designer Lea-Ann Belter, all of which represent those same three qualities. 

For more than 20 years, Belter has been creating some of the country’s most exquisite (and comfortable) wedding dressings from her flagship location, in Toronto’s stylish Leslieville area. She personally oversees the workmanship of each gown with the bride’s comfort her number one priority…no matter how many fittings it takes.

Available across Canada, each dress is hand made with some of the world’s finest materials. Using sourced French lace and Dupioni silk imported from India – by a family Belter has come to form a strong bond with – brides are encouraged to modify the cut, colour or neckline of a gown to suit their vision.    

Having hesitated when first asked if I’d like to try a dress on, I was happy in the end that I did…and that it did up (after much sucking in).

My “Stella” was made of silk organza and was light, breezy, and surprisingly comfy. And though I’m still without a reason to buy a wedding dress (ahem), I now know how one shouldn’t feel. “A million dollar itchy gown won’t make anyone glow,” Belter quips.

To that all we can say is, amen sister. Amen.  

Lea-Ann Belter on Passion:
My passion in life is making wedding gowns. I love creating, even though it’s really hard sometimes. Making wedding dresses is like sculpting, but with fabric. You get to use the really high end fabrics, the expensive silks and real Swarovski crystals. It’s a way for me to create, and be creative, every day.  

For locations visit, lea-annbelter.com.