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The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress

06/14/2012 at 12:00 PM ET

Matthew McConaughey Wedding PhotoChristopher Polk/Getty

When it came to finding the perfect wedding gown, Camila Alves McConaughey knew exactly where to turn. Chanel? Nah. Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier? Nope.

Instead, the bride asked Brazilian dress designer Ducarmo Castelo Branco, a 78-year-old family friend, to craft a gown for her June 9 nuptials to Matthew McConaughey.

“Ducarmo has been making wedding dresses for her entire life,” says Alves, who has known the designer since she was a young girl growing up in Brazil. “I guess you can say she has been planning this design for over 20 years.”

Branco worked on the project with a group of eight local women, and Alves’s faith in that team’s vision of a dream dress — a delicate beaded lace gown — never wavered. “I went to Brazil for a day and a half to work on the dress,” the bride tells PEOPLE. “I left and I just had to trust them. They finished the dress 22 days later.”

For Matthew and Camila’s exclusive wedding album — and to see the dress up close — pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

–Elizabeth Leonard

WANT MORE CELEBRITY WEDDING EYE CANDY? CLICK HERE!

To get a sneak peek of this week’s issue click here

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Showing 74 comments

Jac on

She looks gorgeous. That’s one incredible looking dress.

Pamela on

Her dress is absolutely stunning.

sybelle on

She looks beautiful!

Marcia on

Absolutely beautiful dress and veil that will look good in pictures years from now. I’m not crazy about the forehead band thing but, oh well. It’s so nice to see something that’s not strapless although she certainly could have carried that look off because of her skin and figure. Very nice choice.

Anonymous on

The dress is beautiful! Can Ducarmo Castelo design my wedding gown one day?

MO on

It is about time he married her. 2 kids later!!! Good luck to them, hollywood marriages are hard! Luckily they have been together for long enough that it could work. Congrats! She looks beautiful

taradawes on

Not crazy about the veil/headband thingie but the dress itself is beautiful and they both looked amazing for their big day!

jj on

She looks gorgeous. It is so refreshing to see a refined wedding dress. I hope more designers drop the strapless look, which for most just does not work.

Just Sayin' on

Okay, we get it – they got married, she’s pretty, yay for everyone. Can we get a new headline or story? Slow week maybe? And before anyone responds with ‘…if you don’t like it don’t read it’ well, many of us pay for People Magazine and I think it’s in their best business interest to keep their stories interesting. Off my soapbox now!

Kathy on

Given they’ve moved to Austin, Tx because they didn’t want them growing up in the Hollywood lifestyle, I don’t consider them to have a Hollywood marriage. I see them together forever. He waited a long time to settle down, commit and start a family and I’m glad he did. I feel confident he’s absolutely sure. Congrats to them!

Danielle on

Camilla looked like a real princess from a fairy tale book…..Congrats and long life together

Alexia on

I’m not a fan of the headband, but I love her dress and veil! I recently got married and opted for a dress with straps. Mine was a v-neck. I agree with jj–the strapless look isn’t that great and definitely does not work for everyone, so I am glad to see some women are moving away from it. Aside from the potential mechanical problems of keeping the dress up, women can easily get a sort of “muffin top” in a strapless dress unless they’re super skinny, and that is NOT a look you want to have on your wedding day.

Santoso on

I was a teenager when People Magazine began and it was for “people”- celebrities more so at the time Mia Farrow was their first cover. If you want hard hitting news go read their sister magazines Time or Newsweek or check out a newspaper.

The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s … on

[...] more at People Magazine. Filed Under: Wedding [...]

CindyAnn on

JustSayin’ You are NOT paying to come on here and write your complaints! This is free. I see your comments alot on here and I honestly cannot remember when you had one nice thing to say. This is just an outlet to insult people because you have SUCH a miserable life! Beautiful dress, handsome couple.

Dee on

Im glad he finally decided to married the mother of his 2 children. Congrats to them both..

What’s the Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress? | Celebrity Mess on

[...] bride tapped a Brazilian family friend to create her custom gown People.com Latest News Tags Alves, Behind, Camila, Dress, McConaughey's, Story, Wedding, What's « [...]

catca on

Thank you People for giving us the details on what I think is one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I’ve ever seen. Camilla looks absolutely stunning. Now all I have to do is find out if this wonderful designer markets gowns in the U.S.!

Camila Alves’s Bridal Details : InStyle.com What's Right Now on

[...] eight seamstresses. “Ducarmo has been making wedding dresses for her entire life,” Alves, told People. “I guess you can say she has been planning this design for over 20 years.” Upping the sparkle, [...]

Hanna K. on

she looks pretty and the dress is really beauty!!

KB on

I think that dress is gorgeous. She positively beautiful on her wedding day. I wish them all the best.

Jessica on

She looks gorgeous. Love these two together

Hannah Elizabeth on

She looks beautiful! I have always loved lace and I am so glad that several wedding dresses are using it.

Best Reporter on

The dress is immaculate!

Paulie on

I also thought her wedding dress is one beautiful dress. I like that it was a change from the strapless. It looks so more classier. I didn’t like the head band thingy either but she made the right choice on her dress and veil. As for Matthew, he looks like he aged more than just a few years. What is it, did he lose weight to make him look like that?

The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress – People Magazine » . on

[...] The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey's Wedding DressPeople MagazineWhen it came to finding the perfect wedding gown, Camila Alves McConaughey knew exactly where to turn. Chanel? Nah. Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier? Nope. Instead, the bride asked Brazilian dress designer Ducarmo Castelo Branco, a 78-year-old family …See Camila Alves' Wedding Ring From Matthew McConaughey!Us MagazineCamila Alves's sparkling bridal detailsmsnbc.com (blog)Matthew McConaughey Marries Camila AlvesMTV.comUSA TODAY -New York Daily News -Fox Newsall 143 news articles » Digg Share +1 Reddit Tweet CommentsPowered by Facebook Comments [ TrendSation is Social] (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Follow @trendsationcom !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); [ Hot Searches ] For the last hour, according to Google [ Suggestions ] Got a tip? Let us know! [...]

Olivia on

She pulled a Kim Kardashian

M on

@Just Sayin’- Then don’t pay for it. Durrh.

Ganan on

Woof—she’s funny looking….

» The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress – People Magazine on

[...] The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress – People Magazine Go to this article [...]

Carolyn on

How after giving birth to 2 children did she make that tricky u-turn back to virginal white!!!

ELC on

She made a stunning bride. The gown is gorgeous. One can understand why she travelled all the way home(Brazil)to have her dress made for her. Unfortunately, I think her groom didn’t look as good. Matthew looks like he lost a lot of weight.
Personally, I think he looked gaunt. I’ve seen him look better.

lanam on

i love that its “old fashion” looking w/the delicate beaded lace- its classy … she look stunning; they both looked like the old time movie stars – both are so gorgeous and are actually beaming w/happiness — i love matthew, she’s so lucky – wish them and their children all the happiness in the world :)

Guest E on

I am surprised so many like this dress. Not a fan at all.

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Planner Orlando on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Barbara on

Gorgeous, elegant dress. I’m one of a few who think the headband works well with the veil, an exotic touch Camila pulls off beautifully. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness and love.

ana on

You don’t fool around with Brazilian women! McConaughey used to date a lot of women, he would date 2 or 3 different women in one year. But that was until a Brazilian woman crossed his way. Brazilian women are known for being homewreckers. They meet rich men and they just grab them, married or single. They cling to a man like a dog to a bone. They do not let go, that’s for sure. So I think McConaughey was asking for it. He fooled with a lot of women, so only a Brazilian one would be able to break him. She had the last laugh!

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Coordinator Miami on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Photographer Ft Myers on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Casamento de famosos| Matthew McConaughey e Camila Alves | Blog de Casamento on

[...] {Via People e Bride Finds} var addthis_config={"data_track_clickback":true}; 0 postado por Tânia Simões ♥ na categoria Casamento, Outros [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Photographer Orlando on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) : Ossai Bridal Accessories on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Planning News on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Amanda K on

This is the most beautiful wedding dress I’ve seen in a long time. Just stunning really.

Guest on

Those foreheadbands (as I call them lol) look dumb on absolutely everyone, but it could be a cultural tradition in Brazil *shrug* It was her wedding and if she felt beautiful, that’s what matters. The dress is lovely.

Mel on

Wow, that is one beautiful dress! It’s so original. They both look stunning and so, so happy together.

Victoria on

It’s about time he married his baby mama! I was afraid she was going to have to get pregnant a few more times before she got him to altar! LOL

Wedding Planning Diary » Blog Archive » Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 20 Variations (You Can Buy!) on

[...] at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo [...]

Fan on

Met him one time at a film site. He is wonderful, gracious and took a lot of his lunch break to stand and sign autographs. Just as beautiful in person as in pictures. I think he is a wonderful father, always hands on and speaks very highly of his wife. They are beautiful.

Dexter on

Lovely dress! It’s nice to see a classic dress on a celebrity bride. I guess we have have Duchess Kate and Bella from Twilight to thank… I hope this is a trend we keep seeing.

Celebrity Weddings: Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress Look-Alikes | WeddingWire: The Blog on

[...] all you celebrity wedding watchers out there, by now, we’re sure you’ve seen the photos from Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves’s laid-back Texas wedding, specifically the shots [...]

Lizzie on

Wow, that dress is fantastic! What a way to look refined and elegant. Very classy.

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 19 Variations (You Can Buy!) : Ossai Bridal Accessories on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 19 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Photographer Orlando on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 19 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Photographer Ft Myers on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 19 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Planner Orlando on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

dupster51 on

Gorgeous! And so is she!

whatever on

I absolutely adore her dress and veil & I’m soo not a veil kinda gal

Lastest Wedding News | Zimbio - Entertainment News, Celebrity News, Celebrity Photos, Autos and Videos on

[...] The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey's … "We would pray a rosary together and then touch the dress," the Brazilian designer tells PEOPLE. Read more on People Magazine [...]

Camila Alves’s Wedding Dress: See 19 Variations (You Can Buy!) | Wedding Coordinator Miami on

[...] gown (Kate Middleton, anyone?) to wed actor Matthew McConaughey at their home in Texas. Alves told People she first met her dress designer, 78-year-old Ducarmo Catelo Branco, as a young girl in her native [...]

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[...] Camilla Matthew McConaughey’s bride wore a dress by the Brazilian designer Ducarmo Castelo Branco down the [...]

Fashionable Tide » Fashion News: Prince Charles gets stylish, Tavi gets animated on

[...] The details behind — and photos of — the dress Camila Alves wore for her wedding to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make the rounds. According to People magazine, the designer of the beaded lace gown was a Brazilian by the name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name may not be familiar to us, but it certainly was to Alves; the 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

Fashion News: Prince Charles gets stylish, Tavi gets animated | Fashion|News|Gossip|DecadesFashion| on

[...] The details behind — and photos of — the dress Camila Alves wore for her wedding to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make the rounds. According to People magazine, the designer of the beaded lace gown was a Brazilian by the name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name may not be familiar to us, but it certainly was to Alves; the 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

Fashion News: Prince Charles gets stylish, Tavi gets animated | Fashion on

[...] The details behind — and photos of — the dress Camila Alves wore for her wedding to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make the rounds. According to People magazine, the designer of the beaded lace gown was a Brazilian by the name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name may not be familiar to us, but it certainly was to Alves; the 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

Fashion News: Prince Charles gets stylish, Tavi gets animated | Fashion News Feed on

[...] The details behind — and photos of — the dress Camila Alves wore for her wedding to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make the rounds. According to People magazine, the designer of the beaded lace gown was a Brazilian by the name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name may not be familiar to us, but it certainly was to Alves; the 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

Fashion News: Prince Charles gets stylish, Tavi gets animated | เสื้อผ้า แฟชั่นผู้หญิง การแต่งตัว ให้ดูดี บายดาว > Fashion เสื้อยืด เสื้อ on

[...] The sum behind — and photos of — a dress Camila Alves wore for her marriage to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make a rounds. According to People magazine, a engineer of a beaded edging robe was a Brazilian by a name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name competence not be informed to us, though it positively was to Alves; a 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

dedrea carter on

This couple is stunning. Finally, American class. Makes me proud.

ProWeddingTips.com - ProWeddingTips.com on

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Chic in Review | Hot News and Topics,Celebrity Gossip News on

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[...] The Sentimental Story Behind Camila Alves McConaughey’s Wedding Dress Tags: business interest, hollywood, people magazine, soapbox, veil, yay [...]

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[...] the dress up close — pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. Read more on People MagazineRelated [...]

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[...] The details behind — and photos of — the dress Camila Alves wore for her wedding to Matthew McConaughey are starting to make the rounds. According to People magazine, the designer of the beaded lace gown was a Brazilian by the name of Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The name may not be familiar to us, but it certainly was to Alves; the 78-year-old Branco is a longtime family friend. [People] [...]

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