THE LOVE STORY #rcrealbride Aimee wore the stunning Sottero and Midgley “Winifred” gown for her winery wedding. As featured on Ivory Tribe. Photography by Elk and Willow Image THE FIRST SIGHT __ Rob and I met at school, Mooroolbark College, and we first started talking when we sat next to each other on a school ski trip to Mt Buller. I was 15 and Rob was in the year above me. Even though we were so young, I think we’ve always known we were meant for each other from that very first bus ride. He’s my best friend and we bring out the best in each other. We never stop laughing when we’re together and I can’t imagine what life would be like without that happiness in my life. THE PROPOSAL ___ Rob picked up the ring he’d had made on Monday, 28 November 2016 and he wasn’t sure how or when he was going to propose. After work I suggested we drive down to the beach with our dog, Frankie. We grabbed some burgers and walked along the beach which was a pretty typical night for us and I obviously didn’t’ suspect a thing but Rob was acting a little strange. Just as a thunderstorm started to roll in and we were walking back along the beach to head home, he got down on one knee and proposed! It was such an amazing surprise and it was such a perfect moment, doing something that we love. THE VENUE ___ We wanted our wedding day to be a true representation of the two of us. We wanted it to be a laid back day filled with lots of love, fun and laughs. We knew that Acacia Ridge was the perfect spot for us as soon as we arrived. The venue owners were so easy going and such a pleasure to work with and had the exact vibe we envisioned. We knew food trucks were a must because it’s something we do regularly. There were lots of DIY projects leading up to the day because we wanted lots of games and activities to encourage our guests to get involved and have fun. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT ___ It sounds so cliché but it was definitely seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. I’ve never felt so full of love and happiness! It was also the little moments we got together when it was just the two of us and we got to watch all our friends and family having such a great time together. THE DRESS ___ My friends and my mum and I went shopping shortly after we booked the venue over one weekend. I didn’t have any particular styles I had in mind and was open to anything really. We went to a few stores on the Saturday and we found some nice dresses but nothing felt like it was ‘the one’. On the Sunday we booked a last minute appointment at Raffaele Ciuca and as soon as we walked in, we all felt like the dress for me was there. After trying on a couple of dresses, I tried on the dress that was meant for me. I tried on a couple more after to be sure but we all knew I’d found ‘the one’. The worst part was waiting for my dress to arrive which took months. All I wanted to do was look at it! Aimee wears our Winifred gown by Sottero and Midgley ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES ___ Make the most of all aspects of the wedding including the planning. Everything will fall into place and you’ll only do it once so you want to look back on the time with great memories, not ones of stress. Make sure you take the time together to take in your wedding day because it goes way too fast! Ceremony and reception location: Acacia Ridge, Yarra Glen / Celebrant/ Officiant: it was a joint effort between Allyson Nicholls of Life Long Celebrancy and our long-time friend, Ally / Photography: Elk & Willow / Florist: Piccolo Posy / Hair and Make Up: Hair – Rachael Evans Makeup – Chelsea Darnell Makeup Artistry / Bridesmaids dresses: Rodeo Show / Grooms and groomsmen suits and ties: Briggins