#RCREALBRIDE Alyce was bathed in sun in her regional Victoria Wedding. Married where lakes meet the sea, Alyce & Chris said ‘I DO’ in an intimate gathering of close friends and family. Alyce looked like a vision of perfection in her Rosa Clara ‘Vega’ gown. A sexy sheath gown adorned with delicate lace beadwork. A slinky fit and flare gown with a high neckline and low scooped back. THE FIRST SIGHT Chris & I actually met on social media! We went on a dinner date soon after we started talking, and haven’t looked back since. THE PROPOSAL I have family in Queensland, so Chris and I often visit the Gold Coast. We had planned a trip up there and we were staying with family for most of our holiday – but, Chris had booked us a two-night stay at the Hilton in Surfer’s Paradise. On the morning after our first night there, Chris took me onto the balcony and handed me his phone. I watched his video proposal – a ‘Love Actually’ style video complete with flashcards AND my favourite Keith Urban song playing in the background. When the video finished, Chris got down on one knee and presented me with my beautiful Michael Hill ring band asked me to marry him! THE VENUE My grandparents own a holiday house in Lakes Entrance. Growing up, my family and I spent many school holidays at the holiday house. I have so many fond memories at this house and in the town of Lakes Entrance. It is a very special place to me. The ‘Lakes House’ was also the first place Chris and I holidayed together. It was where we built some of our earliest memories together. We often visit on weekends and now the house is even more special to us, as it was in this backyard that we committed to each other for the rest of our lives. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT From the beginning of our wedding planning, we wanted a low-key, laid-back, intimate wedding. Our wedding was exactly that – and a whole lot of fun! I loved that we were able to share our day with those closest to us, without the fuss of a big wedding. Our ceremony was at 2pm and, after going off for our bridal party and couple photos/video, we came back to the Lakes House and were able to talk to all of our guests in such a relaxing atmosphere. Oh, and I couldn’t forget – pizza for dinner! That was definitely a hit. THE DRESS My dress was everything I thought I didn’t want in a wedding dress. I was looking for something strapless, fairly plain but also elegant. I did not want beading, sequins or tulle. But, after trying on the styles I thought I would like, Katie (stylist) suggested the Vega gown by Rosa Clara. As soon as I stepped into it and put it on, I knew it was ‘the one’. When I walked out, my mum, sister and nan started crying. They loved it! If I could sum up how I felt in this dress, I would say I felt ‘like a real princess’. Sounds so cliché, but that is exactly how I felt. My favourite part was the back. I loved that it was sheer with beautiful silver beading. FINDING THE ONE My shopping experience was wonderful. I travelled a few hours to visit RC, so I was really hoping I would find ‘the’ dress. Katie (stylist) was so friendly, bubbly and professional. Clearly, she knew the exact dress that would suit me. It was everything I did not have in mind, but she knew I would love it. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES When planning your wedding, it can be so easy to get caught up in all the ‘should be’s’ and ‘should do’s’. Do what YOU want to do. At the end of the day, it is YOUR wedding, so you and your husband-to-be will have the best day if you do exactly what you want to do. And, try not to over-stress. Everybody told me that our day would turn out perfectly – and it did. Your day will go so quickly, so remember to take it all in, and enjoy every moment! VENDORS Photographer: Emily Hodgson from Emilyjane Photography http://www.emilyjanephotography.com.au/ Videographer: Glenn Triggs from Cinema Weddings https://www.cinemaweddings.com.au/ Venue: Lakes Entrance – Holiday House, Eastern Beach and the lakes Entrance Footbridge Flowers: Pollen Appeal, Lakes Entrance https://pollenappeal.com.au/ Cake: A Spoonful of Cake http://www.aspoonfulofcake.com/ Hair: Meraki http://meraki-hair.com.au/ Make-up: Kolorz and Klawz http://www.kolorzandklawz.com.au/