University is such a formative stage in many peoples lives and not a place you typically think you would meet your soul mate, this wasn’t the case for April + Adam. Adam went into the campus cafe where April was working, ordered a coffee which she made for him and we guess after he tried her coffee he was hooked! As time went on they kept bumping into one another and their thirst for getting to know one another grew until they started officially dating. These photos are nothing short of specular, one of our favourite venues in Melbourne for its unique look and antique vibe. Brides all over the world will feast on these #weddinginspo photos and its not hard to see why! #RCREALBRIDE April wore the classic and elegant Ralea By La Sposa. Princess wedding dress style, bodice with V neck lightly draped at front and back. Elegant design by the Spanish designer La Sposa in 2016. The dress has defined volume, seductive details and a romantic elegant appearance. Photographer: Elsa Campbell THE FIRST SIGHT We met when we were both studying at University. I was also working at a café on campus. Adam came into the café one day and I made him a coffee and from that day on we kept running into each other. One day we ran into each other on the way to class and he casually mentioned that he would be getting coffee after class. Would I be getting one too? We met up later that day. He was so charming and handsome and I kept wanting to know more and more about him. We have been inseparable ever since that first coffee. THE PROPOSAL We had been together four years when he took me to Lake Daylesford and we went for a lovely stroll. We love going to Daylesford and went there when we first met so it was a sentimental trip for us. As we were walking back from the lake he casually mentioned that he had to tie his shoe. I told him not to be silly and that I would do it (he has a habit of ripping his pants when he squats and I didn’t want that to happen out at the lake). We tossed up for a while about who would do the shoe tying and both got on one knee. I jokingly said to him, “the only time you should be on one knee is if you have a ring”. He said, “well actually…” and pulled it out of his pocket! I was so shocked I stood up straight away and felt like an idiot for almost ruining the proposal! I was so shocked I forgot to say yes! I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect proposal. THE VENUE The George Ballroom was such an amazing venue and the staff were a dream! I really wanted things to be timeless and classic. We also tried really hard to make the wedding as relaxed as possible. The George Ballroom fit right in with its timeless classic feel. We visited a few places beforehand but fell in love with the George as soon as we saw it. We loved that we barely had to do any styling in the venue as it was already just so stunning. We liked the idea of having the ceremony and reception at the same venue and the George Ballroom worked perfectly for both. We felt as if the venue had been designed with our wedding in mind – it was just perfect. FAVOURITE MOMENT We both loved when the ceremony started and all our nerves just melted away. We couldn’t stop giggling during the ceremony but our celebrant was so lovely about it. We were just so happy we couldn’t keep it in. Adam: After all the formalities were over and we got to relax and everyone was so happy and warm and loving and it just felt like the perfect night had come together April: When we were having private photos after the ceremony and Adam leaned in and said, “so, are we married now?” and I thought “omg yes we are!” It was a moment of realization for the both of us. We just giggled like children. Another favourite moment for me was Adam’s vows. He wrote me the most amazing poem and he got all choked up. I never thought he would get that emotional. He made me ugly cry during the ceremony and we were both just so full of happy tears and it was the most beautiful poem I have ever heard. I will never forget the way he looked at me that day. THE DRESS It took me a while to find a dress that I loved. I originally wanted lace and sleeves and when I went to try them on I just didn’t like how anything looked on me. I ended up getting a dress that was the complete opposite of what I was looking for and after a few alterations I was in love. My dress was Ralea by La Sposa from Raffaele Ciuca in Armadale. The ladies there were lovely and I just felt so comfortable in the dress. I was really surprised as it was a dress I had never pictured myself in. I loved the satin and I got some of the pleating taken out, the train cut off, buttons at the back and pockets put in. I was obsessed with the idea of pockets! Once those changes were made I really felt so comfortable in the dress which is all I wanted and it added to the relaxed feel that we both wanted for our big day. FINDING THE ONE All of the staff that helped me were so amazing. They didn’t get frustrated when I couldn’t decide what I wanted which I was really grateful for! There were so many dresses to choose from and I liked that the ladies seemed to know which direction to point me in for dresses I would like. I’m so glad that they were there to help! ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Start early and decide on the ‘wants’ and the ‘needs’. Also, it’s ok to have the vision in your head change. Planning a wedding means that you will always be seeing new ideas that you love so don’t be afraid to make changes. The day is about reflecting the two of you so make it as personal as you can and enjoy the process! You won’t know what to do with yourself when it’s over. Also, can you give us a tip on how to keep a happy relationship? As far as tips for a happy relationship; make sure you always stay open about how you feel. Tell them you love them every day and don’t stop just because ‘they know’ or ‘you told them yesterday’. Make sure you have fun together and try new things. You’re always going to grow and change as a person so make sure that you try new things together and encourage each other so you can grow together. Also, remember that not every day will be a good day, but it’s the good days that make it all worth while. VENDORS Gown: Raffaele Ciuca Photographer: Elsa Campbell There isn’t enough praise in the world for Elsa. We were so incredibly blessed to have her capturing our day. Her ability to quietly capture subtle moments and fleeting glances has given us the most precious photos that we will treasure forever. Elsa made Adam and I feel so comfortable even when we are both normally very camera shy. We felt completely at ease with Elsa and her wonderful assistant Kyra and were able to have so much fun with the photos. From just a simple stroll down the street we have been given the most amazing memories to look back on. Elsa really took the time to find out what was important to us and what photos we wanted from the day. We think the photos capture our personalities perfectly and love the natural and candid shots. We will never be able to thank Elsa enough. Ceremony & reception venue: The George Ballroom, St Kilda The George Ballroom St Kilda was such an amazing venue and the staff were a dream! Our wedding coordinator was really on top of things and was always there to answer questions we had. Not only was the George Ballroom accommodating and professional, but they were so kind and made our day so special. The second I saw my coordinator Victoria I knew I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Celebrant: Georgia Mills Georgia was just so perfect and so amazing to work with from start to finish. We loved that she really took the time to get to know what we wanted for the ceremony and who we were as a couple. On the day, Georgia made sure that all the guests knew where to go and what to do and she made sure that the entire bridal parties felt at ease. It was so comforting to know that Georgia had everything under control. Georgia took the time to personalize our ceremony and we were so grateful that she gave us a ceremony filled with love that she even tailored it to include our beloved pets! She really just understood what was important to us. We could not have been happier with Georgia. She not only made us feel so at ease during the ceremony but really connected with our guests and brought everyone together to share in our day. Flowers: Grown Florists for bouquets and button holes The rest was DIY! Cake: DIY gift from a beautiful friend Hair: Salon Nine Greenvale Makeup: Dreamcatcher Bridal Shoes: Shoes of Prey Invites: The stationary was DIY by Adam and the signage was a mix of Adams DIY and the smaller gold signs from ‘Fox and Hart’. You can find Fox and Hart on Etsy. Suits: MJ Bale Band/DJ: Melbourne Ultimate mobile DJs Bridesmaid Dresses: ASOS, BooHoo and Cooper St. Bonbonerie: DIY Table Centrepieces: DIY Rings: Adam: Lord Coconut, April: custom from Rhea Nikolaou Jewellery Earrings: Verge Girl – I saw my earrings on a bridal page on Instagram and fell in love! Cufflinks: ASOS – Noose & Monkey Structured Rose Cufflinks which I spray painted gold Vow booklets: A wonderful addition to our ceremony ‘Dabbling Creative’ on Etsy. The handmade paper and personalised covers are amazing and it is a wedding memento that we can keep forever. Perfume: April wore Daisy White by Marc Jacobs Cologne: Adam wore Andy by Hamish Hangers: Custom decal hangers for the bride and bridesmaids from ‘Forever in a name gifts’ on Etsy.