“My bridal shopping experience couldn’t have been better. Jo at the Armadale store was absolutely amazing, She was so accommodating for my rather large bridal party and allowed me to try the dress on multiple times. I also didn’t feel forced to purchase this dress, and rather, Jo recommended I go home and think about it. Well I dreamt of this dress the next 3 nights and not long after made another appointment and bought the dress.”
#RCREALBRIDE BREA
RC – How did you and your husband meet?
Jay and I met at a coastal town called Lorne on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. We had been spending our Summers at the beach there with friends. Mutual friends of ours introduced us during the Summer of 2007.
RC – The proposal?
The proposal was very romantic!! We were holidaying together on a yacht at the Whitsunday Islands. We had stayed the night at a bay called Chance Bay. We are both scuba divers and we had set off in the morning for a dive. Without me noticing, Jay had planted a rock during the dive, with a purple flotation device attached. On our return past the rock I took an interest in the purple flotation device and was very intrigued as to what it was. With hesitation to touch it, Jay assured me it was ok. I picked the rock up to find the words; Will you marry me? etched on the bottom. I turned around to Jay on his knee on the ocean floor with my amazing ring in his hand. I believe I made it possible to scream under water that day.
RC – Is there a particular reason as to why you chose your venue?
We got married at the gorgeous Clyde Park Vineyard and Bistro. We love the relaxed and rustic feel of the venue. The backdrop of our ceremony overlooked the valley and was picture-perfect. Clyde Park was one of our favourite restaurants to eat at as the food is impeccable. The owner, Terry, made us feel extremely special and to us, that was the icing on the cake.
RC – Your favourite part of the wedding?
A very hard question. I vividly remember walking out to see Jay for the very first time. I did not take my eyes off him as I walked down the aisle. Saying our vows, which we each wrote, was definitely a memorable moment. And then the reception and partying the night away with our nearest and dearest family and friends mingling together was very special.
RC – How the dress made you feel?
My dress was exactly what I was hoping for. I had this exact style of dress in mind before going into Raffaele. I saw the dress on the rack and I was almost hesitant to try it on as I was afraid it wouldn’t suit my figure. Once I put it on and I saw my family’s reaction, I knew this was definitely the dress I would be wearing on my wedding day. It made me feel beautiful but at the same time relaxed and I knew I would be comfortable for the entire day. I thought the vintage style of dress really suited my vineyard venue.
RC – Your bridal shopping experience?
My bridal shopping experience couldn’t have been better. Jo at the Armadale store was absolutely amazing, She was so accommodating for my rather large bridal party and allowed me to try the dress on multiple times. I also didn’t feel forced to purchase this dress, and rather, Jo recommended I go home and think about it. Well I dreamt of this dress the next 3 nights and not long after made another appointment and bought the dress.
RC – Tips for brides-to-be!
Be completely in the moment. I got this piece advice from a colleague of mine the day before the wedding and I made sure I did it. I did not let my mind wander. It was an incredible experience, especially throughout the ceremony and the vows.
Make some time throughout the night to spend with your partner. Take a moment to step back and have a look around the room at all of your family and friends who have made a special effort to be there to help you celebrate. It is actually overwhelming.
BREA WEARS MAGGIE SOTTERO MARRIOTTE GOWN
