Brienna + Richie met in a nightclub, and the first words Richie said were, “I’m going to marry you!” After a few years of dating, they had the dreamiest #justsaidyes moment with champagne on the beach… then married at Phillip Island in Australia with their nearest and dearest. Brienna wore her mother’s veil, made with Italian lace, pairing perfectly with the Hadley by Sottero and Midgley . We’re so honoured to have been a small part of their happily ever after.
#RCREALBRIDE Brienna wore the Sottero and Midgley ‘Hadley’ gown. This alluring fit-and-flare features striking lace motifs, a low back, and a sexy sweetheart neckline accented with a shimmer of sequins and beading. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure. Detachable illusion cap-sleeves accented in lace appliqués sold separately.
Photography: Aria Photography
THE FIRST SIGHT
Richie and I met in one of Darwin’s most popular nightclubs and it was love at first site. He spotted me from across the bar and made his way towards me, when I walk passed he “accidentally” pushed one of the bar stools into me to get my attention. Taken back by his charming smile and bright blue eyes my first words spoken after he told me how beautiful I was “I’m going to marry you”.
We began dating not long after and the rest is history.
THE PROPOSAL
After months of suspicious questions around “gold or white gold” and “halo or no halo” Richie had created the most stunning engagement ring (literally out of my Pinterest dreams).
One Sunday afternoon, Richie asked me to be ready to go by 5pm. He’d packed a beautiful picnic and we headed down to the beach. The sun was setting and Richie’s nerves were mounting, he finally got down on one knee and pop the question. The champagne flowed and we began making calls to our family and friends to let them know the great news. We were on cloud 9 and I was over the moon to begin planning our big day!
Coincidentally Richie popped the question on the same day as my grandparents celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary – very special date that will never be forgotten.
THE VENUE
Richie is a Victorian and I am from Darwin – we decided to pick a Victorian location as there seemed to be endless opportunities.
Richie has a soft spot for Phillip Island and it was as easy as that! After weeks of researching venues, scrolling Instagram and making phone calls we booked our flights down and started viewing venues around Phillip Island. It was pure luck that we found Trenavin Chapel situated right on top of the cliffs in Ventnor – an absolutely breath taking venue. After visiting Trenavin Chapel we were sold, the picturesque setting, the gorgeous white chapel and summer house it was an easy decision. We chose Cape Kitchen for our reception and arranged buses for our guests to and from the venues.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
Being a very organised person I absolutely thrived during the lead up to the big day – I loved created a detailed run sheet, check lists, booking in appointments and arranging the day minute by minute. My favourite part would be the moment Richie put the ring on my finger, all the nerves instantly went away!
I was also lucky enough to wear my mother’s veil which she was gifted for her wedding. It is made from Italian lace and was sent to her by my Father’s Nonna over 35 years ago.
THE DRESS
I wore the Sottero and Midgley “Hadley” dress and I felt like an absolute princess! I’d dreamed of wearing a fit and flare style wedding dress and it was perfect. After a few recommendations, I booked in for an appointment with Raffaele Cuica Brunswick store and I was determined to find the dress. I gave myself no back up plan – good thing I didn’t need it as Raffaele Cuica had every dress you could imagine. I came prepared with a list of dresses I wanted to try on (slight bridezilla vibes) and after the first 4 dresses I tried on the Hadley and it was THE ONE! It’s true what they say, you really do know when it’s the one.
FINDING THE ONE
Couldn’t fault the experience at Raffaele Cuica, from booking the appointment I received prompt email reminders and confirmation to the moment I walked into the store I was treated like royalty. Teresa was so kind and allowed me the time to try on dresses and I felt so comfortable, she genuinely helped me find the dress of my dreams!
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
- Surround yourself with positive and supportive people in the lead up to your wedding (don’t let anything get you down, this is your day!)
- Start a run sheet from a week out of the wedding – it will help to get the last minute jobs done early and feel less stressed in the lead up to the big day!
- Give your phone to a close friend or family member the day of the wedding so they can capture the wedding. That way, when you wake up the next day you’ll have photos to look through and relive it all!
#BirchWinsTheLogie
VENDORS
Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal
Photographer: Aria Photography
Makeup Artist: Georgina Alexandra
Hair Stylist: Emma Jean Bridal Hair
Invitations: Lauren Skorsis
Reception and archway florals: Melbourne Event Florals
Reception Venue: Cape Kitchen
Ceremony Venue: Trenavin Chapel
Celebrant: Lisa-Anne
