THE LOVE STORY This week we interviewed #rcrealbride Caroline who married the love of her life Israel in our Natalia wedding gown by Sottero and Midgley on the 1st July 2017. THE FIRST SIGHT In November 2012 I has just finished Uni and my best friend and I decided to go on a holiday to the USA. New York City was the first stop and we were there for 2 weeks. My now husband, Israel, worked as the doorman at the hotel we were staying in NYC. After a week I finally gained the courage to ask him on an ice skating date, he declined, but suggested we go to dinner instead. That night, and the few nights that followed, he showed me all around New York City. It was like having my own person tour guide! Our first date he took me to Times Square! It felt like a movie! Time came that I had to leave, so we promised to stay in touch. We did and a few weeks later we met up again in San Francisco. Yes he flew across the country to meet me again! We knew we definitely had a connection. Once returning to Australia we kept in contact and six months later I moved to New York City to see if it would work out… it definitely did! We are now happily married and living in Melbourne. THE PROPOSAL Israel and I went for a holiday to Orlando Florida and decided to check out the theme parks. The whole day he was acting a little bit ‘off’ but I thought maybe it was because I am scared of rides and he kept having to ride them alone. After lunch he fell asleep on a bench in the middle of Disney World! At the time I thought he was just being strange, but now I know it was the nerves. He proposed to me during the firework show at Disney World. It was like time stopped. I didn’t even hear him propose. I just saw the ring and started crying, it was a very sweet moment! THE VENUE I liked the convenience of having the ceremony and reception at the same location. There are so many places that offer that, but the gardens were beautiful and the reception has a air of romance to it. The gardens provide so many photo opportunities that you can have your bridal shoot right there, which we did. I am so glad we decided to get married at Bram Leigh. Their level of service is second to none and they have lots of inclusions. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT The ceremony was definitely the highlight for me, yes the whole day was amazing but the ceremony was the heart and soul of the day. Standing there in front of my loved ones and making those lifelong promises to Israel is something that I will remember forever. It was the only part of the day where I could really stop and just take it all in! A very close second was getting ready with my Mum and bridesmaids that morning! It was just a fun start to the day! THE DRESS I could not have felt better in the dress. It hugged me in all the right places and because of the boning it didn’t move at all! It wasn’t really the style of dress I was looking for, but my Mum forced me to try it on. Like always, mothers are always right! I think it was the perfect wedding dress. Lace with a touch of beading! I wore the dress with a hoop, it sounds very ‘old school’ and I wasn’t very keen on wearing one but it really helped lift the dress. So instead of the weight of the dress laying on my body, the hoop held it up and kept it in a nice shape all day. FINDING THE ONE Honestly – I can’t say any particular person because every single staff member we encountered was professional and helpful. I am recommending your beautiful boutiques to all my bride to be friends! Don’t worry if you have no idea what you want, I visited Raffaele Ciuca about 5 times before deciding on a dress, and each time the ladies were helpful! ADVICE Try not to doubt the dress! When you first get it, it’s unaltered and you might start regretting and over thinking your decision. TRUST ME the Raffaele Ciuca alterations department are amazing, no, beyond amazing. They will make you look and feel like the queen you are on your wedding day! They pin and tuck in all the right places. Oh and, make sure your husband to be brings a spare shirt on the wedding day. Last thing you want is gravy stains on a white shirt in all your photos!