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Chic and sophisticated is how we would describe #rcrealbride Chanel’s wedding to love of her life Chris. Chanel looked stunning our Arleigh gown by Sottero and Midgely.

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

 

THE FIRST SIGHT

    Chris and I met at a nightclub, surprisingly! Not too long after that we both realised that we were mingling in the same circles for a couple of years, but we never actually got to meet each other. Not long after, he asked me to go on a date, and he took me out to the Jam Factory to watch “Jackass” – not very romantic, I know, but at least it broke the ice!

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

THE PROPOSAL

     We both have quite busy work schedules and very little time off, so we decided to go on our first overseas holiday in several years to Iceland. We had the most amazing day at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, then Chris had organised dinner reservations for us at the “Perle” revolving restaurant at the top of the Reykjavik Museum. We arrived a little early so we walked along the observation deck over looking the city. It was so beautiful – it was gently snowing and the view was magical. I turned around to see Chris on one knee, holding up a little box with the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen! I was so shocked and became tearful as he ask me to marry him – and of course – I SAID YES!

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

THE VENUE

    My family is from the Inner Eastern suburbs and South East suburbs of Melbourne, while Chris’ family is from the North Eastern suburbs so we needed something central and easily accessible for all of our guests. As they were in the heart of Melbourne, they were also close to some beautiful photography locations.

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

THE FAVOURITE MOMENT

    I really enjoyed the relaxing moment after the pressure of the formal Ceremony in the church, where the bridal party drove around South Melbourne playing some good tunes, having a glass of Champagne and stopping at various beautiful locations to take photos. I especially loved seeing my fur-babies Cosmo and Cinnamon and having them involved in the photos, as well as stopping at Luna Park and then the Vineyard Bar for a sneaky shot!

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

 

THE DRESS

    I LOVED my dress and I can’t tell you how many people commented on how classy, elegant and timeless it was. I am a ‘less is more’ person, and my biggest fear was choosing a dress that was currently “trendy” but I may live to regret – so my motto is ‘simple elegance’. In my opinion, simple, classic dresses show that you can pull off looking effortlessly chic, and this dress made me feel that way. I was wearing the dress – not the other way around.

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

FINDING THE ONE

    Shopping at Raffael Ciuca Armadale was an amazing and stress-free experience. Everyone was so lovely and accommodating. I felt like all of the girls (especially my stylist Carmella), listened to my needs and concerns and helped me find the perfect gown.

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

 

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

    Try on different styles of dresses to see what types suit your body shape and personal style. Personally, I got stuck in the trap of looking at Instagram and basing my dress search on a vision I had in my head, but this may have been a little naive and unhelpful in the long run, as I tried on many dresses that I thought I wanted but that didn’t suit my shape. I then had to throw out all of my pre-prepared ideas and start again, 2 months until the wedding. I put myself under some unnecessary stress, so I implore you to try dresses on as early as possible after you engagement. Lastly, enjoy your day! Everyone tells you how quickly it goes, and they’re not wrong! Soak it all in, girls!

 

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

Raffaele Ciuca real bride wears Arleigh wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley-57

LIST OF VENDORS

Photographer: Shelley Price via. Poet Weddings (through Erin & Tara)  / Event Stylist/Florist/Stationary: Tori Allen Events / Gifts: Vice & Velvet / Rings: Torres Jewel Co.  / Transport: ExoticLimo Australia (Porsche Cayenne)  / Music: The Baker Boys Band  / Hair: RAW Hair / Make-up: Kate Fletcher  / Shoes: Dolce Firme / Cake: Boutique Cake Art  / Ceremony: St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, South Melbourne  / Reception: The Deck Circa, St Kilda