Chantel & Peter - Sottero And Midgley Hadley Wedding Gown -

Could this have been love at first sight? Chantel tells us about the first time she saw Peter playing in a soccer tournament. Driven to see him again she returned the following week and asked friends and family about him in hopeful attempts to try make connection. Well, Chantel was onto something because 6 years later he popped the question in a well thought out proposal. The video and pictures show a couple that not only love each other but adore one another – congratulations love birds!

#RCREALBRIDE Chantel wore the popular Hadley gown by Sottero and Midgley. This alluring fit-and-flare wedding dress 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE0nov8VQXU

Photographer:  Andrew Avi Photographer

THE FIRST SIGHT

We met at a soccer tournament, which took place over the summer holidays. My sister and cousins convinced me come watch a game as their boyfriends all played in this tournament. I went along, as I had nothing else to do. When I went I spotted Peter my first thought was how attractive he was.

The next time they were going to the soccer, I was like I had to go to! I knew some of his cousins through the Timorese community and through my own family members. Long story short, I asked his cousins about him and they caught on. They pretty much tried to get us talking and he then added me on Facebook and we started talking briefly.

When the tournament was over we all went to Baraci Bar and that’s when we started really getting along and clicking – the rest is history! He then asked me on a date, we went to the movies. We still debate to this day who was interested in whom first, I say I was, he says he makes me think it was me but really, he initiated everything. The feelings I got when I first spoke to him personally is so hard to explain as I had overwhelming butterflies and was so infatuated by him. I think for me I instantly knew that he was meant to be as I knew I felt an instant connection from the first time I spoke to him.

THE PROPOSAL

We were dating for 6 years at the time. It was a Friday. I was working and my routine was to go to boot camp then go home. This Friday was different, my girlfriend who I went to boot camp with cancelled on me, and secondly the boot camp cancelled their class because of the rain (thought it was weird but didn’t second guess it). So I went straight home. When I got home, I opened the front door and “I can’t help falling in love with you” starts playing with candles and rose petals leading from the front door to the backyard. There, Peter was standing under a “marry me” balloon sign, with a collage of pictures throughout our relationship next to him. He then got on one knee as I cried walking to him with the rain pelting down in the background.

Little did I know him and my family had spent the day setting up the home. He managed to get into contact with my boot camp to send me a cancelation text so I could come straight home. He then took me out for dinner and later we met with my family at my grandmother’s house to celebrate. He then further surprised me the next day by cancelling work for me and inviting all his family over to my parent’s house for an engagement celebration.

THE VENUE

We choose Sheldon Reception in Sunshine. It took a bit of research as we both have large families and I wanted a reception that was value for money. Given that we were building our own home we didn’t have a lot of money. Sheldon was the best reception for value of money we came across. We cold have our 250 guests in the budget we wanted.

FAVOURITE MOMENT

We definitely don’t just have one! The entrance was an adrenaline rush, dancing with everyone was so fun! But for me my father daughter dance, which was also a dedication to my late grandfather, was also my favorite.

When my mum went into labor and called my grandparents to meet at the hospital, “California blue” was the song on the radio. From then on it was my grandfather’s favorite song as I was the first grandchild. I remember him always singing it to me and all my cousins knew it was his favorite. Therefore, when the song choice for father daughter dance came up me and my dad both agreed on this song. At that moment, it was just my dad, my grandpa and me. What I love more about this moment was my cousins all got each other up to dance to the song. That moment wasn’t just for me and my dad but for my family.

THE DRESS

I knew I wanted a mermaid style. I went to one shop and was adamant that I wanted to not shop around. I tried on 3-4 dresses and I could just tell none of them weren’t the one. Feeling frustrated my RC consultant actually picked the dress for me and I loved it.

FINDING THE ONE

The staff were amazing! They were all so friendly and took notice of the details and what I was asking – my consultant chose me my dress, which ended up being everything I wanted and more!

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

Remember it is not about the materialistic things – it’s about you, your husband and your family and friends. Sometimes you can get distracted about the little things but have to remember what its really about.