Giving up your dream career for the person you love would not be an easy decision to make. Real bride, Dani, gave up a career as a performer on a cruise ship seems like a job anybody would kill for. But if your mind and heart isn’t in the right place you won’t be living in the present moment. Taking a huge chance and coming home to Melbourne to be with Brad all became clear when he proposed on their first anniversary. From both swiping right on Tinder, to changing one another for 2 years to then leaving for her dream job and then ending her contract early this love story is full of excitement and above all, undeniable love. #RCREALBRIDE Dani wore the striking Nicole Spose in 19127. The perfect combination of sexy and sweet with beautiful lace detail throughout this fit and flare wedding gown. Low back and button detail makes the back on this wedding dress a major detail. Photographer: Kristof Photography THE FIRST SIGHT Brad and I met through Tinder in 2014 and we both knew there was an instant connection. I had a feeling that Brad was supposed to be in my life because from 2014 to 2016 we were on and off and kept wanting to see each other and be around each other. It was so fun and easy to be myself around him. We didn’t pursue this because I was a professional dancer and wanted to travel the world dancing. I began working on a cruise ship as a performer, I broke my contract early and ended my dancing career to come home early because I was absolutely in love with Brad and wanted to settle down with him. THE PROPOSAL Brad proposed when we spent the weekend of our 1st year anniversary in Mornington. We went out for dinner along the beach whilst his mum and sister spread rose petals around our airbnb. When coming home I honestly thought someone had broken into the place, I was so confused! Brad gave me a card and while I was reading it, he pulled out a box with a ring and asked me to marry him. I had no idea he was going to propose but leading up to that weekend, I kept thinking “What if he proposes to me? Is he going to propose to me?” and it came true! THE VENUE We chose BramLeigh Receptions in Croydon because ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to get married under a gazebo in a garden and BramLeigh’s gazebo was perfect! Brad and I both loved the classic white Victorian look, the round tables with a dance floor in the middle and the beautiful gardens so BramLeigh just blew us away! We only went to one venue before seeing BramLeigh and instantly knew this place was the one for us. It was the easiest choice of the whole wedding besides picking my dress and saying yes to Brad! FAVOURITE MOMENT My favourite part of the wedding was seeing Brad for the first time and watching his reaction to seeing me. He was crying with happiness which made me so emotional because I had never seen him cry before – he hides it so well! Another favourite part was dancing with all the guests towards the end of the night. Both Brad’s family and mine love a good boogie and a lot of my dancing friends were there. It felt amazing celebrating with all the people in our lives who we both love and treasure so much. THE DRESS My dress made me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth. I felt so confident and happy – like I was a model for the day! My favourite feature of the dress was the tight mermaid fit and of course that it showed off my back with beautiful beads and lace. I tried on over 12 dresses, but I knew as soon as I put this one on that it was the one. It made me very emotional and both my mother and mother in law cried when I wore it for the first time so that made me know 100% this was it. FINDING THE ONE My shopping experience at RC Brunswick was amazing! I booked in an appointment last minute the day I found my dress and they were extremely helpful when showing them pictures of the style and fit that I was looking for. I had Teresa as my consultant, and she was absolutely lovely and really supportive. Previously in other stores I had the consultants pick the dresses for me and disagree with what I wanted while Teresa let me take the reins and made sure I knew that it was completely my decision and it’s what I’m comfortable in that’s most important. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES I would say to any future brides that as much as you want to please your guests and family, remember that at the end of the day it is ALL about you and your new husband and how you picture your perfect wedding. Whatever drama or issues that lead up to or happen on your day… I promise it won’t even cross your mind because the day will honestly be the best, happiness day of your life and nothing can bring you down! Enjoy every second as it goes by so fast and you’ll wish to relive it over and over! Also, can you give us a tip on how to keep a happy relationship? Communication, humor and remembering how special your love is will help in any relationship! You are a team so never stop caring and working hard for your team. VENDORS Gown: Raffaele Ciuca Photographer: Kristof Photography Venue: BramLeigh Receptions Flowers: Debbie O’Neil (Gazebo and centrepiece flowers) DayDream Florals (Bouquets and Buttonholes) Cake: Friend of the family Hair: Magical Makovers Makeup: Vass Makeup