We have to give it to the Groom, Myles – he knew from early on what he wanted and was very patient in gaining the attention from Danielle. Years in the making to develop this love story into what it blossomed in today. Special mention to his efforts in trying to organise the perfect proposal and accidentally missing the romantic dinner planned and then having to pay for the same proposal all over again – at least it worked out in the end! #RCREALBRIDE Danielle wore world famous wedding dress designer Berta in gown style 15-15. The impeccable fit of Berta Bridal designer wedding dresses is shown in this stunning lace and crepe gown. The delicately beaded lace cap sleeves and centre panel is figure-flattering. Photographer: Ross Wallace THE FIRST SIGHT Myles and I first met at the Leederville Hotel in June 2010. I don’t recall seeing him that night but we had a mutual friend – his mate Michael. From there Myles had added me on Facebook and nothing really eventuated for months until my sister happened to come home one day to tell me that her friend Lydia’s brother had a crush on me. Not knowing who she was talking about, I took to Facebook to see Myles’ sister and my sister were also friends. We ran into each again in November at a friend’s party and again at New Year’s, where he happened to be my new years kiss that year. In January 2011 he asked me on a date, I didn’t think this would go anywhere. He was 2 years younger than me and I just never thought we were compatible. However, after a few dates, I could be proven wrong and my feelings and reciprocal crush on Myles grew. By May of 2011 he had asked me to be his girlfriend, and it was the start of it all. THE PROPOSAL The proposal occurred in Singapore in April 2016. We were holidaying and Myles had let me know he had booked a nice dinner on the Saturday evening. In true Myles fashion he was so excited all day (he’s never been good at keeping secrets or hiding his feelings) and wouldn’t tell me where we were going. Finally, he let me know that we were dining in the sky on the cable carts but upon checking his booking paper had realised we had in fact missed the dinner, he had accidently booked it for the Friday evening. He left the room in a fluster and came back in extremely upset. I had a feeling at this point that perhaps a proposal might have been in the works that night. I told him to make the reservation for the next night, which he did (and had to pay for a whole other dinner as it was pre-paid only). We turned up for a lovely dinner in the Cable Cars on Sunday 24 April. It was a beautiful night and we saw all of Singapore. We then took a stroll up to the top of Mount Faber where in a gazebo overlooking the harbour and Myles proposed. THE VENUE We chose to have a church wedding at Sacred Heart, Highgate as the church wedding was important to me. The location was central and close to where we both grew up. For the reception, we loved Sandalford Estate. The barrel rooms reminded me of a Tuscan Vineyard, and with my mum’s parents both from Tuscany it felt like a perfect setting since there were not able to be here with us in person. We had also heard the food was spectacular and the venue had received excellent feedback on their wedding service. Sandalford was the first place we looked. We then spent another 6months looking at everything else just to be sure. Then back to Sandalford, it was the standout all along. FAVOURITE MOMENT The church ceremony. It was very special, I liked the formality of it all. The lead up to the wedding – it was so humbling to have so many people care about your event and send their love and well wishes to help you celebrate. The décor of our reception venue – we used Amber Jasper Stylist and she really transformed the room into everything I could have hoped for and more. The dress – I always wanted a Berta. It was so special to me and I am so grateful to my parents who made that dream a reality for me. I didn’t want to take it off, it made me feel wonderful – like true bride. THE DRESS The dress – I always wanted a Berta. I had been stalking them on Instagram for years. All their work is so amazing, the gorgeous lace details – they are like no other gowns I had seen. However, being from Perth this wasn’t going to be a reality unless we travelled. So with my gorgeous mum in toe, we came to Melbourne and booked an appointment with the Armadale store. Rita looked after us so wonderfully. I knew I wanted to try the 15-15 dress on. I love the lace detail, the low neckline – it was all so superb. It was the first one I tried on and I was in love. FINDING THE ONE Rita – was wonderful to us, she made us feel so comfortable and the whole experience special. Jo – for all her assistance in arranging the dress details for us and understanding about our travel and time constraints being from Perth. A big thank you for all your work and assistance, we really appreciate it. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES My only tip is to not compare yourself to others. Do what you want, with what you have and enjoy the real meaning behind it all – the love and unison of family. Take time to appreciate how many people in your life are there to celebrate you. It’s a humbling experience and for sure my favourite part high above all the material items. VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photographer: Ross Wallace Venue: Sandalford Estate, Caversham (reception) Church/Celebrant: Sacred Heart Church, Highgate with Priest – Father Irek Czech Flowers: Amber Jasper Stylist Cake: The Cake and I Hair: Status Hair Boutique (special thanks Laura and Ally) Makeup: Taylah Jackson Make Up Shoes: Georgie’s Bridal Boutique, Wembley Invites: The Rustic at Heart – I found Erin on Etsy and I couldn’t thank her enough Suits: MJ Bale Band/DJ: DJ Soul Sounds Bridesmaid Dresses: Alice McCall Table Centrepieces: Amber Jasper Stylist Rings: Michael Hill