“There is a reason why Raffaele Ciuca has been in business for a long time. Their philosophy is that dresses are pieces of art that then get tailored to you as another piece of art, reflecting your most beautiful lines, character and expression. Go with an idea, but an open mind, and if you’ve been elsewhere and downhearted, please try them. It will change your perception of bridal dress shopping.” #RCREALBRIDE DEBBIE RC – How did you meet Pete? Pete came with a mutual friend to my 21st birthday with the promise of free food and somehow managed to get in all the photos and videos of the cake and speeches. He followed up with a request to make up for crashing my party via MSN messenger (over 11 years ago!) as a thinly veiled request for a date. RC – How did Pete propose? On our 5th year anniversary our tradition of having a picnic was hampered by rainy cold weather. But as we got to the picnic provisions place we not only scored free parking, but a freak change to a hot and sunny day. We got to the park, again scored free parking, then he pretended to hurt his ankle and proposed on one knee. We were then joined by a mother duck and her ducklings-something that over the years became a symbol of my uncle that had been a very important part of my life. An occurrence that also happened on a few of our dates and also our wedding day. RC – Is there a particular reason as to why you chose your venue? We chose Glen Erin in Lancefield as it was far away enough for people to make a weekend of it, but not so far they couldn’t drive down for the day. It allowed us to have the families staying together in the homestead and a relaxed alfresco dinner the night before which made it all the more a family event. Glen Erin has everything on one site, is family owned and run, and has excellent coordination and inclusions.We were able to get ready in the homestead and rooms, married in the chapel, yard games, cocktails and gelato in the Tuscan gravel area overlooking the vineyard, photos onsite, reception in the Vineyard room then the lounge served as the after party venue. Capping the weekend with the catch up recovery breakfast in the restaurant the next day allowed us more time with our guests. RC – Your favourite part of the wedding? The ceremony was my favourite part of the day. Our celebrant got to know us over three years and wrote a ceremony that allowed us to involve and face our community, tell our story and have it as fun as it was emotional. The audience also participated in the processional music, singing, whistling and waving ribbons as a surprise to the groom which swelled the room with love. RC – How did the dress make you feel? I wore the Maggie Sottero ‘Winstyn’ gown which was a fit and flare of ivory lace over light gold satin. The alterations team added tulle cap sleeves which all together made me feel elegant, curvy and feminine. RC – How was your bridal shopping experience at RC? Despite losing 20kgs, I was still very curvy, short and my ‘cup runneth over’ if you know what I mean. Having had a previous negative experience, I had confidence my bridal salon experience at Raffaele Ciuca Armadale could help erase that. My sister had bought her gown there 20 years before, as had other friends. Maria asked me what I liked, then curated options that was a blend of what I thought I wanted and her experienced eye. I was made to feel that anything was an option which was in stark contrast to the previous experience and encouraged with positivity, constructive advice and seasoned professional experience. RC – Advise for brides to be? There is a reason why Raffaele Ciuca has been in business for a long time. Their philosophy is that dresses are pieces of art that then get tailored to you as another piece of art, reflecting your most beautiful lines, character and expression. Go with an idea, but an open mind, and if you’ve been elsewhere and downhearted, please try them. It will change your perception of bridal dress shopping. DEBBIE WEARS OUR WINSTYN GOWN BY MAGGIE SOTTERO