#RCREALBRIDE Ellvana, a classic beauty looking stunning in her fit and flare Maggie Sottero gown in ‘Malina’. While the skies might not have been shinning this bride brightened up every picture.
THE FIRST SIGHT
I met Edin through a mutual friend at his first cousin’s wedding! We got chatting and just really hit it off. There isn’t a more romantic setting than a celebration of love.
THE PROPOSAL
I definitely saw the proposal coming. When I came back from overseas, we were in the car, Edin was driving, and he asked me if I wanted to go ring shopping… Very natural haha.
THE VENUE
We choose the Regal Ballroom in Northcote. We loved the character of the building and more specifically, the ballroom. The moment we walked into the venue, we look at one another and said this is it!
THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
My favourite part was during the ceremony when the Imam asked me to repeat after him and instead, I just said “I DO” instead of repeating after him… It was all a bit of a laugh and think it eased our nerves for the rest of the afternoon.
THE DRESS
I absolutely loved the dress! Initially, I entered Raffael Ciuca with the mindset of buying a long-sleeved lace dress. But then Mum picked out the dress that I ended up buying – a totally different style! I looked at it and thought “Hmmm not sure about this one.” And then the beloved Francesca said mum knows best – give it a go, and she really did, because as soon as I came out, I knew it was the one! Raffael Ciuca was the first bridal store I entered, I tried on 3 dresses and the one I chose ended up being the 3rd and I bought it! I loved it.
FINDING THE ONE
All the ladies were very helpful and loving – from the beginning, to the very end at the alterations stage. Francesa was my bridal expert throughout my experience at RC. She felt like a family member, hence, the reference to “Zia Francesca” for the reminder of my time there ❤!
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Start preparations from the moment you get engaged. That’s what I did. The last 3 months to my wedding consisted of all the ring-arounds for making final deposit payments and arranging drop-offs and pick-ups. It made the lead up to my wedding as stress-free as possible. For me, the best tip would be communication. There is a quite a bit of waiting from the time you purchase your dress, to additions and then alterations, therefore, I believe communication is paramount.
LIST OF VENDORS
Photographer: Sam Vacirca – Studio 477 Photographic Art
Instagram: studio477_photographic_art
Venue: The Regal Ballroom
Flowers: Gloriosa Garden
Cake: Cakes of Distinction
Instagram: cakes_of_distinction
Hair: Julie Isai – Beauty By Julie (BBJ)
Instagram: beauty_byjulie
Makeup: Julie Isai – Beauty By Julie (BBJ)
Instagram: beauty_byjulie