Elegant & classic #rcrealbride Emily was married in Melanie by Maggie Sottero in a charming country wedding in Narmbool Homestead, Elaine, Victoria. Photographed by One Point Photography THE FIRST SIGHT Michael and I meet on RSVP! I was forced by my maid of honour Emilie to get out into the online dating scene. After talking to a few people, Michael sent me an ‘online kiss’. We had mutual friends and went to the same high school, so he proceeded to find me on Facebook and message me on there! We then had a dinner and movie date and we were done with the online dating world after one try as we found each other, the rest is history. THE PROPOSAL We were in Phuket, Thailand on holidays. It was our second day of the 10-day trip and we had been having a fun, relaxed day in the pool at our resort. I really didn’t want to do anything that night but relax and stay at the resort, little did I know that Michael had booked a private booth covered in flowers at the beautiful Plum Restaurant at Cape Sienna overlooking the ocean. He somehow convinced me to go out, but I agreed…reluctantly. Assuming we were without a booking I just asked for a table although having seen the beautiful booth I was secretly wishing we could be sitting there! After we sat at the normal table, Michael excused himself and then informed the waitress with some difficulty as he was a getting very nervous at this stage that the booth booked was for us. He then came over and told me he could get us a better table, and I immediately knew! He then got down on one knee and after a few tears and a million oh my gods I finally managed to say “yes!” THE VENUE We both wanted a location we could have the reception and ceremony in the same venue. We also wanted a beautiful country-feel wedding. We both agreed Narmbool, Homestead was the perfect choice because it had amazing views and manicured gardens, so we couldn’t say no to such an amazing location. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT Our vows and the ceremony was very special Michael wrote the most beautiful vows for me so it made it so personal. But the best part of the day was after all the official duties were done and we could party! I have had so many guests tell me how it was one of the most fun weddings they have ever been to and I couldn’t agree more we had such a great night dancing and just really enjoying the fact that we were married, we really didn’t want the night to end! THE DRESS The dress was perfect for me, it suited my body and made me feel so special. I loved the gold underlay and the lace it really was my dream dress. THE RC EXPERIENCE It was my first time at trying on dresses and after the I tried the fifth dress I was in tears and saying yes to the dress! I had Lucy help me on the day and she was so lovely after picking out a few dresses together and thinking the fourth dress was close to the one she brought out the dress I choose. After only meeting me she worked out what would work for my body and it was the perfect choice. It was such an easy decision and I think the happy tears from myself and my Mum and bridesmaids just cemented that it was the one! ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES I was a complete stress head in the lead up to the wedding, but if you can try to relax, do it because the day will always be perfect and everyone will be there to help if you need it, so just ask. I was given a wedding planning folder by my Maid of Honour and the start of planning and it’s a great help to have everything written down in one place, so I’d highly recommend getting one. Lastly, find great vendors and suppliers that you feel comfortable with and the day will always run smooth. Celebrant: Anastasia Meek http://www.anastasiameek.com.au/ Florist: Reus Nursery Photographer: One Point Photography http://www.onepointphotography.com/ Venue: Narmbool Homestead http://sovereignhill.com.au/ DJ and Photobooth: Modish Entertainment http://www.modishevents.com.au/ Make Up artist: Amy Glab Hair: Hair Republic Cake: Pretty Pretty Cake https://www.facebook.com/PrettyPrettyCake String Trio: The Eureka Strings http://www.eurekastrings.com/