We were so honoured to hear that Gabby has known for a decade prior of getting married that she wanted to find her dream dress with us…all she needed to do was find the husband! Then when her dream man came along, Kelvin, there has been series of events in their dating that seems like their paths were bound to cross no matter what paths their lives took. Elegant and crisp are the photos of this modern Melbourne wedding. #RCREALBRIDE Gabby looked divine in the ‘Hadley’ gown by Sottero & Midgley. This alluring fit-and-flare features striking lace motifs, a low back, and a sexy sweetheart neckline accented with a shimmer of sequins and beading. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure. Detachable illusion cap-sleeves accented in lace appliqués sold separately. Photography: Jordyn Hatchley Photography THE FIRST SIGHT I was living with Kelvin’s best friends fiancé when he moved to Melbourne (they’re from NZ). So by default, we all hung out. I’m also good friends with his brother – we have endless odd connections that we’ve been making even after we got married! THE PROPOSAL We had been together for 9 months. It was The Queen’s Birthday public holiday and I was under the impression we were going for a drive down to Redwood Forrest. Half way, I suggested that he might be driving the wrong way, to which he assured me he knew where he was going – I smiled and took his word for it. Then I started seeing signs for the 12 Apostles, and I started getting suspicious, looking at him with a smirk without saying anything. We eventually arrived at the helicopter pad at the 12 Apostles and I was pretty sure “it” was happening – I rushed to the bathroom and messaged my sister which she responded with “Oh my god! He’s proposing bachelor style!!!” To my surprise, he didn’t propose in the helicopter, so I figured maybe I had gotten ahead of myself haha! We went driving to a couple of lookouts and found a pretty one with a cliff. After plenty of selfies, he asked me if I knew how much he loved me. When I turned around, he was on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring. I said yes before he actually asked, and then I panicked and made him ask so I could say yes again! THE VENUE It didn’t take much time to decide on our venue – Quat Quatta was our final decision. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the venue was absolutely stunning and we couldn’t decide what food to have served – it was all delicious! We could easily envision how beautiful our photos would turn out in a place like that. We loved the crisp white walls, the stunningly detailed windows, the high ceilings, cathedral windows – and what I loved most was the beautiful parquetry on the dance floor! FAVOURITE MOMENT There were a few – my dress certainly being at the top! I wore my mum’s head piece that she wore for her wedding, and my sister after her. I absolutely adored all of our flowers which were a gift from a florist friend of mine. I also hold dear a few photos of my dad helping me out of the car before the ceremony – my mum has the same photo on her wedding day, as does my sister. I also loved how so many of guests were meeting for the first time yet hit it off straight away – it made for a great vibe! THE DRESS My dress was an absolute dream come true. I honestly couldn’t have imagined anything more beautiful. The beading and lace was stunning, and every time I put it on, I didn’t want to take it off. MY favourite feature would have to be between the elegant low back, and the subtle sparkle. I wasn’t a very “glitzy” bride, and this dress had just enough. It made me feel like a princess, and I looked how I always had imagined I would as a little girl after watching Cinderella haha! The dress was also perfect because I had envisioned having a detachable ball gown overskirt, and this dress was perfect for it. It took about 10-15 dresses before landing on this one. FINDING THE ONE My experience with Raffaele Ciuca started a decade ago when my older sister was getting married. She purchased her dress from Raffaele Ciuca and I remember it only being an exciting, positive and friendly experience. I always knew I would return when it was my turn to get married! The Armadale store was lovely and the girls there were so friendly and patient. They offered suggestions without being pushy as I had experienced in other stores. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Don’t be afraid to get organised early! Allow plenty of time (an extra hour or so) the morning of your wedding when getting ready ie. Get your hair done an hour earlier so any changes that need to be made can be done without getting frazzled. Really think about what is important on your wedding day – for us it was our photos, who was in them and where we took them. The best relationship advice I can give – it sounds so cliché, but honestly, communication. And communication after marriage is especially important – don’t assume that you’re married and your partner can suddenly read your mind. You’re both still human J Fall in love over and over again just because you can – I find I do every time I look at our photos or my husband does something he did when we were first dating! VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photography: Jordyn Hatchley Photography Venue: Quat Quatta, Melbourne Flowers: Pomp & Splendour, South Yarra Cake: Crème De La Cakes Hair: Hair by Rozi, Point Cook Makeup: Hellana Makeup Artistry