Another successful online love story that started over a sweet ice cream date in Mornington, Melbourne. Now 6 years later, they tie the knot in a gorgeous rustic barn style wedding! #RCRealBride Jessica wore the very unique Nalani gown by Maggie Sottero. Embroidered lace motifs and illusion side panels accent the bodice in this vintage-inspired, pleated ballgown with pockets, comprised of Eniko specialty textured fabric. Complete with bateau neckline and V-back. Finished with covered buttons over zipper and inner elastic closure. Photography by Jerome Cole Photography THE FIRST SIGHT We first met online as so many people do these days, and after a couple of weeks talking we decided to meet. Our first meeting was at an ice-cream shop called Tutti Frutti in Mornington. I remember being very nervous sitting there waiting him to show. When I first saw him I was pleasantly surprised that he looked better than his photos. It was a great first date. We had ice cream and walked along the pier, we laughed and talked for hours, there was instant chemistry, I just remember being happy the whole time. The things that stood out most about Joey were his laugh and how infectious it was, how easy he was to talk to and his intense blue eyes. He had a great sense of humour and we really were able to build on that throughout the beginnings of our relationship. We were both very happy after our first meeting and clearly it went well for us to have gotten married 6 years later. THE PROPOSAL When Joey proposed we had been together for just over 5 years. It was a perfect moment. We had planned a last minute holiday to Europe and had planned to spend New Years Eve in Edinburgh to experience Hogmanny. I was really hoping he would propose, but didn’t think he would have had enough time to organize a ring. It was raining and we were cold. We had a 30 minutes stop at Loch Lomond whilst on a bus tour. It was the first time I had spent any decent time in snow which I enjoyed picking up and throwing (at Joey). Joey was setting up his camera on the banks of Loch Lomond for a photo and I was walking up and down the walkway next to the lake, enjoying the view even though it was raining. I turn around and Joey is on his knees asking me to marry him. It was so lovely. It was very us. I remember laughing and crying. It was such an ‘us’ spot as we have been to New Zealand a number of times and we just love viewing the mountains and the lakes. Being proposed to on the banks of Loch Lomond with the mountains in the distance was incredibly romantic, it was absolutely perfect. It was great because it wasn’t overly planned and that isn’t Joey either. He went with the moment and what felt right. THE VENUE There are so many amazing things to say about Tanglewood. It is one of those venues that has it all. The number one thing was the chapel. I had always wanted to get married in a chapel in Autumn, lucky for us they had a date in May available. The other thing was the barn we wanted a really rustic venue that was big enough for potentially 140 people and enough room to dance. The barn was absolutely perfect and created a magical evening with the fairy lights sparkling above. We did look at other places but nothing compared to Tanglewood for us so we booked it. FAVOURITE MOMENT My favourite part ended up being the ceremony, I was really immersed in what we were doing and amazed by all the people who had showed up to be there for us. The ceremony was written perfectly by Shan, it really captured our relationship and who we are, we still get compliments about how it was a perfect balance between funny and romantic. It was really surreal but absolutely perfect in everyway. The chapel looked amazing, when we were saying our vows it was raining but the sun was shining through creating a really special moment. We loved the reception too, the food by MoreISH was amazing, as was the band, it was great to see everyone up and dancing all night. We both had an absolute blast. THE DRESS My dress made me feel like a princess. I loved it from the moment I put it on. I really wanted a pink dress and the pink appliqué on it was perfect. The dress ended up being very different from what I had envisioned so I did have some doubts but each time I put it on I knew. It really reminded me of Grace Kelly with its box pleats and boat neckline. It actually is very much the wedding dress version of what I normally wear, so it really matched me and my personality. It was a very special and unique dress and I loved it. I bought some extra appliqué too and got a headpeice and shoes to match, so it really did end up being perfect. FINDING THE ONE Carmella was really helpful, as were all the other staff I encountered. Everyone was so polite and helpful. There is an amazing selection of dresses to choose from and is a great spot to see a great variety of wedding dresses. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES My tip isn’t that helpful but, do what makes you happy. Worry about you, your fiancé and what you want. We didn’t end up sticking to our budget and I have no regrets. Our wedding was amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing. It was the absolute best day and went beyond my imagination, everything looked amazing which has a lot to do with our amazing vendors. Everyone went above and beyond to make my vision a reality and create our dream wedding. I also recommend taking some time on the day to just be together and enjoy each moment as the day really just goes so quickly. VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photographer: Jerome Cole Venue: Tanglewood Estate Church/Celebrant: Shannon Jeans Flowers: Naomi Rose Floral Design Cake: Nerida The Buttercream Mumma Hair: Shauna Big Tease Makeup: Victoria MUA Shoes/Headpeice: Jeanette Marie Invites: Ink Hearts Paper Suits (groomsmen and page boy): Mickey Blue Mornington Duo(Ceremony/Canapes): We are Paper Hearts Band(Reception): Baker Boys Band Bridesmaid Dresses: Fairytale Bridals Bonbonerie: Lollie station bags from Sixpence Collection on Etsy Table numbers and menus: Sketch and Etch Creative Rings: Ellissi Jeweler Bridal Jewellery: Minzemays Mornington Videographer: One Heart Studios Neon Signs: Personalised one Sketch and Etch Neon. Hired one Style hire and co Linen: Simons Linen Hire Flower girl dresses: Dollcake Vintage Veil: Madame Tulle