#RCREALBRIDE Kimberley was married to Benjamin at their country property in Longford, Victoria. This relationship had some hard tests being separated by thousands of miles for months at a time. Kimberley looked like a soft angel in her Pronovias gown in Dramia. Gauze and tulle combined create this vaporous dress lending it lots of movement. A two-piece effect design, combining its straight skirt with fitted V-neck bodice, and crossed back in tulle and guipure. A romantic dress that will make your heart soar. Photography: Emma Lazzaro Photography THE FIRST SIGHT We were both living in Perth, I was studying, and he was working away. Unfortunately, I had to leave the country due to accidentally overstaying a visa (I got back though with ease) and it was 5 weeks before I was planning on leaving and I went out with some friends for a Sunday sesh to The Saint. I was at the bar getting a drink and met his sister (Amelia). We started chatting and then she told me to come and meet her brother (Ben), so I did. There was an instant attraction, we spent the next week together, he then went back to work for a two week but came home early. We then spent the last two weeks together before I left. I was back in the UK for 6 months, we spoke every other day over skype and messages and when I returned in July we got together, the rest is history. I honestly didn’t think I would be able to get back to Australia and I wanted to do it on my own terms and not through his visa, so it was very nerve racking knowing that we might possible never see each other again, but we kept in touch regardless. THE PROPOSAL We were together for nearly 4 years before he proposed, and I didn’t see it coming! I was completely shocked. We had never really spoken about it properly, so I just assumed it wasn’t happening any time soon. He is not the most romantic type so to go to the efforts he went to was incredible. THE VENUE We chose to get married at our home in Longford. We wanted a country feel and from looking around the area we just didn’t seem to find anything and someone mentioned about having it at our property. Ben really wanted the horses to be a part of it somehow, so it just made sense to have it there. We have 25 acres so more than enough space, and hired a marquee etc. I loved that it was at our home, simply because it is our home! It made it so much more special. FAVOURITE MOMENT My favourite parts of the wedding were: My dress! The location and the way we had decorated it Walking down the isle! I was smiling from ear to ear The celebration with everyone and having people fly over from the UK and other states to be there. Everything! THE DRESS Omg the dress! I knew as soon as I had it on that it was the one! I had researched places and dresses before going, as everyone does, and had in my head that I wanted long sleeved with lace. Anyway, I booked this appointment and had seen on the website MY dress and thought I have to try that on (even though it wasn’t long sleeves). The first time I tried it on it fit perfectly and before even seeing it in the mirror I was smiling and just knew! My favourite feature was the back! The lace was incredible and the detail on the back was just the best. So many people commented about the dress at the wedding. FINDING THE ONE The experience at RC was the best! I had been to a few other shops previously and the staff were nice, but nothing compared to those at RC Armadale. I had the friendly Jo, who instantly helped. She helped with anything I needed and also left us to just chat and admire dresses when I had them on. She wasn’t pushy in any way at all but very helpful! Throughout the entire process of me going back and forth to places Jo made it so easy and I always felt welcome when I went in there, by all the staff members. When I had decided on THE ONE, they even brought out champagne for us which was a very ice gesture. As I am from the UK, my mother was unable to be there at the first fitting, but when she was over on holidays Jo let us come in again simply to try the dress on for her. This was very nice as I know they have busy appointments and I had already purchased mine. To top it off Jo even then came out with a glass of champagne for me and my mum as she had missed this the first time. This obviously made my mum cry she was so happy. I could not have asked for better service! ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Try and be as organised as possible, try and do things early if you can. I had most things booked and organised way before the wedding, so in the lead up I was able to chill out and relax and look forward to it instead of rushing around. Go with your heart, if that’s what you want for the day then try and make it happen. Don’t let too many people try and tell you what to do. It is hard when you have so many people trying to give you input. VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photographer: Emma Lazzaro Photography Venue: Our Home, Longford, Victoria Flowers: The Fresh Flower Market Warrnambool Cake: CakeBooth Australia Hair: Tammy Neyland Make-Up: Holly Lange (Dollhouse Beauty Parlour)