Fate kept putting Kristel & Sean in each others paths over several years, leading them to form a beautiful love story of 10 years, headed into forever! Kristel and Sean tied the knot at the picturesque Zonzo Estate on a Summery Feburary afternoon. #RCRealBride Kristel wore the classic Pronovias Drabea gown. A mermaid dress, fitted at the waist with a halter neck decorated with gemstone appliqué following into the armholes, narrow diamond straps and a spectacular V back. The skirt opens out low at the back into a spectacular train in the same fabric as the dress. Photographed by Michael Briggs THE FIRST SIGHT Now, it all depends who you ask about how our story began, either way it all started in 2006. I was working behind a bar and Sean was enjoying a cheeky pint, we spoke briefly over the exchange. Apparently I had caught Sean’s eye and perhaps this is why it was a more memorable meet for him. Later that year, ironically in a bar called Walkabout, we met (for Sean, the second time) through mutual friends on a night out. We arranged a date to meet again and so the relationship began to grow. As time past, Sean found himself transitioning through a variety of jobs, I travelled overseas with my work. It wasn’t until 2009 when I got back in touch with Sean between work overseas that the relationship developed further. After a few trips of Sean visiting me whilst working overseas, I moved back to the UK, and it was then Sean’s work, a few years later, that took us on our next chapter, migrating to Australia. THE PROPOSAL Sean proposed in Melbourne Botanical Gardens by the lake whilst walking our fur baby Milo. We had been dating for 9 years before he proposed. We had obviously discussed getting married and this point, having migrated to Australia some 4 years previously, I was hoping that big question would come soon! I didn’t see it coming on this day but it was about time! THE VENUE We chose Zonzo Estate in the Yarra Valley. It wasn’t a hard choice, we chose 4 venues to visit, Zonzo being the second to actually view and we knew as soon as we left that this was the location for us. Sean’s family is Italian, so Zonzo’s authentic Italian cuisine, bright airy space, picturesque views and sharing tables was exactly what we wanted. With both of our families being overseas, we wanted to hold one big party to bring the family together in our new home Melbourne Australia! Added bonus that it also happened to be a winery! FAVOURITE MOMENTS Seeing each other for the first time. For me it was Sean under the barrel room door archway looking back at me and for Sean,” Watching Kristel walk down the aisle”. Enjoying a couple of minutes to ourselves during our couples photos. We had a cheeky five minutes under the sunset in the vineyard whilst our guests where enjoying mains. Walking back from our couple photo shoot to the restaurant and seeing all our family and friends dancing, celebrating and having fun! THE DRESS Oh my dress! Firstly, THE BIGGEST thank you to Pina at the Brunswick store and Rita at the alterations department. To be honest, everyone would say “when you put the dress on, you will know it’s the one” but despite all the beautiful dresses I tried, I just couldn’t find THE ONE! I loved the French crepe material and fishtail design of the Drabea dress by Pronovias but it wasn’t quite what I wanted, until it was fitted to me perfectly with the help of the alteration department. I just put my trust in the experts, and the team did an amazing job customising the dress until I loved it. I felt amazing in my dress, like a women as odd as that may sounds! FINDING THE ONE Exceptional! Pina and Rita for seeing my dress vision and confirming it could happen. Also, Luana and Jo for being such perfectionists and making me feel at ease through every alteration appointments. What a dream team! VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photographer: Michael Briggs Venue: Zonzo Estate Church/Celebrant: Amber Kennedy Flowers: Sugar Bee Flowers Cake: Ferguson Plaza Hair: Sarah Hounsell – Hair by Sarah Hounsell Makeup: Carmen Lyon – Carmen Lyon hair and make up Shoes: Toni Bianco Invites: Wix – (Wedding website due to all our family living overseas) Suits: The Suit Concierge (Richmond) Band/DJ: Lark Music Bridesmaid Dresses: Bonbonerie: Homemade Limoncello Table Centrepieces: Sugar Bee Flowers Rings: Tiffany & Co.