They say you never meet people at nightclubs but Lissette and Brian have proven that to be false. While #RCREALBRIDE Lissette was cautious and hesitant at the start, fate took over and brought these two special people together. #RCREALBRIDE Lissette wore the striking Natalia by Sottero and Midgley. Bold lace appliqués adorn the bodice of this tulle fit and flare wedding dress with romantic sweetheart neckline. Available with corset or closure. Detachable shoulder straps and veil sold separately. Photographer: Andrew Avi THE FIRST SIGHT Brian and I met at a friend’s birthday at a place called Boricua in Melbourne. I hadn’t heard about Brian before, but when I first met him I thought ‘wow he looks nice in his red checkered shirt’. I was really attracted to him, but I was skeptical about him as I wasn’t keen on meeting people at night clubs. We exchanged numbers but I honestly thought I was never going to see him again. THE PROPOSAL I waited 2 weeks and avoided his calls, after careful thought I rang him back and we spoke for a couple of weeks. Brian took me to Squires Loft in Docklands on our first date, a good food test as we ordered messy meat dish and we loved it… almost like love on the first date. The proposal finally came after 4 years dating and I totally did not expect it…we were happy just cruising through love. We went out for dinner on Beach Road, and went for a walk after dinner along Black Rock Beach, we sat down to look at the sunset and he turned over on one knee and proposed, I was in complete shock and after a moment of suspense I said YES. THE VENUE We loved Linley Estate more than any other venue and we went everywhere beforehand to see other alternatives, but Linley was just spacious and because we had a lot of guests (almost 200 people) we wanted to make it as easy as possible for everyone to come to the ceremony and reception in the one location with enough space to get private photos and somewhere our guest would be able to relax while they wait for the reception. They also had the best features and everything was included ie: drapes, centerpieces flowers on table, and all the minor things that a huge support when planning. FAVOURITE MOMENT The ceremony was the most amazing moment, when my son walked me down the aisle and handed me over to Brian, Brian mentioned his favourite part of the wedding was the celebration reception when it was time to just enjoy all the hard work and long hours of planning that finally paid off. Committing and officiating things before God was mutually the most rewarding moment of the day. THE DRESS The dress was just AMAZING I absolutely loved it, pure elegance and ore. I truly felt like a Princess, it was everything I ever dreamed of growing up, my favourite feature was the overskirt it was just beautiful. I tried on 3 dresses before I fell in love with The Natalia. FINDING THE ONE The staff at Raffaele Ciuca were just so helpful and loving with helping me make the right decision and not to mention patient as I tried on 3 dresses beforehand… it didn’t take too long to find the right dress. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES My main tip would be to make sure to plan things with plenty of time, avoid last minute decisions. If you are planner use a spread sheet and work off a list, if you are not a planner get yourself a wedding planner. Tips for a successful marriage/relationship would be to learn to avoid unrealistic expectations, love deeply and forgive quickly. It’s a process and no one is perfect, most importantly have God at the center of the marriage. VENDORS Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Venue: Linley Estate Church/Celebrant: Sandstone Chapel & Pastor Peter Botross Videographer: Ferndara Videography Flowers: Wedding Hire Melbourne Flowers Cake: Angelica Mery Cakes Hair: Stefka Hair Makeup: Dollface Nathalie Shoes: Esty/Christy Shoes Invites: Maria Rosales – Invites Suits: Roger David suits Band/DJ: Mercury DJ Hire Bridesmaid Dresses: Tamarabell Designs Rings: Prouds Jewellery Band: La Orchesta 45