THE LOVE STORY Lizzy & Dayne#rcrealbride Lizzie wore our stunning Tatiana crepe wedding dress by Pronovias for her wedding at Zonzo in the Yarra Valley. Photography Katie Harmsworth THE FIRST SIGHT __ We met many, many years ago, when Dayne started his electrical apprenticeship at the same company my dad (Gavan) worked at. I would help out in the office at times on uni holidays and we bumped into each other over the years when out and about. However, it was January 2013, Australia Day long weekend, that we randomly bumped into each other at a pizza shop (neither of us had been to). We happily chatted away and we were surprised to see each other after so long. Dayne at this point no longer worked with my dad, however did still keep in touch with him. From the pizza shop, we parted ways and did not exchange numbers. However Dayne did contact my dad to track down my email, and a couple days later I received an email wanting to organise a catch up. One catch up lead to another. THE PROPOSAL ___ Dayne organised a weekend away to Trentham and had the whole weekend planned with lots of activities (we love the outdoors, exercising and keeping fit). We had taken our bikes away with us and went for a bike ride along this beautiful track, the scenery was amazing and weather perfect. We stopped at one particular spot overlooking a beautiful area and that’s when Dayne got out the ring and popped the question. I was so overwhelmed and happy that I dropped my bike in excitement. Poor Dayne was then left juggling the ring and bike – it was just perfect, and so us – in the outdoors and in the middle of exercise. Dayne didn’t drop down to one knee, as he said it’s not his thing, but the ring was all I ever wanted and the perfect size (he had been planning for many months with my best friend, Denae), and I had no idea. THE VENUE ___ To be honest the whole planning process was rather relaxed. Dayne pretty much said to take the lead once we settled on a venue, and we both decided we wanted a very cruisey and fun wedding at a winery. We looked at two places and were sold on Zonzo, so we got engaged November 2015, picked the venue late January 2016 and then had plenty of time (13 months) to take our time planning. I absolutely loved the planning and seeking inspiration from others and online, it was so much fun and I never felt stressed. I had a little wedding planner book where I would aim to tick something off each week or month. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT ___ Lizzy: walking down on the aisle with Dad and locking eyes with Dayne (corny, I know), but it just gave me goosebumps and my smile could not have been bigger. Dayne: There were two moments. The car ride in with the boys and also watching my father-in-law cry when he handed Lizzy to me, knowing how much the day meant to him. THE DRESS ___ I went looking online for inspiration first, and knew aspects of what I wanted and didn’t want. I wanted to be able to look back at photos of me in the dress and know that it was a timeless, elegant piece with a touch of sexy and ‘WOW factor’. I found the brand Pronovias at Raffaele Ciuca and instantly fell in love with a number of their gowns. I tried on three dresses, instantly falling in love with the first dress (it’s crazy how they say its often the first dress you try on). FINDING THE ONE ___ My stylist, Jessica, was amazing with the whole process. We had fun and she made it so easy. I took mum with me the next week and she gave me the thumbs up. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES ___ Embrace it, and most of all enjoy the whole process. Remember its about the two of you and the people most important who you want included. Make it fun and don’t get caught up in the drama that sometimes comes with weddings. Make it what you want it. Last words… Invest in amazing photographer/s, as they capture those special moments. Featured on Ivory Tribe / Ceremony and reception: Zonzo Estate, Yarra Valley / Celebrant: Anthony Cribbes / Photography: Katie Harmsworth / Florist: Sugar Bee Flowers (Youki) / Hair and Makeup: Tracy Bradley, The Makeup Room / The dress: Pronovias from Raffaela Ciuca / Veil: Raffaela Ciuca / Jewellery/Accessories: Tiffany and Co. / Shoes: Nine West / Rings: Diamondline Jewellery and Uniform Black / Bridesmaid’s dresses: Rodeo Show / Menswear: Peter Jackson / Catering: Zonzo / Favours: Potted succulents / Cake / Cake topper: Cherrytree Bakehouse / Stationery / Signage: Board by Willow and Ink. Placecards and invitations by Kraft & White / Entertainment: Lark Music, Luke and his team were amazing / Transport: Hot Rod Heaven and Yarra Valley Transfers / Honeymoon: Tasmania and Bali