High school sweethearts Lorena & Rob celebrated their special day with loved ones by the sea in St. Kilda, Melbourne. Lorena, #rcrealbride, was married to her best friend in a Sottero and Midgley ‘Amelie’ gown.
THE FIRST SIGHT
Rob and I were best friends in high school. Everyone was convinced there was more to our friendship, but we didn’t pursue anything until till we left school. Fast forward 9 years and I’m lucky enough to have married my best friend!
THE PROPOSAL
Rob knew the only way I wouldn’t suspect the proposal was for him to make an ordinary day extraordinary!
Late one night, after an elaborate fake story about fighting with his brother, Rob asked me to meet him at the lookout where he first asked me to be his girlfriend. Concerned, I raced up to meet him in my PJ’s, and we sat and chatted about our favourite memories in this location. As we were about to leave, he got down on his knee and asked me to create a new favourite memory here with him!
THE VENUE
Many of our dates were spent surfing waves and exploring back beaches together, so we had our heart set on being near the beach for our wedding. Right on St. Kilda beach, Encore was the location we felt perfectly represented us as a couple. The food was fantastic, the staff were beyond helpful, it had a great party atmosphere for our family and friends, and of course it provided the perfect backdrop for photos!
THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
There are so many special moments that make up the greatest day of your life. We honestly spent the whole day laughing and the whole night dancing, but there was so something magical about our first moments alone as husband and wife. Sitting hand in hand, from the church to the Carlton Gardens, I felt so proud of our journey and beyond excited to begin the next chapter of our lives together.
THE DRESS
My dress was the perfect mix of classy and princessy, with a touch of sexy. It was the only dress I tried that made me feel like a bride, instead of a little girl playing dress ups! I particularly loved the low back and the asymmetry of the full skirt, as well as the warmth of the colour. It was nothing like I’d ever seen before, and was more than I could have ever imagined.
THE RC EXPERIENCE
All of the ladies I encountered at Raffaele Ciuca were passionate and extremely helpful, especially Rita who helped me pick my perfect dress. The whole process was easy and smooth, from the initial visit, right through to my final fitting!
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Enjoy the journey, just as much as the destination!
The lead up to the big day can be busy and stressful, but try to savour the process and enjoy achieving each little milestone.
Photographer: Mark Dayman
Link: https://wedding-photographymelbourne.com.au/
Venue: Encore St Kilda
Link: http://encorestkilda.com.au/
Flowers: Sam Rizzo and Bunch About Town
Link: https://www.facebook.com/samrizzofloral/
https://bunchabouttown.com.au/
Cake: Pastry Paradise
Link: https://www.instagram.com/pastryparadiselalor/
Hair: Dina Athanasopoulos
Makeup: Katia Amerena