Louisa & Anton - Maggie Sottero Winstyn Wedding Dress

We’ve heard of high school sweethearts but is there such thing as primary school sweethearts? Louisa + Anton have known each other since before they can reminisce on their early memories of their life.

#RCREALBRIDE Louisa wore the stunning Winstyn by Maggie Sottero.Dreamy lace and tulle combine to create this elegant fit and flare wedding dress; accented with timeless sweetheart neckline. A glittering Swarovski crystal motif on an optional grosgrain ribbon belt adds a touch of drama. Finished with covered buttons over zipper and inner elastic closure.

Photographer:  Jessica Rose Photography

THE FIRST SIGHT

Who would have thought primary school friends would become high school sweethearts and become husband and wife. Anton and I met 20 years ago when I was in prep, not only did we go to the same school’s growing up but Anton also lived in the same street as my maid of honour Bree who I have known my entire life. As we met so young we can’t exactly remember first meeting each other but what I can remember is that as we spent time with each other and I thought he was a really sweet guy. As we grew up our friendship continued to mature until we finally started officially dating when we were 17. Our first date was pretty typical, out to the movies at our local shopping centre.

THE PROPOSAL

We were staying in the city for our 6-year anniversary, we spent the day at the Melbourne show prior to going out for a nice dinner. During dinner, we were reminiscing about how much has happened over the last 6 years and how we have grown so much together. It was during this conversation that Anton knelt on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so surprised that all I could say to start with was ’really, really’ before finally saying yes. Even though I had a feeling that we may have been getting engaged soon I was still happily surprised.

THE VENUE

Choosing our venue was the easiest decision we made. Anton and I only looked at one venue and knew the moment we finished walking around the grounds that Elizabethan Lodge was the venue for us. We were drawn the gorgeous gardens that provided us with the perfect place for our photos, and the sand stone chapel with stained glass windows with their initials EL, which as Anton pointed out were my new initials backwards. Elizabethan Lodge went above and beyond, from having the reception décor, including fresh flowers, included to the exceptional staff and food options.

FAVOURITE MOMENT

How can you pick one moment, from my father and I seeing each other for the first time, to seeing Antons face when I was walking towards him down the aisle, to saying I DO to the man of my dreams. There were so many special and memorable moments that will be with us forever but one moment that Anton and I really found special was the progression from my father daughter dance to having our 4 parents up dancing to ‘All Because Of You’ by Jimmy Scott. Anton was dancing with his Mum, and my brother and sister-in-law danced with my mum and Antons father. Only my dad knew out of the parents this was going to happen so this moment gave them all the chance to have their own unexpected special moment during the wedding.

THE DRESS

My dress is the Maggie Sotero Winstyn. My dress made me feel like a million dollars and I was in love with how it shaped my body. I have never been a person to wear tight clothing so my dress really brought me out of my comfort zone and I loved it. One of my favourite features of my dress was how the lace really stood out again the skirt of the dress during the evening light.

FINDING THE ONE

Walking into RC was refreshing after visiting a couple of other bridal shops, from the moment we first arrived at RC until I walked out of my final fitting everyone made me feel so welcome. My appointments were held with Francesca who took the time to listen to not only what I wanted in a dress but also what I was wanting in my wedding as a whole. Francesca took the time allowing me to try on the dresses I had picked and then after I wasn’t 100% sold on one of the dresses she asked if I would try on a dress she thought would suit me. From that, I found the one, Francesca’s eye for the perfect dress is second to none.

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

I was given one piece of advice prior to our wedding that really stuck with me. During your wedding take a step aside with your groom/bride and just look around the room, the whole day goes incredibly quickly so even stopping for 2 minutes here and there will give you the chance to take it all it.

Everyone’s relationship is different but if there was a tip I could give to keep a happy relationship, it would be for you to ensure you are both open and honest with each other and if you have an argument, take a moment to think before you say anything and do your best to sort everything out before you go to sleep.