Madeline looked like a vision of perfection as a #rcrealbride at her Immerse Winery, Yarra Valley wedding. Madeline & Jack’s photos are breath taking as they are surrounded by rolling hills and sun kissed grass. There are no other words to describe Madeline’s dress but; elegant and beautifully detailed as she wore Demetrios in 707. THE FIRST SIGHT Jack and myself are both members of the ADF Army. I had just moved from the bottom of Victoria up to the top of Queensland, Townsville for work. Knowing nobody I decided to go out and make friends. On this drunken night out, I then ran into the love of my life, Jack. We stumbled across each other at the bar and it wasn’t long until we realised we work together. From there it is all history. Within a month we were living together, I was taking over the bathroom with makeup and soon after we got our adorable Golden Retriever puppy Romeo. Ever since we have been making ever lasting memories together. THE PROPOSAL My family, parents, sisters, cousins, Aunties and Uncles were all on our way to Bali on a holiday to celebrate my 21st birthday. We arrived in Bali at a magnificent villa in Seminyak. On the 3rd day of the holiday all 16 of us were sitting down to dinner in our villa when Jack stood up at the head of the table to give a speech on how his day was. He went on to talk about how amazing the last year with us together had been. Jack then got down on one knee, pulled out a stunning ring and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes whilst myself and all my family cried of excitement! It was the most amazing moment I will never forget. So unexpected but absolutely perfect. THE VENUE We decided to get married at Immerse as it is close to my family and family really do mean everything to Jack and I. Jack is from Newcastle originally so we had our engagement party up in Newcastle so all his family could attend and the wedding in the Yarra Valley so all my family could attend. I can’t thank my mum, dad and sisters enough for all they did for me leading up to and on the wedding day so I could have my dream wedding at my dream venue. THE FAVOURITE MOMENT One of my favourite moments of the day was getting ready in the bridal suite with my mum and bridesmaids. Once I was dressed and ready my father came in the room with his eyes closed and I surprised him in my dress. Him and everyone in the room had a tear in their eye. Another is walking down the aisle seeing my husband shed a tear when he saw me and all my friends and family so happy and emotional. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all day. It truly was the most magical day I could have wished for. THE DRESS My wedding dress made me feel like a princess. All the beading and detail in it was stunning. And it wasn’t the type of dress all my friends and family were expecting, which made it even more special when they saw me walk down the aisle. I loved how my dress could be turned almost into 2 dresses. My dress had a long tulle over skirt I wore down the aisle and then into the reception I removed the skirt and my dress was fitted and it changed the whole look. It was stunning both ways and the compliments never stopped coming. I also wore my mothers jewellery she wore on her wedding day which made it feel even more perfect to me. It was the 2nd dress I ever tried on. After it I tried on about 3 more dresses in other stores and nothing compared. I had fallen in love with the dress. FINDING THE ONE My shopping experience at RC Brunswick was wonderful. It was the first wedding dress shop I went into and I couldn’t believe the variety of dresses in store. The staff were all so friendly and helpful and a glass of champagne on arrival for myself, my girls and mum was a perfect start to the appointment. The dress I ended up purchasing was chosen by a staff member. She believed it would suit me and it was PERFECT! Alterations were done there too and the final product fitted me like a glove. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me find my dress. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES I basically wrote and amended lists every day leading up, but the most important thing to me was to not stress myself out over small issues. Without my maid of honour and sister Alex, my mum Cathy, dad Geoff and other sister Sam and my other bridesmaids my day wouldn’t have come together as well as it did. So, my tip is to let others help you and lean on family and friends for ideas and guidance on planning. I also read almost every bridal magazine under the sun in any spare time I had. Would also definitely recommend a honeymoon straight after the wedding, the perfect way to unwind and relax. LIST OF VENDORS Photographer: Aleksandar Jason / Venue: Immerse Winery / Flowers: Debbie O’Neill / Cake: Rebecca Goucher / Hair: Trish Sousa / Makeup: Chelsea Darnell / Celebrant: Andrew Redman