Typical Meg doesn’t order a salad, but these things have to be considered for first dates! From Ballarat to Bistro C , Meg fell in love with the older brothers best friend and every part of her dream day was perfect! #rcrealbride Meg wore the Meghan – By Caleche – This gown was customised with long slim sleeves, covered buttons, princess seams, covered buttons down back zip and shoulder sleeves. Photography by Kerri Kingston THE FIRST SIGHT Ash and I first met at the Navarre Football and Netball Clubrooms in 2014 where we both played Football and Netball, however we did know of each other prior as Ash was one of my brothers best friends. In high school I had always fancied Ash and would mention to my friends when I saw him how “hot he was”. (Ash is 3 years older than me). When we first met at Navarre there was an instant attraction. We continued to speak for a while and eventually started to go on dates. I was hesitant about Ash, as he didn’t speak much and I wasn’t sure if he was quiet and shy or just a little boring. However, once I got to know Ash, he was initially quiet, but our different personalities seemed to complement each other. Our first date was at a restaurant in Ballarat. I remember my friend telling me to order a salad to make sure I didn’t bloat. Typical Meg doesn’t usually order a salad but I took my friend’s advice. Our catch ups then seemed to become more regular and the rest is history. We both knew after a short period of time, that we wanted each other in our lives forever and that the connection we had we never wanted to lose. THE PROPOSAL The proposal happened a week after my brother had just got married in February 2019. Ash and I had headed off to our favourite spot Noosa for a long-awaited holiday. I remember so many of our friends and family said “oh you’ll come back engaged” but it didn’t really come to mind as we both hadn’t had a break or holiday in a very long time. I had asked Ash prior at Christmas 2018 “Am I ever going to get a ring anytime soon” but Ash didn’t give me any clue or idea that it was happening anytime soon. Little did I know he had already had it planned for our holiday then. The proposal happened on Valentine’s day while we were away. All day I was waiting for Ash to give me some flowers or a little gift as he had always done something every year. It had got to dinner time and I still had nothing. We had booked in to go for dinner at Bistro C which I was so excited for as Bec Judd had dined there… (celeb crazy!) When we were leaving to go out for dinner, I remember seeing Ash with his hat in his hand, I told him you don’t need a hat, but he insisted he did. Oblivious me let him go and off we went for dinner, little did I know he had the ring in his hat. At dinner I think it was the quickest meal I had ever had. Before I had even finished my glass of red, he was paying for the bill. I asked him what the rush was but he just wanted to get out of there, little did I know he was super nervous for what he was about to ask. When we left Ash asked if I wanted to have a walk along the beach, soon to find out he was then down on one knee asking if I’d marry him. I was in shock for a few minutes and didn’t give him any answer but sure enough I finally got around to saying yes. THE VENUE We picked Seppelts Great Western as our wedding venue as it was nice and close to home (10 minutes away). I had always had a dream of having a clear marquee on a beautiful green grassed area, which Seppelts had. My brother had also got married at Seppelts a few years ago and we just knew it was such a great place to get married at. After our first meeting with the Event’s Coordinator at Seppelts Deb, she just was amazing to deal with and we knew it would be an enjoyable experience if we had it there. We had got to one another homestead prior to Seppelts, however they were being a touch difficult with working with us, so that was an immediate no as we didn’t want any added stress on the day. FAVORITE MOMENT EVERY PART. The whole day was simply perfect. The weather was 26 degrees sunny and no wind, absolutely perfect. I think my most favourite part was just standing with Ash near the end of the night looking in at everyone having the best time, and thinking they are celebrating US and this is what we have created, that was an incredible feeling. Of course, seeing each other when I was walking down the aisle and being announced as Mr & Mrs Driscoll was truly special as well. THE DRESS OMG I’m obsessed with my dress, still!! In my head I always had a vision of sleeves. I remember telling my mum and maid of honour Emma what I wanted and remember them being hesitant, especially having a wedding in February (summer). I remembered how nervous I was once the dress was made, coming in to try it on for the first time. Not only had I not seen it, it was something we had put together not knowing what the end product would look like. My dress was super comfortable which I loved, and the material was really flattering on me as I didn’t have to wear any tummy suckers on anything. I was obsessed with the back on my dress, especially the covered buttons and of course loved my sleeves as no one expected I would have sleeves. I had only gone to two other stores before coming to Raffaele Ciuca and only tried on maybe 10 or so dresses before I knew my exact vision. FINDING THE ONE My bridal shopping experience was amazing. I had Maria helping me find my perfect dress and she couldn’t have been any more accommodating. Maria helped bring my vision to life. There were no dresses in the store that had full length sleeves and exactly what I was after, so Maria actually had 2 different dresses on me at once, trying to create my vision. Maria took measurements to get sleeves created onto the 2 dresses I had on. This was a big gamble to order a dress I hadn’t seen or tried on or seen completed, but I had full trust in Maria that she would make sure it turned out perfect and it did. When I was at the stage of locking in the dress, I had originally left the store to think about it. When I made up my mind that afternoon I went back into the store. Living 3 hours away I didn’t have an appointment for when I went back in. I remember Maria had a store full of brides and she grabbed me, let me try on again what we had discussed and prioritised me. I’ll never forget this kind gesture and the amazing service she provided to me. TIPS FOR ALL THE BRIDES TO BE Stay organised, get a diary or create a spreadsheet to keep on top of everything. Put reminder dates in your calendar when to follow up certain things. Ask friends who have recently been married for advice, they always tell you what to remember or to do! TiPS FOR A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP Always take time to do things you both enjoy and love doing together. Take time to talk and listen to each other. Always back each other up no matter the circumstances. Photographer: Kerri Kingston Venue: Seppelt Great Western Church/Celebrant: Lisa Dallinger Flowers: Three Blooms Florist Ararat- Mainly Roses Hair: Marti Osborn Makeup: Kate McMahnon Shoes: Alias Mae Invites: Gemu Designs Suits: YD Geelong Band/DJ: DJ Styleus Tim Coleman Bridesmaid Dresses: Coco & Lola- Olive and Ivy Bonbonerie: Willow & Co personalised marble coasters Rings: Michael Hill and Tungsten Oak Videographer : Christopher Puro Cake: Amy Rhodes