#RCREALBRIDE bride Melina married her man of fate, Vuong, in their Melbourne wedding. Looking stunning in her Couture Demetrios Platinum gown in ‘Analisa’. This gown speaks volumes being the signature look for the ‘Royal Romance’ collection. Combining a magical long-sleeved sheath gown with sheer details and delicate beading.
Photography: Mark Dayman Photography
THE FIRST SIGHT
Fate actually worked it’s magic with us. We first met in primary school in Sydney when we were roughly 6 years old. In year 8, I moved to Italy with my family and Vuong remained in Australia. I spent over 15 years in Italy and did not have any contact with him until one evening he messaged me on Facebook. At the time I was planning my move back to Australia while he was in Brisbane in the army. We chatted via Facebook for six months until i finally came back to Australia. He came to meet up with me during the Christmas holidays and it was instantly a connection i knew would last forever.
Our first date was at a Chinese restaurant in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Followed by a stroll at the lake nearby.
THE PROPOSAL
I was hoping he would propose soon but didn’t know it would be that night. I actually suggested we should go out for dinner to Docklands that night. It wasn’t till after the proposal that Vuong originally wanted to propose on the Melbourne Star but at the time i was so afraid of heights and kept insisting that i wouldn’t go on it (stubborn old me). I knew i had disappointed him but never did I imagine i ruined his romantic plan to propose in that way. So he then brought me to the lake where we had our first date and took a knee as we were strolling along. I was so shocked but also ecstatic.
THE VENUE
We chose Leonda by the Yarra for our wedding reception for many reasons. As soon as we walked in the doors I instantly imagined our wedding day there and got emotional, Vuong also loved it at first glance. From the high ceiling to the view of the Yarra… it was just magical. The quality of the food was also a major factor, we are both big foodies so we wanted our guests to leave the venue content and pleased with the food. We visited 3 places before visiting Leonda, but none of them matched Leonda in our eyes.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
Our favourite parts of the wedding were exchanging our vows in front of our family and friends. Our departure from the reception by boat was also a moment we treasure and talk about often.
THE DRESS
Strangely enough i had actually chosen a different Demetrios bridal gown for the wedding. One night before going to pay our deposit i was scrolling through the Demetrios instagram page and spotted the ‘ANALISA’. My jaw dropped! I spoke to my mum and then decided to call Raffaele Ciuca and ask whether it was possible to try this dress on before paying my deposit for the other dress. Raffaele Ciuca did not have the Analisa in their store as it had been recently created and wasn’t in any stores as of yet. I will never be able to thank Francesca enough for doing everything in her power to bring that dress to the Raffaele Ciuca store specifically for me to try on.
As soon as i put it on i felt amazing. The features that drew me to this gown were the detachable train and intricate beading. I had always dreamt of wearing a Demetrios gown for my wedding and Raffaele Ciuca made that happen.
FINDING THE ONE
Francesca stood out as she really endeavoured to bring that dress especially for me to try on. I know it would’ve have been a difficult task for sure but it really meant a lot to me the extent of effort Francesa and the Raffaele Ciuca team went to to make me happy.
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
My only advice is to choose the details that really make you happy and satisfied so you won’t have any regrets.
Take time during the day to stop everything and soak in every moment. The day flies so quickly from the moment you wake up.
Our advice to keep a happy relationship is to try and find quality time to spend together. Being patient with one another during the wedding planning process is also important. During the months leading up to wedding it can become a bit stressful, the important thing is to rely on each other for moral support.
VENDORS
Bride: Melina
Instagram: @thefoodiealgorithm
Photographer: Mark Dayman Photography
Link: www.wedding-photographymelbourne.com.au
Instagram : @markdaymanphotography
Facebook : Mark Dayman Photography
Venue: Leonda by the Yarra
Link: www.leondabytheyarra.com.au
Instagram : @leondabytheyarra
Facebook : Leonda by the Yarra
Flowers: Jizelle Flowers
Link: www.jizellflowers.com.au
Hair: Hair by Rozi
Link: www.instagram.com/hairby.rozi
Makeup: Babydoll Makeup
Link: www.instagram.com/babydollsmakeupart
Wedding Video Link: www.proeye.com.au
