Who knew you could actually meet the love of your life at a bar? We loved reading every part of Melissa + Michaels first meeting, engagement and their big day. Melissa and Michael told us “simplicity was key and to let our love be the focus of the wedding”. #RCREALBRIDE Melissa wore the popular Sottero and Midgley ‘Hadley’ gown. This alluring fit-and-flare wedding dress features striking lace motifs, a low back, and a sexy sweetheart neckline accented with a shimmer of sequins and beading. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure.
Photography & Videography: The Fry Photo Co
THE FIRST SIGHT
In December 2013, we were both at Christmas parties at The Long Room on Collins Street. We chatted briefly, exchanged numbers and the rest is history.
THE PROPOSAL
We were on holiday to Hawaii in 2016. We went on a hike to Diamond Head. After a break on the top we made our way down. All of the sudden Michael asked me to hold on; as I turned around he has asked someone to stop people walking down the stairs. He got down on one knee, produced a diamond ring and asked me to marry him. I had no idea that he was going to propose let alone design and get a ring made months in advance! I was very surprised, he did a good job!
THE VENUE
We chose Leonda by the Yarra for our wedding reception. I had seen photos of the venue online so when we got engaged we went on a tour of the venue. We fell in love with it straight away. We chose the intimate garden room as we didn’t want an over the top wedding.
We loved the simplicity of the venue décor and the stunning grounds overlooking the Yarra River. The food was restaurant quality and we cannot fault their attention to detail, support and service from start to finish. The package we chose had so many inclusions that there wasn’t really anything we needed to organize other than cake, bonbonniere and a couple of bits and pieces. We wanted to let the venue speak for itself and we took advantage of its beauty, keeping decorations to a minimum.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
My favourite part of the wedding was saying ‘I do’! We got married at St Michaels Uniting Church in Collins Street. The beautiful church was so special for us and we loved every second of the ceremony.
THE DRESS
I chose to wear the Sottero and Midgley dress ‘Hadley’ in White/Ivory. I tried on so many dresses before choosing this one. I went to Raffaela Cuica 3 times before making the decision. Jessica and I worked hard to narrow down what I wanted; I tried on big dresses, tight dresses and everything in-between.
I loved the ornate lace design with pewter stitching, the fit and cut of the dress; it suited my body perfectly and was so comfortable. Jessica suggested an over skirt and extra-long veil for the ceremony to create 2 different looks and I’m so glad I did, it made me feel like a princess.
FINDING THE ONE
Shopping for the dress was made so easy by Jessica at the Brunswick store. She asked me what I thought I liked and just started brining out dress after dress until we got the right one.
We had so much fun trying on dresses, there was no pressure to buy and Jessica was honest in telling me what would and wouldn’t work on my body. I appreciated that honesty in hind sight because we all have an image in our head but it’s not necessarily the best option.
Initially I was worried about the alterations being done on my dress but the alterations staff worked so hard on my dress to make it perfect. They went out of their way to make sure I was 100% happy with the gown and fixed up anything I wasn’t happy with. On the big day my dress was perfect!
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Ultimate tip for any bride planning their wedding, to keep it simple! Don’t go overboard, let your love for each other be your main feature. Relax and enjoy your special day together.
VENDORS
Photographer: The Fry Photo co
Link: https://facebook.com/The-fry-photo-co-1621318284847554/
Venue: Leonda by The Yarra
Link: http://www.leondabytheyarra.com.au/
Flowers: Strathmore Flowers
Link: http://www.strathmoreflowers.com.au/
Hair & Makeup: Essence Hair & Makeup
Link: https://facebook.com/Essence-Hair-and-Makeup-1938440866388311/
