They say, ‘When you know, you just know’ and it was just like that for Penny and Chris who knew once they had found a good thing! After a 9 month relationship and 312 wedding guests later, Penny and Chris are living their happily ever after! #RCRealBride Penny wore the Judson gown. A lace fit and flare with swirls of embroided lace motifs, Swarovski crystals and vintage inspired beading over tulle. Photography by Ateia Photography and Videography THE FIRST SIGHT I met my husband online! Yes- online. We had an instant connection and on our first date, which was less than a week after contact online, it was like we had kown eachother already. As I was getting ready for my date with Chris, I remember trying on so many clothes from my wardrobe and thinking that today nothing suits me! I also remember thinking he could possibly be my future husband. Eventually, after finding something to wear, I arrived a little early and felt a little nervous whilst waiting for Chris to arrive at the Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc for a drink. I was glad we didn’t order dinner because I was too nervous to eat. We spoke for ages and eventually the bill was bought to our table! I was very keen on seeing Chris again and he asked me after our date when I was free. My answer was when ‘you’re free I’m free’. THE PROPOSAL I had been with Chris about 9 months when he proposed to me. The Proposal was perfect. I definetly had an idea it was coming because sometimes Chris can give away hints! I was so prepared I got my hair and makeup done that day. I wore a dress which Chris had bought for me and made sure I painted my nails for the photo with the ring! Chris took me to the Melbourne Star- somewhere I always wanted to go. Before we go onto the star, we were greeted by the workers who offered us champagne. Then, whilst waiting for our cabin to be ready to enter, I caught one of the workers holding a floral arrangement. Chris had everything planned out perfectly. He played romantic music and we were enjoying the view whilst chocolates and flowers were in front of us. I was feeling a little nervous and was wondering ‘ when is he going to pop the question’? I didn’t think, but Chris made sure we were right up the top before he took the ring out of his pocket and asked me to marry him. I instantly said ‘absolutely yes’! We then headed to dinner at the Waterfront restaurant in Port Melbourne. THE VENUE Choosing our wedding venue- San Remo Ballroom was not a hard decision at all. I had this reception in mind even before I met Chris! We had seen one reception before this one but knew San Remo Ballroom was going to be the one. As soon as we entered the ballroom, we said WOW. We loved the décor and big dancefloor for all the greek dancing and the 312 guests we had. The menu was also excellent and the staff were fantastic to work with. FAVORITE MOMENT My favourite part of the wedding…that’s a hard question because I enjoyed every moment. However, I did sing and dance a lot, which is something out of my comfort zone and it was the best. Chris and I had an amazing entrance where we had fireworks, danced and sung to eachother whilst all those guests were happily watching. We wanted our wedding to be up beat with everyone up and dancing and this is exactly what happened. THE DRESS I tried on a few different styles at RC. I wasn’t sure what I wanted and what was going to suit. After trying on a few dresses and returning another day, I spotted an amazing dress on the mannequin. I said yes to this dress! It fitted me well and had amazing beading with swarovski crystals. It had a wow factor! Of course, I added a headpiece which match perefectly and I love my earrings, so I chose these beautiful long earrings to match the rest of the bling. FINDING THE ONE I had the amazing Billie from Armadale RC help me with my dress. She gave me ideas, went above and beyond for me and made me feel very special as a bride to be. This made a big difference to shopping for a wedding dress. I can’t thank Billie enough. Such a wonderful person in general, felt like she was family to me. TIPS FOR ALL THE BRIDES TO BE Be organised! This definetly helps. You need to have a list of things to do. Also, your husband to be needs to be involved and you need to agree on final decisions together. Always talk things through- communication is key. You need to be able to talk to your husband about anything and everything. Always have a laugh and don’t be too serious, you need to enjoy life together. Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Photographer: ATEIA Photography and Videography Venue: San Remo Ballroom, Carlton North Church/Celebrant: St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Springvale. Flowers: Wedding Flowers Etc Hair: Danielle Hendricks Cars: Melbourne Star Chauffeured Makeup: Danielle Hendricks Shoes: The White Collection, Badgley Mischka Invites: Etsy and by Chris and Penny Suits: Ferrari Formalwear Band/DJ: PAREA Band MC: Spiros Vitsenzatos Bridesmaid Dresses: Bariano Bonbonerie: Greece Rings: Michael Hill Jewellers Videographer: ATEIA photography and video Fireworks: Airwize Pyrotechnic Displays