“From the moment we walked in the door we were just amazed at the range of dresses to choose from. The stylist picked my dress after a few I had picked. She quickly realised what I was looking for in a dress and what work for my body shape.” #RCREALBRIDE RACHEL RC – How did you and Colin meet? Colin and I met in 1998. We went to different high schools but he lived just down the road for me. We dated for a whole 5 days back when we met and became the best of friends after these 5 days. I moved away but we still stay in contact, catching up when ever possible. We have always had a special bond with each other. We started dating 7 years ago. We brought a home together and decided to start our family. We have a 2 year old little boy. RC – How did Colin propose? Colin proposed in 2013. He had a special spot in our yard under the gum tress with a picnic rug and roses along with other flower. He had prepared a beautiful roast dinner. It was very special. RC – Is there a particular reason as to why you chose your venue? We live in a small town where there are not a lot of venues. We had the ceremony in a relatives yard under old gum trees. With cocktails and platters of food for guests to enjoy while we had family photos and mix with the guest after the ceremony. We then went off to location for photos while the guest stayed at the ceremony site until time to attend the reception. RC – Your favourite part of the wedding? Colin’s favourite part was the waiting for me and the bridesmaids to arrive. Wondering what we were going to be wearing and the ceremony. Mine was at the reception we surprised the guests for dessert, as we had a booth were the guest could order crepes for dessert. There was 4 or 5 different ones to choose from like poached pears with toasted coconut and salted caramel sauce or fresh strawberries and Nutella with cream or Greek yoghurt. RC – How did your dress make you feel? I had had dreams that we went to Melbourne for dress fittings and the dress had arrived hot pink. So when I had my fitting and the dress looked so amazing I was very excited. I loved being all dress up on our special day. ( Rita at the fittings is wonderful). Once I put the dress on I started to get emotional as it was just amazing. And everything had started to become real. RC – How was your bridal shopping experience? My friend from Townsville had purchased her dress from Raffaele Ciuca and it was unbelievably beautiful so while in Melbourne visiting family we decided to have a look at Raffaele Ciuca and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in the door we were just amazed at the range of dresses to choose from. The stylist picked my dress after a few I had picked. She quickly realised what I was looking for in a dress and what work for my body shape. It is a dress I never thought I would have picked. I am very plain and this dress had a lot of crystals RC – Tips for brides-to-be! Don’t stress about the small things it all works out in the end. Do things your way as its your wedding no one else’s. And enjoy the day/ night it goes by way to fast. Photography: Cameron Laird