Rachel & Matthew - Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Melbourne

We have all heard long-distance relationships can be near impossible but our beautiful #RCREALBRIDE featured couple, Rachel + Matthew have defied the odds and made a bond develop that will last the test of time. Married in Australia sunshine state this wedding dripped love, honesty and a life time of commitment in-front of those nearest and dearest.

#RCREALBRIDE Rachel wore the Nola by Maggie Sottero. Lace appliqués cascade down the bodice, breathtaking scalloped hem, and illusion open-back in this tulle over Vogue satin wedding dress. Featuring beaded spaghetti straps, a V-neckline, and beaded embellishments in a fit-and-flare silhouette. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure.

Photography: JESSICA TURICH PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FIRST SIGHT

I met Matt in my hometown right after we had both graduated high school in 2014. Matt was in the Hungry Jacks car park with his mates when he first noticed me, I was in the drive through with my little sister. After a Facebook friend request and a few odd messages were exchanged, we officially met for the first time at our local church on Christmas Eve through mutual friends. Due to Matt moving to the city in 2 weeks to commence a University course in the new year, I thought he was so lovely but there was no way a long-distance relationship would work. A couple of months after he moved we started to talk again despite the distance and ended up going on our first date when he returned to visit some of his close mates during his holidays. We had coffee, talked for three hours, shared our first kiss and he asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history.

THE PROPOSAL

After dating for two years Matt surprised me mid-week on my family property. When I came home late from work, I could see the back paddock was lit with fairy lights and a small bonfire. My dad met me at my car and asked me to go for a walk with him down to check the fire he had set up for my sister birthday. When we reached the gate to the back paddock my dad hugged me and told me to go on from here on my own. As i followed the fairy lights the path was lit with tea lights and photo frames of memories that we had made together. When I reached the end of the path, he was standing there waiting for me. He then told me how he loved me and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes! My sister popped out of the trees with a camera so we have plenty of special memories from this night. Then we spent a few minutes sitting by the fire and celebrating with a little bit of wine before going back to the house to be congratulated by my family.

THE VENUE

When Matt and I first attended the venue, it was still under construction but that didn’t stop us from falling in love with it! It was so unique and so both of us. It was all things industrial, rustic and classy all in one and there was no other place we would have dreamed to get married.

FAVOURITE MOMENT

My favourite part of the wedding apart from saying our vows and making it official through our ceremony was our entrance to our reception. When we arrived back from our location photos, all our guests were lined up along the massive path to the main building and vestibule. Each couple of the bridal party were announced and they walked up through the guests. When we were announced, our guests lit sparklers and we walked up to the lit-up vestibule for our first dance straight away. Our sparkler entrance was inspired by the wisdom I was given from my Aunty on my Hens weekend. My Aunty had told me “Marriage is two people who keep kindling and igniting in a thousand ways…grace sparks flying high and everywhere! Falling, raining down and landing where it is needed most… your cup overflowing!”

THE DRESS

I wore the Maggie Sottero ‘Nola’ gown. It was the dress for me as soon as I tried it on!
I did get alterations to the back made to make it a full low back but, oh, did it make me feel so pretty!

FINDING THE ONE

After trying on millions of dresses I agreed to my sister making me an appointment at Raffaele Ciuca Brunswick Emporium. This was my last chance to find my wedding dress, if i couldn’t find it here I was going to get something made. From the beginning, Theresa was the most amazing lady and she helped me find this perfect dress! She was super helpful, not pushy at all and her years of experience definitely stood out to me. I could not have been more blessed to have her assist me in finding my wedding dress.

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

Book an appointment at Raffaele Ciuca straight away instead of trying on the millions of dresses like I did elsewhere. The service and support I got from Raffaele Ciuca was by far the best experience compared to all the other stores I attended in searching for the perfect dress.

My advice for future brides is to not get upset over the things that don’t go to plan on the wedding day. At the end of the day you are getting married let it be about the LOVE and not about the materialistic things in life.