Rachel & Nick - Nicole Spose 17115 Wedding Dress

Persistence clearly paid off for our handsome groom Nick. Lurking in Rachels friend list on Facebook for years he was admiring from afar. It wasn’t until he saw an opportunity arise when Rachel commented on singer, Pitbulls facebook. Their conversation grew as did their bond and as years slipped by Nick planned a breathtaking proposal on a cliff on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. These photos are nothing short of amazing, Congratulations to these love birds!

#RCREALBRIDE Rachel wore the gorgeous Nicole Spose in ‘17115’. This delicate all lace gown is elegance and sexy combined in a fitted bodice and fit and flare gown. Complete with a sweetheart neckline and intricate lace patterns.

Photographer: Josephine Lee Photography

THE FIRST SIGHT

I met Nick through my brother and him playing junior cricket together. I only knew vaguely of him, as I had served him back in the day when I was working at Kmart and he had me on Facebook for a while before I removed people that I didn’t really know; so I ended up removing Nick. A few weeks later he re-added me… One evening I was in a bit of a silly mood and decided to write something on one of the artists Pitbull’s photos (I would never dare do anything like this, but I just felt compelled to that night). Anyway, I had written something so funny that Nick ended up seeing it and he wrote back to it in hysterics. He had said that was one of the funniest things he had ever read, and we decided to keep our conversation going, talking to each other everyday. My first real impression from Nick was that I felt deep down that I already knew him. He was like a friend I had known for years. I never felt like he was trying anything with me; it just felt so easy with him. The first proper date we met up after work and picked up some takeaway, then spent the rest of the night driving around the Mornington Peninsula, up around Arthurs Seat chatting, laughing and getting to know each other even more.

THE PROPOSAL

We were on a holiday in late February 2017 on Hamilton Island. We had been together for 4.5 years at this stage, so I thought a proposal might be on the cards very soon. It was on our second last day there that we went on a hike at 5am to the highest point of the island, Passage Peak, situated 239 meters above sea level. It took an hour and a half for us to reach the top, so we soaked in the views of the Coral Sea and Whitsundays for a while before deciding to head back as it started to rain lightly. As we went to head back down, Nick grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s quickly have a look at the view from this other area.” We stood on the small cliff’s edge alone, looking out at the incredible view for a few moments, when Nick turned to me and said, “Do you know what would make this moment even more romantic?” to which I casually replied, “Oh yeah what?” and then there was a pause… I turned to him and watched him smile as his hand went into his pocket, pulling out a box and opening it saying, “If you would agree to marry me.” He got the ring out of the box as I just stood there in shock and laughter, saying “Really? What?” and eventually “YES!” Both of us were in tears. It was beautiful.

THE VENUE

I had done extensive research online for wedding venues, and we narrowed it down to 3. We left the best to last, as I had been to visit Lindenderry in the past with friends. We both fell in love with Lindenderry – the grounds are just gorgeous and there were multiple ceremony locations, which we loved the option of. We chose the winery location with the stunning long aisle, leading to the line of rose bushes. We also liked that there was accommodation on site for our guests travelling from interstate, and the range of facilities such as the indoor heated pool, tennis court, picnic spots, cellar door, and restaurant all on site. Lindenderry had a lot more inclusions in their wedding package than other places, such as the menu tasting. The food was impeccable and was a highlight for our guests. Our wedding coordinators were very tentative to all my queries, regardless of how small, and always replied promptly within the next day. Ironically, on my initial visit with my friend’s years prior, I remember saying to them how lovely of a spot this would be to get married – and it was!

FAVOURITE MOMENT

My Dad seeing me for the first time was a very special moment. I think I’ve only ever seen him cry once in my life, when my grandmother passed. As he walked into my room to see me standing in my dress and veil all ready, I watched his smile bursting with happiness, turn into tears of pride… he was completely lost for words and struggled to speak. That was truly special moment to me.

My second favourite part of the wedding was sneaking away outside with my husband into the courtyard for 5 minutes of alone time. We sat soaking up the atmosphere and the commitment we had just made to each other, whilst looking back and watching our guests dancing, having so much fun, and feeling so happy that everything had come together beautifully after many months of planning.

THE DRESS

When I finally found my wedding dress thanks to Pina, I struggle to put into words what it was that I felt in that instance I put it on and looked in the mirror. I knew in a heartbeat that this was it… my dream dress. It was even more stunning than I could have ever imagined it. My dress had everything that I was searching for: figure hugging, beautiful lace and intricate beading detail, a sweetheart neckline and fish tale style, with a long, dreamy train to die for. I especially fell in love with the train and detail of my dress; after trying quite a few different styles, nothing compared in the slightest to this dress. I will never forget that moment, it was truly remarkable.

FINDING THE ONE

I had been to a handful of bridal shops across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula and tried on a number of dresses with a certain style in mind, and it wasn’t until I visited Raffaele Ciuca, that I knew I was going to find my dream dress. That was where I met Pina, and explained to her what style I was looking for and some pictures that I had on my phone. It felt like she understood the exact dress I was searching for, better than I could have explained, because within an instance she said “I have JUST the dress for you my darling!” and led me to a mannequin wearing a dress that I hadn’t seen in any store or online, my dream dress! Pina understood me on a whole other level than anywhere else I had been to, and she made my experience truly an unforgettable one.

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

My advice for brides-to-be would be to not sweat the small stuff! Try and ground yourself at every opportunity by asking yourself, “will this really matter to me in a years time or 5 years?” If the answer is no – then don’t worry about it! My second piece of advice I could offer, and arguably the most important, is not to lose sight on what the day is actually about – you marrying your love! Nothing is more important than that. Enjoy every second of it!

Also, can you give us a tip on how to keep a happy relationship?

Communication. Spontaneity. Humour.