From meeting on a night out, to a ‘Friend Request’ a few days later. Rebecca thought it was just a random guy, however after texting they agreed to a date and the rest is history! After moving in together and adopting their fur baby Rebecca had wedding bells on her mind. Gavin wasn’t going to let her get away either and after 3.5 years he put a ring on it! #RCRealBride Rebecca wore the Erandi gown. The perfect combination of crepe and beading with an illusion back that creates the contemporary tattoo effect! Photography by John Mitchell Photography THE FIRST SIGHT We casually met on a night out, a few days later I received a ‘friend request’ from what I recalled to be a ‘random guy’. We started talking over text message and agreed to a date at a local winery. In the meantime, we decided to meet up for lunch at a café. Almost 5 years later, from dating, moving in together, adopting our fur baby and getting married, we still are yet to go on that initial planned first date! Upon seeing him on our first ‘unofficial’ date I remember the first thought I had was ‘oh, he’s tall!’ It’s crazy to think back to the years earlier, we grow up in towns only 40 minutes apart and had been to a number of places and events, but had never met prior in our teenage years! THE PROPOSAL We had been dating for roughly 3.5 years and had been living together for 1.5 years. The topic of marriage had come up a number of times. In particular, when out shopping I would make not so subtle hints as we walked past jewelry shops. One day, again when out shopping, we decided to go into a jewelry shop to take a closer look. The sales assistance asked if I would like to try on some rings. After about 15 minutes, Gavin asked me to leave the store. He later returned with a bag, ensuring me that it wasn’t the ring he had purchased. Around two weeks later we headed out to the Yarra Valley where we had lunch at a winery (not the winery we intended to have our first date at). On our way back to the car, Gavin stopped to ask me a question as we took in the views and the vineyard. Of course, the answer was a big YES! THE VENUE Being from country Victoria, but living in Melbourne meant we had to do online research before heading out to venues. The things we were looking for were inclusions, budgets, images and reviews. No surprises here, but our top choice was to have a winery wedding. We narrowed down our top preferences based on our research and scheduled times to visit the venues. Our first winery visit had us sold from day one. The venue we chose was located approximately half way in between the two towns we were from. It had a sentimental significance as Gavin’s mum and my late Nana had both worked there. We brought our parents along with us and they too instantly fell in love with the venue. The venue included an outdoor ceremony location, looking out onto the vines with the mountains out in the distance. The barn was built in the late 1800s, at the time used as a storage shed, but has recently been restored to its former glory, now fit for the perfect rustic wedding. FAVORITE MOMENT There were so many moments that made the day incredible; it is so hard to choose just one aspect of the day as a favourite. From the lead up to the day, to the morning of relaxation, pampering and last minute nerves to the final farewells at the end of the night, every moment was meaningful, thoughtful and perfect. THE DRESS My dress was absolutely perfect. The dress was the one aspect of the wedding I didn’t have a vision for. I went shopping with an open mind, giving my mum and bridesmaids free choice of gowns for me to try. After trying on two very different gowns and loving both, we arrived at Raffaele Ciuca. The dress was a combination of the two previous dresses; it was modern whilst traditional, flattering whist confortable and simple yet elegant. The two features I loved most about the dress was the detail of the lace in the train and the openness of the back. FINDING THE ONE The team at Raffaele Ciuca, Brunswick we supportive, honest and professional as they showed patience and respect towards my bridal party and myself. TIPS FOR ALL THE BRIDES TO BE One comment I received constantly in the lead up and on the day from my bridal party was that I was relaxed. Remember it is you and your partner’s day, follow your visions, be organised, delegate and be strong in your wishes. People will give you advice along the way, but don’t feel obliged to take it. Do want you want because at the end of the day, it is your wedding, not theirs! Gown: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Photographer: John Mitchell Photography Venue:Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard Celebrant:Celebrant Serena Flowers:Beechworth Floral Designs Cake:Sweet Aaz/Reclaim Wine Bar Café Hair:Anita Hamilton Hairdressing Makeup: Coby Field Makeup Artist Shoes: Wittner Invites: Vistaprint Suits: Jeff Banks/T.M Lewin/yd. Band: Scott & Amanda Bridesmaid Dresses: Myer Bonbonerie: Self-made – from Kmart, Vistaprint and Spotlight Table Centerpieces: Beechworth Floral Designs Rings:Michael Hill Jewelers