Who doesn’t love a medieval backdrop mansion and a sun kissed wedding day? Long time love birds Sengul + Halil tied the knot at stunning Melbourne location, Montsalvat. The pictures of Halil emotional as he sees his bride walk down the alter tugged at our heart strings. There is no doubt #RCREALBRIDE Sengul looked the image of perfection in her Demetrios Platinum gown in style ‘303’. The perfect combination of sexy and sophisticated is found in this gorgeous fit and flare wedding dress. Photography: Lavan Photography THE FIRST SIGHT Halil and I met when we were 17 years old. We were great friends throughout our teenage years and went to first year University together. We both admittedly always having had a crush on each other growing up but nothing ever eventuated. We lost contact for a number of years and reconnected through social media 8 years later. For our first date we went to the beach at night and had ice cream and spoke about the many years in between. We shared our first kiss and knew that we were meant to be. THE PROPOSAL A few months leading up to the proposal, Halil took me on a number of spontaneous adventures on the weekends. We would go hiking, to wineries and enjoy lots of scenic drives. On the proposal weekend he told me that we were going hiking and to dress comfortably. I wore leggings, a plain t-shirt and a pair of runners. When I met with Halil, he was wearing a sharp blue shirt and pair of slacks. I was a little surprised that he was dressed so inappropriately for our hike but nevertheless, we set off and he drove towards the Dandenongs. I soon realised that we weren’t in fact going hiking as he turned into a restaurant called Coonara Springs. Here, he had arranged for a private table outside amongst the beautiful greenery. I thought he had surprised me with a lunch but soon enough dessert came out with “Marry Me” written across it in chocolate sauce. I was so shocked that I was staring at my plate and when I looked up I saw him on one knee asking me to marry him. THE VENUE Halil and I spent many weekends at Montsalvat simply enjoying ‘us’ time. When it came time to choose our wedding venue we knew Montsalvat was, without question, the place we wanted to say ‘I do’. FAVOURITE MOMENT Our wedding ceremony. It was such an emotional day for Halil and I. We were both so happy that our special day had finally arrived. I wish we could go back and do it all again. THE DRESS I wore the Demetrios Platinum 330 dress. I felt absolutely incredible. I couldn’t have chosen a more perfect dress. It was everything I wanted and more. FINDING THE ONE My experience at Raffaele Ciuca was incredible. It was the first store I visited and knew I had found my dream dress the moment I put it on. Francesca from the Brunswick boutique was absolutely sensational. She was extremely knowledgeable and helped me find my dream dress. ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Try to keep an extremely open mind when trying on wedding gowns. The selection of dresses available at Raffaele Ciuca is so incredible and the team are equally as incredible. You will, without a doubt, feel like a princess on your special day with their expert guidance and phenomenal gown selection. VENDORS Photographer: Lavan Photography Link: https://www.lavanphoto.com.au/ Venue: Montsalvat Link: https://www.montsalvat.com.au/ Flowers: Bud Flowers Link: https://budflowers.com.au/ Hair & Makeup: Natalia and Stephanie J Makeup Link: http://www.stephaniejmakeup.com.au/