Have you been seeing a certain someone at different social events for years now and wonder if there is something there that should be explored? This was the case for Shannon and James who had known each other since high school and finally found love together! It’s a classic ‘opposites attract’ tale for Shannon and James whose different personalities bring the best of each other! #rcrealbride Shannon wore the Sullivan Rose Gown by Maggie Sottero. Elegant lace motifs dance over tulle in this relaxed fit-and-flare wedding dress, the low back is the true wow factor of this gown! Photography by Ateia Photography THE FIRST SIGHT We attened the same high school but were in different year levels, we had some mutual friends, so we had heard about each other but never met. We finally met as teenagers at a party and would see each other at occassional gatherings over a few years. James finally asked me out when I was 20, our first date was at the cinema. He was so nervous he was too scared to even hold my hand. He was always shy, but over time he really came out of his shell and I realised he had a great sense of humour. Our personalitties were so different, but it made us a good match. We balance eachother out in the best ways. THE PROPOSAL James proposed just after our 5 year anniversary. As an anniversay gift he organised us a night away in Crown Metropol. I had a feeling the proposal was coming as he had suggested I get my nails done for the occasion. When we were on our way to the hotel I knew something was going on as he seemed nervous as was really worried about us being late. When I arrived the hotel room was deocorated in fairy lights and flowers. There was a light up sign which said “Shannon will you marry me?” When I turned around he was down on one knee. THE VENUE I chose to get married at The Park Melbourne as I always wanted to be married near water and The Park Melbourne has a beautiful view of the Albert Park lake. I also really wanted outdoor photos in the park, which unfortunately I didn’t get due to terrential rain on the day. I knew I didn’t want anything too rustic or colourful, and the décor at the park is very classic but modern. The chamdeliers are stunning and the reflect onto the huge windows and shiny black walls. The Park Melbourne also had a decking, so I was able to get married outside while still have the roof over us. We visited around 10 venues before choosing The Park. We knew straight away it has all the things we wanted. It was also close enough to the city to allow my overseas guests to find accomodation easily. The food was fantasic and staff were so helpful. FAVORITE MOMENT Our favourite part was definitely the late evening where we were finally done with all the formalities and we were able to hit the dance floor with our friends and family. THE DRESS My dress was just amazing, I fell in love with it when I saw the beautiful low back. It came with straps at the back which were were able to design a pattern with. The alterations team were amazing and made my dress fit like a glove. I always wanted something fitted and with a bit of sparkle. The Sullivan Rose was beautifully beaded and felt amazing. I had tried on around 10 dresses before the Sullivan Rose and I couldn’t get it out of my head. FINDING THE ONE All the girls at The Brunswick store and the alterations store were fantasic. I even came back with a friend who is getting married and they remembered me and my dress, which was lovely. The ladies at the alterations store take their job very seriously and did not finish working on my dress until it was perfect. Even when I came to pick it up they still made some changes so it fit like a glove. It was stunning. TIPS FOR ALL THE BRIDES TO BE Enjoy the planning, there is only so much you can control. I had everything planned to T, but then it poured on my wedding day which I couldn’t control. But it was still a lovely day. Photographer: Ateia Photography Venue: The Park Melbourne- Albert Park Church/Celebrant: Sharon Tiplady Flowers: Syria (Floral Creations) Hair: Stacey Lee (Opia Hair & Beauty) Shoes: Novo Invites: Minted.com Suits: Farrari Band/DJ: Bert from Melbourne Entertainment Company Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy Bonbonerie: Designer Candy Rings: Seleras Videographer: Ateia Photography