So many of the love stories we get to hear have no explanation other than the result of ‘fate’. Stefanie + Enrico tell us of their first encounter and the series of events that occurred and just by chance they ended up at the same nightclub. Stefanie declaring “it was almost like love at first sight!”. Following years of dating this couple grew to love and adore one another for who they both are.
#RCREALBRIDE Stefanie wore the Hadley gown by Sottero and Midgley.This alluring fit-and-flare wedding dress features striking lace motifs, a low back, and a sexy sweetheart neckline accented with a shimmer of sequins and beading. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure.
Photography: Balkan Photography & Videography
THE FIRST SIGHT
Enrico and I met one night out at a nightclub. We will always believe it was fate as neither of us were meant to be there that night. It was an instant attraction, love at first sight even! We ended up chatting all night, we clicked so much and we were interested in the same things.
Our first date was to my favourite restaurant on Lygon Street and we had a really romantic walk along to the piazza, the rest is history!
THE PROPOSAL
It was our 3-year anniversary and after a lovely dinner out, he took me to our house that was under construction. In the middle of the kitchen-to-be, under the light of his phone torch, he read out a letter that he wrote and gave me a picture of the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome and told me to turn it over. It had the word ‘honeymoon?’ on the back which I said ‘yes of course, obviously?’ (thinking he wanted to go) to which he bent down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Totally unexpected but it was the most amazing night.
THE VENUE
We chose to celebrate our big day at Carousel. We had fallen in love with it but it wasn’t our first choice due to cost. We had two other venues cancel so we knew that Carousel was meant to be.
The view spoke for itself, sitting on Albert Park Lake. We had visited it a few times while other weddings had been set up there and it was amazing how it gave us a different feel every time.
We knew that this venue was perfect for us, the staff, quality and attention to detail made it an easy choice and we knew that our guests would have a wonderful time here with us.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
I had two favourite moments. The first was when we said, ‘I do!’. We both became so relaxed and it was a very special moment in front of all our family and friends in the amazing church.
The second was during our first dance. We had fairy lights installed above the dance floor and I remember looking up during the dance and seeing the lights and looking at my new husband and I just cried, it was just so pretty and special!
THE DRESS
I chose the Hadley by Sottero and Midgley gown with the overskirt. I didn’t really know what I wanted, I liked bits and pieces of different dresses which I showed to the lovely Teresa. She basically made me try on a dress and put on the overskirt and I just fell in love. My first visit was just to see what style would suit my body type, but after trying on another 2 I had to put the first one back on because nothing else could compare. I could also see my mum and myself were a bit teary, which is rare for both of us so I knew that it was definitely the one! I love all the lace and small detail of the little beads. Simple and elegant, it fitted to my body effortlessly and the overskirt just increased the wow factor, it made me feel like a princess.
FINDING THE ONE
I always thought that wedding dress shopping was the most difficult part of planning a wedding (so they say) but I must say RC made it extremely easy.
Teresa from the Brunswick store made my mother and I feel so comfortable and she gave her honest opinion for everything.
I walked out feeling so relieved (also a bit shocked) as I didn’t expect to find the right dress straight away.
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
My advice for planning a wedding is, always have a back-up (just in case!) and always go with your gut. There are so many decisions to be made, sometimes the first one is the best one or the right one.
Ultimately, it is a day for you and your other half, so keep that in mind, enjoy the day and the rest will just fall into place!
VENDORS
Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal
Photographer: Balkan Photography & Videography
Venue: Carousel
Church/Celebrant: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Flowers: Brunswick Flower Hub
Cake: Divine Cake Designs
Hair: Hair By Elesha Rae
Makeup: By Natasha
Shoes: Jeanette Maree
Invites: The Right Invite
Suits: Ferrari Formalwear
Band/DJ: DJ Eddie Rinaldo – Rinaldo Entertainment
Bridesmaid Dresses: Daniela’s Boutique
Bonbonerie: Handmade
Table Centrepieces: Abracadabra
Rings: Matt Wynne Designer Jeweller
