This week we feature #rcrealbride Tully who married the love of her life Cihan in a stunning lace wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley.
THE FIRST SIGHT
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We had our first date at Panama Dining Room in Fitzroy. We were both rather nervous and quite formal which is fitting with the old world atmosphere of Panama. Gradually we loosened up a bit more and then both became intrigued with one another. Our second date though, was when the magic became apparent. We met for breakfast at The Red Door Corner Store, and something about having a date during the day felt fresh, more natural and revealing. It was one of those golden, crisp, autumn days, which are enchanting all by themselves. We ate a slow breakfast and we were much more ourselves, more relaxed and very, very drawn to one another. From that moment, I felt like I was pulled into a really wonderful dream. I was smitten!
THE DRESS
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I wore a Sottero and Midgley gown. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and a gorgeous fitted bodice which gently flared out just below the hip into a beautiful train. The gown was made from an ivory Chantilly lace with a champagne fabric beneath. I wanted something simple, classic and if possible with vintage flair. I’m a lover of a clean aesthetic, so really liked that there wasn’t anything too fussy about the gown. I felt it drew its glamour from the corseted waist, providing that hourglass silhouette, and from the abundance of lace with the subtle drama of the train.
FINDING THE ONE
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The experience of shopping for the gown was like a frothy, delicate, lacy, feminine wonderland. I bought my dress from Raffaele Cuica, and stepping into the store and seeing the rows and rows of dresses with heavenly fabrics spilling out all over was so exciting. Throughout the experience I felt brimming with happiness with an undercurrent of vibrating, nervous excitement.
THE CEREMONY
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We wanted our ceremony to be honest, heartfelt and true to us. We tried to avoid anything too long and formal, but at the same time wanted to mark the significance of the event in our own way. We especially wanted to take the opportunity to honour our families, for the incredible amount of love and support they have given to us. Our celebrant Yvonne Woodwent to incredible lengths to prepare and guide us through the ceremony, and she was so respectful and nurturing. We both wanted our families to be a big part of the ceremony to help us demonstrate their significance to us. My dad gave me away and our mothers “warmed” our rings each one holding a ring which they then gave to us during the ceremony. My younger brother was one of the groomsmen, and Cihan’s brother and my Nunna were our witnesses.
THE VENUE
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It ended up being the perfect place for our wedding. Suzie Cammareri was our coordinator, and we were impressed by her attention to detail, professionalism and warmth. She was experienced, knew what worked and what didn’t in terms of the venue, and gave us sound advice. On the day, we were so grateful to all of the staff who were attentive, bubbly and polished. Farm Vigano is this unexpected gem, a heritage building set amid beautiful gardens, a sweet little orchard and a rolling expanse of bushland.
THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
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The people! Our loved ones together in one beautiful place. Witnessing the meshing of cultures, and marrying each other! Beauty in all of its elements – the emotions, the florals, the heritage building, the beautiful autumn day. That things just felt so natural and so right, and feeling everyone’s genuine joy and delight for us. It felt like hyperreality, like a perfect, delicious dream, a merry-go-round where I can recall flashes of conversation, trails of music, so much laughter and happiness, and effervescent love….
ADVICE
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We chose to have our ceremony and reception at the same location, we wanted our guests to feel relaxed and thoroughly enjoy the day. We are so pleased that we made that decision! We were seeking a sense of vibrancy, of intimacy and warmth, of magic. We wanted people to feast, indulge and to be surrounded by beauty and love. The venue has a lovely charm both inside and out. Outside there was that fresh, crisp, country air – people could escape and take a stroll through the orchard. Inside held all the fun, and had a well designed layout that created a merry, cosy environment.
Watch Tully and Cihan’s love story come to life.
Their gorgeous wedding video was filmed by our friend at Purple Ribbon Weddings.
Featured: Polka Dot Bride / Photographer: All Grown Up Weddings / Videographer: Purple Ribbon Weddings / Bride’s Dress: Sottero and Midgley / Bridal Salon: Raffaele Ciuca / / Rings: Rose & Crow / Groom’s Attire: Jack London / Groom’s Shoes: Aquila / Groomsmen Attire: Jack London / Bridesmaid Dresses: Young Designer’s Gallery / Bridesmaid Shoes: Guess / Bridesmaid Shoes: Modcloth / Bride’s Shoes: Call it Spring / / Hairstylist: Rock Paper Scissors Hair Design / Makeup Artist: Ellen Mary / Flowers & Decor: Georgie Boy Flowers / Invitations & Stationery: InkPaperArt / Venue: Farm Vigano / Rental Furniture: Good Day Rentals / Ceremony Officiant: Yvonne Wood / Musicians: Family & Friends / Catering: Farm Vigano / Dessert Table: Pana Chocolate / Transport: Triple R Luxury Car Hire