Bride & Groom: Jacqueline & Jack Sutherland
Gown: Suzanne Neville Penny
Venue: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Photography: Gez Xavier Mansfield
Videography: Anchored Cinema
Floral: Kiko Designs
Accessories: Jennifer Behr silver Iris headbands
Bridesmaids dress: Bec & Bridge
Hair Jayde Turner-Ledwidge
Makeup: Kelly Bowman
Stationary: Designs to Adore
How did you and your husband meet?
We met through mutual friends on a night out on Oxford Street back in 2016. We met just 2 months before my scheduled move to the UK. So spent a big portion of the first year of our relationship long distance.
How did he propose?
He proposed at home, before our regular morning walk around Cremorne Point. He was going to do it on the walk but realised that I would not enjoy having the general public watching it happen so did it in the privacy of home. He had booked lunch at A’mare at the Crown and afterwards we went over to my parents place, I thought to do a toast with just my family, but Jack had organised a surprise party with 30 of our closest family and friends. It was truly a surprise, and it’s hard to surprise me!
What was your vision for your wedding day?
I wanted something simple and elegant, by the water and on the boat, as Jack and I love being by or on the water! I essentially just wanted to throw a big party with my family and friends, and for everyone to have a really great time celebrating with us.
Where did you look for your wedding gown inspiration?
I had been looking on Instagram for quite a while and saving looks that I liked. I was already following Helen Rodrigues’ Instagram account. A few other Instagram accounts were helpful too: Hello May Magazine and Two Lovers Official. (I have actually unfollowed most of them now, so I can get all of the wedding content out of my algorithm!)
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I knew I was looking for a long, simple, strapless gown with some volume and a train. Helen actually brought this dress out and told me to try it on first! I tried on a few others and went back to the first one!
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Interestingly, none of the decisions were too big or hard, I tend to be quite decisive. The venue is obviously very important, and making the decision around a destination wedding or local (we decided to go local to make it easier for as many of our family to make it), The photographer is also important, not just to make sure all your memories are captured in the best way possible but also to make sure you like working with them on the day, as you end up spending a lot of time with them. You want to be comfortable with them too, you often feel a bit silly in some of the poses with your partner!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
The absolute highlight was going back out on the boat that the bridal party had arrived on with our whole wedding party (12 bridesmaids/groomsmen), our photographer and videographer to take photos after the ceremony. The weather was divine, we were drinking champagne and just having so much fun. We didn’t want to go back to the full reception (although it was obviously so much fun celebrating with all of our guests!)
Is there anything you would do differently?
I wouldn’t have done anything differently!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
My main advice is to try to stay relaxed, present and in the moment. Things may not be perfect or go perfectly to plan, but the main thing is that no one else will notice or care, they will have fun regardless and the little things don’t matter in the scheme of things. Try to take some time, even just 10 minutes, to sit with your partner and enjoy the moment. The rest of the time you will be so busy: taking photos, networking, etc. Also – try to eat if you can. I had zero appetite, but I force myself to eat a little so I didn’t crash too hard.
What attracted you to Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
My sister-in-law got her wedding dress from Helen Rodrigues, also a Suzanne Neville dress, and had a great experience with Helen and her dress looked fantastic. Which is why I booked an appointment with Helen, and never had to look anywhere else!
I had an amazing experience at Helen Rodrigues Bridal. Every appointment I felt so well looked after, Helen and the team were all very lovely. When I first went in, Helen listened to what I was looking for and made suggestions based on that. It was Helen who told me to try on the dress I ended up choosing, and we worked on a few modifications to make the dress perfect me! The dress was divine. It was so well made, fit like a glove and was surprisingly comfortable (even with a corset!). And of course, I got so many compliments on the day about the dress and how perfectly suited it was to me. I’d highly recommend looking for a dress at Helen Rodrigues Bridal to start of your bridal journey the right way!
