Real Bride Ally wearing bespoke Inbal Dror gown

Bride & Groom: Ally & Blake Dale
Gown: Inbal Dror
Venue: The Royal Sydney Golf Club
Photography: Image Haus
Videography: Soda Films
Floral: The Flower Drum 
Accessories: Jimmy Choo
Bridemaids dress: Bec & Bridge
Hair: Joh Bailey  
Make-up: Serena Wiley, Samantha Selby
Cake: Rebecca Lauren

How did you and your husband meet?
Blake and I met during high school. We dated for almost 10 years before he finally proposed!

How did he propose?
We were on holiday visiting my extended family and travelling around Western Australia. It was our first night in Exmouth, and we had spent the day exploring the town. Unbeknown to me, Blake used this as prime time to scout for the perfect location for a sunset picnic. 

We had arrived at what I thought was a lovely spot but an uncharacteristically stressed Blake had other ideas in mind, so we set down the road towards the lighthouse. As the sun began to set, Blake pulled out his drone and suggested we take a photo. To my surprise, he dropped down on one knee! Many tears later, we watched the sun go down from the boot of the car with pizza and champagne.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?
It definitely depends on who you ask! With our wedding scheduled for February we had to prepare for unpredictable weather. As a naturally curly haired girl, I was petrified that it was going to rain. Following extensive consultation with Helen and my hairdresser, I decided to make the call on my hair style the morning of the wedding. As fate would have it, we had perfect weather and my curls were kept at bay.

For Blake, the toughest decision was the venue and the date. Luckily the Royal Sydney Golf Club had availably on the same date as his Grandfather’s birthday - a big coincidence making that decision a no brainer!

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
We were inspired by the gardens of the Royal Sydney Golf Club which resulted in countless hours of scouring miscellaneous platforms for examples of garden weddings. Soft greens, pastels and warm tones became the colour scheme front runner which helped guide other decisions we had to make.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Helen Rodrigues Bridal appealed to me due to the diverse range of designers and gowns. Though I am typically an indecisive person, I fell in love with my dress the moment I tried it on. I didn’t expect to wear a traditional gown but was instantly convinced it was the one for me by the intricate sheer fabric and corset - a magical and modern design. The ultimate selling point however was the lightness of the dress; it was perfect for the dance floor!

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I was very lucky that my mum took the leading role in organising our wedding. She befriended all the vendors, attended every meeting and of course kept me apprised of all developments. I truly couldn’t have planned the day without her!

I really enjoyed planning the finer details such as the colour schemes, menus, florals and candles while Blake tackled wedding cars and honeymoon. Our wedding was 10 months after our engagement, so we commenced planning almost immediately.

What was your vision for your wedding day?
A whimsical garden party that transitioned into a groovy dance floor at night! We opted for outdoor cocktails and canapés under umbrellas. As the sun began to set, guests were moved into our fairy lit and flower filled marquee. The final move of the evening was inside the Royal Sydney Golf Club where our dance floor could be found. 

To ensure our guests could enjoy dessert and a dance we had the wedding cake and dessert table situated next to the dance floor - Blake’s main non-negotiable!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Our first dance! With the formalities over for the evening it was amazing to step out onto the dance floor before our loved ones for the first time as husband and wife. We danced to ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’ by Frankie Valli - one of our favourite songs. 

Is there anything you would do differently?
Future brides take note - leave the champagne tower indoors! Unfortunately, our tower was (at the time considered) strategically placed in the garden… one tiny gust of wind later it was a glistening pile of shattered glass. But remember no problem is too great and with the help of our guests we were able to set up a smaller one inside. 

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
On the day, take a moment with your husband to really appreciate how special it is to have all your favourite people in the same room celebrating the two of you.

Helen really is excellent at what she does! From the initial meeting to everything that followed Helen was a delight. She made me feel at ease and shared her wealth of knowledge with me. I could not recommend her enough!

Real Bride Jess wearing custom Inbal Dror gown

Bride & Groom: Jess and Tom Law
Gown: Inbal Dror
Accessories: Jennifer Behr Earrings and headbands @jenniferbehr, Peter Langner “New York” veil and Rings from Armans @armansjewellery
Bridesmaids dresses: Rebecca Vallance
Venue: Jaspers Berry @jaspersberrywedding
Photography: Scott Surplice @scottsurplicephotography
Videography:  Dear Vincent @dear.vincent
Floral: Jaspers Berry @jaspersberrywedding
Celebrant: Alex Lollback @axweddings
Music: Lily Road @lilyroadband
Strings: Clear Strings @clear_strings
Transport: Classic Car Company @classiccarcompany_
Bridesmaids earrings: Amelie George @ameliegeorgebridal

How did you and your husband meet?

My close friend Tina had quite the crush on Tom and of course we being her posse accompanied her to their gelato date after school. I definitely knew Tom’s existence and his Knox crew prior to this meeting yet this was the first time I laid eyes on him. Us Pymble girls couldn’t resist those Knox boys.

 How did he propose?

It was a sunny summer day in December 2019 and the only clear day in what felt like forever since the bushfires. From our family beach house we walked to the Bible Gardens which is a very special place for us. I was admiring the view when Tom got down on one knee and asked me those four words. 

I internally exploded the day Tom proposed as I could not fathom what was going on. To be honest, even though marriage was something we both wanted in our future and it was something that made perfect sense to our situation at the time, when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him I couldn’t believe it as I never thought anyone would genuinely want to spend the rest of their lives with someone like me. I realised then and there that someone did want me in the same way I wanted them. All the negative noise I have about myself was forced to the surface and to the background simultaneously as I came to the conclusion that Tom was committed to spending the rest of his life with me by his side. I was living a dream, at our special place looking over one of the most beautiful beaches known to mankind. Little did I know that when we left for our walk I would return home to the whole family with my fiancé.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

I didn’t really have a vision for my wedding day except that I wanted my nearest and dearest there by my side. Somewhere with lots of greenery and opportunity for photos. I have always loved classy and traditional designs and elements. This is something that Jaspers does so well. Even my invitations were simply yet classy and traditional. 

The day I really felt like I had a clear idea of what I had dreamed my wedding day to look like was when we visited Jaspers, Berry. The whimsical and natural beauty is encapsulating. The grounds are immaculate and the fairy tale elements took me in instantly. The moment I saw the cherry blossoms I said to Tom this is the place. I completely fell in love with Jaspers and with all the chaos covid brought I was determined to keep our special venue. 

Thankfully we visited and booked Jaspers shortly after we got engaged so I was able to look forward to finding a dress after we had secured a venue.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

Initially I looked in magazines and on instagram. After months of looking for inspiration I started to realise the type of style I wanted from location, details, and of course my dress. I always knew I never wanted a super tight or tight figure-hugging type of dress. I wanted to make sure I felt comfortable. I was lucky that Helen made my special dress come true, which ended up being made of two separate dresses by the same designer.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I have always loved visiting Helen and her beautiful shop. I got to witness my oldest sister choose her dream dress from Helen and it was there that I knew I would return one day to find my dream dress. I live locally and drive past the beautiful shop every day, I just knew it was meant to be and that I would be able to find the right dress for me there.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

The wedding planning journey was interesting, long, complicated however it was very fun! The planning was definitely affected by covid which continued to evolve from the month following our engagement up until our wedding. It was always a game of trial and error and making the best with what we had and what was to be predicted. As difficult and challenging the planning was at times, I was super lucky to have my beautiful Mum who did all the hard work for me. Mum is a master mind when it comes to planning and solving problems, not even a pandemic could stop her or our wedding! We were always optimistic that our second date would go ahead in some shape or form which made the planning a bit smoother towards the end. The day the restrictions were lifted for regional travel which meant we could travel to our wedding in Berry was one very big day - and was only two weeks out from the date! We got extremely lucky and I will forever be grateful for my beautiful Mother who made it all possible.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

The biggest decision was definitely when we changed our original date to a year later. With hindsight this was the best decision and also really the smartest decision at the time, however it was definitely a big decision to make.

 What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

Everything was a highlight. Although it sounds cliche, the whole day and everything it involved was special, unique and extraordinary. One that sticks out of course is my dress. I finally got to wear the dress of my dreams, which had been ready to wear for months in advance. There are no words when you get to put your dream dress on after a day of getting ready and sharing that experience with my two best friends and family before heading off to one of the most special days of my life. It is too hard to narrow down the feelings and experiences into one highlight from the day.  

 Is there anything you would do differently?

Definitely not. Even the fact that the pandemic affected the planning, it made the day so much more special. The anticipation leading up to the day was completely overwhelming. The day was absolutely perfect. The best day of my life.

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Trust the process. You are in the most experienced and trustworthy hands which will guide and support you every step of the way. Get excited and enjoy the process. It is so overwhelming, and it is so special to remember to enjoy the journey leading up to the wedding. Waiting for the dress can seem long but it's worth every minute. You are only a bride to be once - soak it up!

 Every moment and every detail was nothing but a dream. The service, the attention to detail and the kindness and dedication you receive whenever you are in the shop is unlike anywhere else.

 Helen made me feel special from the very first time I met her. I fell in love with her shop when my sister got married years ago. I couldn't wait until the day would come that I would get to have an experience as extraordinary as hers. Helen made my dream dress come true. We combined two beautiful dresses by Inbal Dror, which I presumed would be impossible, however she knew what I was after and from that moment on it was a breeze as it was in her trusty hands.

 Words will not do justice trying to explain how magical it was when I first saw the dress in its final product.... it was absolute perfection. I felt supported, confident and happy which is exactly how I was hoping to feel for my special day. I will never forget my times at the shop with Helen, my sisters and my Mum.

Helen and her team are so dedicated and talented at what they do. I am lucky to have been looked after by them.

 Due to covid we had rescheduled our date and overall were almost 24 months from engagement to rescheduled wedding date. Lots of uncertainty came from that. With retail having to close and my own health issues I was worried at times when I would be able to see the dress and whether it would fit again... however Helen was so supportive throughout all this and would make sure anything is possible.

Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. I felt like a real life princess!

HR Real Bride Monisha wearing Inbal Dror

Bride & Groom: Monisha & Nathan
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Planning & Styling: Florals & styling by Myra at My Violet, Calligraphy and signage by Jo at Calligraphy En Vogue & planning by Monisha
Photography: Thomas Stewart
Videography: Paper Cranes Productions
Venue: The Friends Room, State Library of NSW & Cafe Sydney
Floral: Mi Violet
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories HR Holly veil, Jennifer Behr Czarina headband, & Christian Louboutin shoes
Band: Baker Boys Band 8-piece
Hair: David Connelly, my best friend & bridesman and Astrid Montague
Make-up: Sanaz Fakhra
Celebrant: Suzie Crozier
Cake: Stacy Brewer Cakes

How did you and your husband meet?

We met through Nathan’s sister Amelia, who is one of my best friends. I figured that with that kind of pedigree, he had to be a good one! Our first date happened as a spur-of-the-moment decision on a cloudy Monday afternoon, and the rest is history.

How did he propose?

Nathan proposed in the wine cellar at Mimi’s, at Coogee Pavilion, after much behind-the-scenes planning with the help of the restaurant team. The sommelier, who happens to be a good friend of ours, took us into the wine cellar ostensibly so that we could choose a bottle of wine. It took me longer than it should’ve to realise that at some point, the sommelier had slipped out and that my favourite song was playing through a hidden speaker, and that Nathan one down on one knee.

Fittingly, it was in the same building that we had our first date. I later learned that Nathan’s original plan had been to propose in New York, which is his favourite city, but Covid and its related lockdowns thwarted that. In the end, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

Ultimately what we wanted from our day was to treat our closest friends and family to a great party. The state Library of NSW was a no-brainer for us: the history, the architecture and the location spoke to us, and it felt right for us to exchange vows surrounded by a veritable who’s-who of literary greats. Cafe Sydney is such an iconic venue, so it made sense to host our reception there, overlooking the harbour in all its night time glory.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

We didn’t really take much inspiration from other sources. In the end, Nathan and my visions aligned closely so we left the finer details to the experts. Again, full credit to Myra and Jo for their incredible work.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I had been following Helen on social media for a long while, and I knew that I wanted a gown by Inbal Dror. I love her whimsical, ethereal designs and I was determined to have as many sequins as possible. My gown was the second one I tried on, and I knew it was the one when my Mum and my bridesman, who had accompanied me to the trunk show, started crying.

What was your wedding planning journey like?

I started planning less than six months out from our chosen date, so it’s safe to say that I had my hands full! Knowing which vendors I wanted to work with made all the difference. As soon as we had locked in the ceremony and reception venues, I reached out to the vendors and by some miracle, all were available on the day.

Although planning the wedding on my own meant that there were more than a couple of stressful moments, it was definitely worth it in the end. Nathan and I and our guests were delighted with the way our day turned out.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

Choosing the ceremony and reception venues. We wanted venues that were iconically Sydney, since we love this city, and which would allow our guests to eat and drink very well. Humbly, we think we got it right!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

Without question, the highlight of my day was walking into the State Library on my Dad’s arm, and seeing Nathan waiting for me at the end of the aisle. Knowing that I was about to marry my best friend and soul’s companion, was the most joyful feeling.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Honestly, nothing at all.

Is there any advice you would give to other HR Brides?

Choose venues and a gown which make you feel something. Go with your gut and things will work out just fine. And as Helen will so wisely tell you, just remember that if thing don’t go to plan, well, nobody but you knows what the plan was in the first place!

I could not have been more delighted with my experience with Helen, Sophie and the wonderful team at HR Bridal. From the outset, Helen welcomed me with warmth, humour and a real understanding of the details which matter most when it comes to choosing a gown and accessories. I felt entirely able to put my trust in Helen and the end result was even more as special than I had hoped.

It goes without saying that Helen’s selection of designers, gowns and accessories is unmatched, but it is her knowledge and warmth which are truly priceless. Thank you, Helen, for helping to make our day so magical!

HR Real Bride Natalie wearing Inbal Dror

Bride & Groom: Natalie & Jason Cashman
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Alex Marks Photographer
Venue: The Woodhouse Wollombi
Floral: Piccolo Petalo
Bridesmaid dresses: One Fell Swoop

How did you and your husband meet?

Our families knew each other from when we were both little kids however the process really began when my sister Stephanie and Jason’s best mate Daniel started dating. As you could guess, they both started playing matchmakers and tried to get Jason and I together with all their efforts. Eventually patience and persistence prevailed, Jason and I started dating in early 2011.

How did he propose?

We were renovating our house at the time and he handed me an envelope while we were working stating that he had got some bad results from his blood test. I opened the envelope nervously but to my surprise it was actually plane tickets and an itinerary for a surprise birthday trip to Queenstown, New Zealand. I was so in shock that I didn’t realise that the plane tickets were for the next day. He told me to go back my pack my bags and get ready to leave tomorrow. He had already organised annual leave with my work many months before.

We arrived in Queenstown and spent many lovely days seeing the many sites and activities that Queenstown has to offer. Everyday at breakfast he would tell me the plan for the day. A couple of days before my birthday, he told me we would be going to jump on a jet boat in the canyons in the morning (I found out later he booked this for himself to take his mind off the plan for the afternoon and calm his nerves) and then we would be heading to Wanaka for lunch and a hike.

Once we arrived in Wanaka for lunch, he kept looking at his watch and was very worried about finishing lunch in time as we had to ‘start the hike in time to reach the top in time for sunset’. So off we went to this ‘hike’.

After 20 minutes of driving, we arrived at an airport and Jason points to a skydiving sign. I was mortified. Shortly after, Jason tells me its just a joke and we are actually going into a helicopter to Roys Peak. I had been sending him photos of Roys Peaks from years ago when we were talking about a New Zealand trip. While we were waiting to hop on the helicopter, we met an NZ local Andy Brown and his friend Dan. Jason said it was too expensive to get the helicopter by ourselves so we had to share with another two people. At this stage, I was oblivious to everything going on. I sat in the front seat of the helicopter with Jason and the two others in the back. I could not hear but I knew they had been chatting the whole time in the back seat. I thought, ‘Jeez Jason is friendly with these two strangers’.

Now to set the story, myself and Jason had been dating for nearly 9 years at this stage and myself, my family and his family would always have jokes about when we were going to get engaged. Jason’s consistent response was that he had ordered the ring years ago from overseas but it had to be shipped by boat. When someone would ask about when he would propose, his response would be ‘ah bad storm on the seas this week, the boat got delayed. The ring should be here soon.”

Ok back to Roys Peak.

We touched down on Roys Peak and the view, scenery and weather is just perfect. I walked to the spot that I had looked at in photos for all those years with Jason following close behind. The two others trailing further behind taking photos of the scenery as normal tourists would. Jason walks up to me and says ‘the captain of the boat called this morning. He arrived in Queenstown and I had to pick it up this morning’.

He gets on one knee, pulls out my dream engagement ring and asks me to marry him. It was an outstanding YES and tears started following. We gave each other a big hug. He then turns around and points to our fellow helicopters passengers and said ‘say hi to Andy & Dan, they are actually photographers I have organised to take photos of us’.

It was one of the best moments of my life!

What was your vision for your wedding day?

I wanted it to be us! As a couple we have lots of fun. Our celebrant Lauren from Hungry Hearts Co nailed that brief. We also wanted it to feel romantic as my husband is the most romantic person I know. We had our guests seated in a circular fashion and our incredible florist Crissha from Picollo Petalo created a classic look, also nailing our brief.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

I went straight to Vogue Bridal features. It provided me inspiration for colour scheme, florals and the vibe I wanted at my wedding.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

The delicate details of the lace, the bow and box pleats of the skirt is what drew me to my beautiful gown. I initially saw the dress in a Vogue Brides feature and could not stop thinking about it. Despite it being not what I envisioned myself in, my Mum and I visited Helen and I fell in love! However, I had not tried any other gowns on from other designers so I gave myself a month to visit other boutiques. Guess what? In those four weeks, I did not try on one dress nor did I visit any other stores.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

A month after we got engaged, we decided to begin looking and secure a venue which was 14 months before we were going to get married (9th of May 2020). I voluntarily and happily took the reins and flew solo in the planning process. I loved it! I knew our vision, sourced the suppliers and confirmed finer details. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we had to postpone our wedding eight weeks out. This happened again and we were unable to get married on the 1st of August 2020. Yes, twice! Before we knew it, we had six weeks to refine our vision and get married. Our final wedding date was 19th of March 2021.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

The venue! We always envisioned a green estate so Byron Bay or The Hunter Valley were the obvious locations. We found a beautiful venue in Wollombi which is the bottom of the Hunter region but did not want to visit or commit until we had flown to Byron Bay. We spent a weekend in Byron looking at some gorgeous venues and taking logistics with owners. However, the guest numbers were limited and both being from a European background made it very hard. We now look fondly on our decision to get married at The Woodhouse in Wollombi.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

I would struggle if I had to pinpoint one thing as a highlight. The whole day was a highlight and very magical. I had the best morning getting ready with my best friends, my Mum and my beautiful niece Mia, the special drive with my Dad, the suspense of waiting for the barn doors to open to walk down the aisle to Jason, taking photos, the speeches and the drinking and dancing. These memories will warm my heart forever.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Absolutely nothing!

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Have fun choosing your gown. It is something we hope to do once and you want to make sure the experience is enjoyable. Trust the process and the advice provided by Helen. She knows her stuff.

I had a really beautiful experience at Helen Rodrigues Bridal. We had to postpone the wedding twice which did push back fittings and Helen was nothing short of amazing - she was responsive, supportive and personable.

HR Real Bride Mary wearing bespoke Inbal Dror

Bride & Groom: Mary & David
Gown: Bespoke Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Siempre Weddings
Venue: Le Montage, Navara Venues
Floral: The Flower Crew
Videography: Tree Life Productions
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories HR Holly veil, & Diamond Emporium
Bridesmaid dresses: White Runway
Hair: Jessica El Jay
Make up: Ann Hassarati

How did you and your husband meet?

David had just moved to Sydney from Melbourne and we were introduced at dinner by a mutual friend.

How did he propose?

David and I were away at the Blue Mountains and we had just finished a trail and he surprised me with a proposal in the rain. Straight after we drove back to Sydney to celebrate with our families.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

After numerous rescheduled dates due to the COVID restrictions, we just wanted a fun and memorable day with all our loved ones. We wanted our wedding to be modern incorporated with our traditions.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

We started planning the wedding 12 months before our original date. Unfortunately, like many 2020 couples we had to reschedule our wedding three times due to COVID. Our suppliers and vendors were all incredible to deal with which made it easier for us to manage.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

Helen picked the gown for me and at first I was hesitant to try it on and as soon as I tried on the gown I fell in love with it. Helen suggested some ideas to customise the gown and I couldn’t stop thinking about the dress after our appointment. I arranged another appointment with Helen and went with both my parents to the second appointment. As soon as I put on the gown again I knew it was the one and my parents loved it too.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

The biggest decision that we had to make was during the COVID restrictions. It was hard for us to decide on a new date and even when we did, the travel restrictions between NSW, QLD and Victoria made it difficult. It was important for us to have our close family and friends present at the wedding and we were fortunate enough for them to be able to make it to on the new day.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

The highlight for me was the moment I started walking down the aisle with my dad towards David. At that moment, all the nerves, stress and worries instantly went away and I could finally relax and know it was really happening. Another highlight would be that I managed to last most of the day in heels despite my broke toe!!

Is there anything you would do differently?

There is nothing we would change or do differently. Everything went to plan and we had such an amazing day with our friends and family.

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Take it one step at a time and focus on the things that are important to you and your partner.

My experience with Helen Rodrigues Bridal was amazing. From the beginning to the day I picked up the gown Helen was very knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. Helen and her team were very accommodating given the number of rescheduled dates and alterations that I had to make given my broken toe. I highly recommend Helen Rodrigues Bridal!

HR Real Bride Alannah wearing Inbal Dror

Bride & Groom: Alannah & Morgan
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Bayleigh Vedelago
Venue: Jaspers, Berry
Floral: Venue Flowers - Jaspers, Bouquets & Boutonnieres - Flower on the Mill
Accessories: HR Accessories veil, ceremony - Sophia Webster shoes, Pierre Winter Fine Jewels earrings, reception - Gucci shoes, Jennifer Behr earrings, Blue Sapphire ring Poeta by Gordon Herford
Bridesmaid dresses: Camilla & Marc
Makeup: Samantha Lee
Videography: Capture Creative
Celebrant: Caterina Kouznetsoff
Planning & styling: Jaspers & Alannah

How did you and your husband meet?

Morgan and I met at the Law Firm we both worked at as lawyers. We would regularly chat at Friday night drinks and eventually he invited me out for dinner. I always had a secret crush and was very excited for our first date.

How did he propose?

Morgan proposed in Venice, Italy in July 2019 on our second night into a four week Europe trip. He had made a dinner reservation at Hotel Danieli. We were a little jet lagged that afternoon and had an afternoon nap - I was responsible for setting our alarm to get ready for drinks and dinner and accidently set it for 5am the following day instead of 5pm. We both woke up at about 7pm and I remember suggesting that we cancel dinner and just get a casual bite to eat nearby our Hotel. Morgan insisted that he was really looking forward to a nice dinner on the terrace at Hotel Danieli and he called the restaurant to push back the time of our booking. He proposed on our way across to dinner on a private water taxi that he had arranged while we were drinking bellinis that he had also organised for the ride.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

We envisaged a classic and romantic wedding and one that reflected who Morgan and I are. We wanted a black-tie dress code, white florals with greenery and had a piano man play over dinner. A good wine list and quality food was important to us but most important was having the time of our lives celebrating with our families who mean the world to us and our nearest and dearest friends.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

I mainly scrolled through Instagram and Pinterest for wedding inspiration. I could spend hours doing this!

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I always imagined wearing a dress with detailed long lace sleeves and Helen had the perfect dress - as soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew it was the one! Helen is known for being one of the best in the business and I instantly knew that I could trust her.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

It was a little bit bumpy at times! We booked our wedding at Jaspers for 20 November 2020 toward the end of 2019 before the pandemic struck. The uncertainty with restrictions made it difficult to plan and resulted in a number of changes to our original plans. When the dancing restrictions eased slightly we decided to get married at our original venue on our original date which was the biggest, yet best decision we made. We had the best day of our lives with our families and our closest friends. Some of my fondest memories of the planning process are dress shopping, my dress fittings, our first dance lessons, and choosing our wedding stationery.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

The moment we were announced as husband and wife! We poured a champagne tower immediately after our ceremony whilst the song we walked down the aisle to (Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder) was playing and then took a moment to ourselves inside the air conditioning and took it all in.

Is there anything you would do differently?

It was 36 degrees in Berry on our wedding day. If we could have reduced the temperature by 10 degrees that would have been nice, but at the end of the day, we preferred it to be too hot than to rain.

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Having been involved in a number of weddings over the past year, my advice is to make your deadline to have everything completed by a week or two before your wedding day so that you can really relax and enjoy the few days beforehand. Also, be prepared for something to go wrong (we were running significantly behind time leaving the house and then the bridesmaids’ car broke down) but no one else knew and you can always work out a Plan B.

My experience with Helen was excellent from start to finish! Having heard horror stories from other brides who had purchased their dresses elsewhere, I was worried that my dress, which was coming from Israel, might not arrive on time due to COVID delays. Helen and her team were responsive to my emails and calls and assured me that I had nothing to worry about and my dress would arrive on time. Fair to say, they were true to their word and my dress arrived in advance of my wedding day! Helen is down to earth, personable, had strong attention to detail and made me feel confident in all decisions I made. I could not recommend Helen and her team highly enough!

HR Real Bride Lucinda wearing Inbal Dror

Bride & Groom: Lucinda and Jason Harry
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Jack Henry
Planning & Styling: The Wedding Designers
Venue: Redleaf Wollumbi
Floral: The Wedding Designers
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories Holly veil, Keren Wolf headpiece, Sophia Webster shoes & Louis Vuitton Fine Jewellery
Bridesmaid dresses: Bec & Bridge
Hair: Missy Veyret Bridal
Makeup: The Future Mrs

How did you and your husband meet?

Jason and I met at the Oaks in Neutral Bay around 6 and a half years ago. It was Christmas eve and I was dragged there by my sister and brother in law. Jason was also dragged there by his best friend who was in fact my brother in laws brother (I know complicated). After a kiss and a midnight Christmas message the rest was history.

How did he propose?

It was in February 2020 just before lockdown and it had been raining for about a week. It was our 5 year anniversary on a Monday so when I got home from work he asked if we could go for a walk with our two month old puppy to Fairlight Beach. The sun had just come out so we walked to a little grass patch near fairlight with a picnic rug, cheese and champagne. Jason got down on one knee and I balled my eyes out the whole time! It ended with our dog Linda stealing the ring box, our cheese sliding down the hill and both of us crying with strangers watching us but I couldn’t of asked for a better proposal as it was so us!

What was your vision for your wedding day?

Jason and I traveled the world together for about a year and love traveling so we always wanted to get married in Europe or New Zealand. When COVID hit New Nealand and Europe were scratched but we still wanted that vibe. When I found Redleaf I instantly fell in love with the Italian feel so we booked it without even seeing it.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

I used pinterest the most as I was looking at Italian weddings but also Instagram!

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I actually saw a girl wear it at the same venue Redleaf and instantly fell in love! After researching I saw it was from Helen and immediately booked an appointment. I did however try on other dresses but when they say a bride knows what she wants, it’s true!

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

I booked the venue about 10 months out in advance but all the other details started coming together within 7 months from the wedding. I didn’t have a planner so it was just myself and my best friend so we had to start early!

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

Besides COVID which was the biggest factor and I am sure with many weddings at the moment, it was probably the torrential rain on the day. My stylist said to me I had to make a call regarding the cocktail hour and ceremony and it was still pouring at this time. I chose outside and as soon as I walked out the door the sun kicked in and everyone was using the fans not the umbrellas!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

Oh gosh, where do I start! I would have to say the ceremony for me, say my vows to my husband has to be one of the most memorable moments of my life. It would then be having my 90-year-old grandparents there on the day, which I didn’t think would be possible due to covid.

Is there anything you would do differently?

They say everything happens for a reason its very true. My best friend helped me plan but the idea was to do it all myself. If you don’t have experience definitely get a planner its not worth the stress leading up to your big day. Its meant to be the best time of your life so live it up!

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Just enjoy the moment! The day is for you and your future Mr. It’s the one day of your life about you and him only, so relish in that. Also delegate, everyone is willing to help and want to so let them!

Helen and the team were amazing during the whole process! Every time I walked into the store, I felt like I was at home with the ladies. Everything was smooth from the day I chose my dress to each fitting and finally picking it up. Nothing was too hard and that was so lovely especially when planning a wedding comes with a lot of hard work.

HR Real Bride Anique wearing Inbal Dror Pure

Bride & Groom: Anique & Ben
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Venue: Ceremony at Monte Chapel (my high school) and reception at Ben’s family home in Randwick
Photography: David Campbell Imagery
Accessories: Keren Wolf Venus Pearl Crowns from HR Bridal Accessories, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and bracelet from my mother
Bridemaids: Skirt and tops by Bec & Bridge
Catering: Katering
Floral: Bouquets by Hermetica Flowers

How did you and your husband meet?

We met at work - rather unglamorous - but we were both seconded from our companies to government on a project. A mutual friend who knew we were working at the same place introduced us to each other.

How did he propose?

On one knee in the living room of our flat in London - it was perfect.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

Having the reception at Ben’s family home, I was very mindful that nothing was too ‘wedding’. We wanted to work with the surroundings and the beautiful garden and add personal touches wherever we could. We wanted a day that reflected us and the things we love. We also wanted the day to be fun, so we were ultimately focused on good food, good wine and good music!

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

I looked on Instagram for things that I liked the look of and then bounced the ideas off Kate from Katering who helped us transform them into something that worked for us and our day.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I actually wasn’t expecting to find my dress the day I visited Helen. I was visiting home on a trip from London and went to Helen Rodrigues Bridal as a bit of fun to try some dresses with my mum and cousins. I had a few loose ideas of what I thought I might like to wear, but it was actually Helen that recommended I try on the gown I ultimately chose. It was an elegant mix of something classic and bold, which I loved.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?

We got engaged in December 2018 and got married in March 2020. We made a few key decisions (such as venue, catering and band) about a year out, and then slowly chipped away at the rest. We found the planning experience fun, although it was a little difficult planning from London. Luckily, we had our mums on the ground who were able to meet with our vendors and ultimately make the day come together!

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

Where we chose to hold our wedding was probably the biggest decision we had to make. Living in London for the past few years we wanted to get married somewhere in Sydney that felt like home to us, so we did just that: we ended up choosing to have the ceremony at my high school chapel and the reception at Ben’s family home. From there, we had a million other smaller decisions to make that would ultimately shape the day. Not holding the reception at a traditional venue gave us a creative licence to choose and style everything - marquee, lighting, flooring, tableware, glassware etc etc!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

I loved every moment of the day for different reasons! The ceremony felt intimate and special, the reception felt like a big party and Ben and I had a couple of moments together in between to soak it all in. The biggest joy was seeing all the people we love in one place together, having the best time!

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?

Trust that you will enjoy the day that you and your partner have put so much effort into planning, it will inevitably be a wonderful day for you and your loved ones!

I was really happy with my experience at Helen Rodrigues Bridal. Helen was personable and down-to-earth, so it was great work with her from the start. Living overseas, I only had the opportunity to try on the sample once 10 months before the wedding and then my actual dress less than two weeks out from the big day. Helen ensured this process was seamless - her tailor was fabulous and made sure the dress was comfortable and fit right. Helen was also so responsive along the way to answer all my questions!