Real Bride Georgia wearing Monique Lhuillier Fernanda and Suzanne Neville Zarina

Bride & Groom: Georgia & Tom Bruerton
Planning & Styling: Planning by yours truly - Georgia (with the help of Mona Farm), Styling by Poppy from Honey Lane Events
Gown: Monique Lhuillier Fernanda followed by a Suzanne Neville for the reception
Venue: Mona Farm
Photography: Bayleigh Vedelago
Videography: Moon & Back Co.
Floral: Clementine Posy
Accessories: Jimmy Choo Sacora Heels, Diamond Emporium wedding band and engagement ring
Bridesmaids dress: Shona Joy- La Lune lace back
Hair & Make-up: Jasmin Cervello, Zoe Martin Makeup
Spray Tan: Bliss by Bree

How did you and your husband meet?
After several years of single life, I had almost given up on the hope of finding anyone even half decent in Sydney. Then came along a little app called Tinder (you can call me Tinderella). Tom had just relocated down from the Central Coast to Chatswood, so unfortunately, his single bachelor life was very short lived.

Our first official date took place a few weeks later at a venue called the Royal George. It was super casual, but SO very unexpected - full of lots of laughs (and drinks). The rest is history!

How did he propose?
We got engaged back in November 2020.

It was definitely time as I was suspicious for at least 6 months, wondering exactly when the moment would come. We had arranged a little weekend getaway to Kangaroo Valley, needing some time to just ourselves post lockdown.

The weekend got off to a lovely start, we had checked-in to our air b n and headed off to the shops to buy some essential supplies. We then decided to drive around the area, exploring some of the sights that Kangaroo Valley has to offer. Tom had mentioned that we needed to be at dinner at 6.45pm to see the sunset - and was very firm on this.

Before dinner, we thought it would be a great idea to check-out one of the local vineyards. Little did we know that this was all the way up one of the hills, and the road was untarred. We entered this big field of grass, following the google maps directions. After about a minute, we realised that we were driving the wrong way, so decided to turn back. It had been raining the day before, so the grass was extremely muddy. As I reversed the car around, we got bogged! My foot was hard on the accelerator, but the car wasn’t budging. Tom was freaking out - evidently very stressed that we weren’t going to make it out in time to see the sunset. Adding to the stress, we also had no phone reception. We ended up having to get out of the car and start pushing. The car finally got released - what a relief that was!

Once we were both ready for dinner, we drove a few minutes to the ‘restaurant’. We arrived to an empty car park, and followed the signs to the entrance. We were greeted by a lovely woman who asked us to check in via the QR code (very convincing). I was then told to follow the path down to the restaurant.

As I begun walking down the steps, Ed Sheeran music began playing, and I noticed that the path was lit up on either side with candles. I saw a platform not too far ahead that overlooked the ridge of Kangaroo Valley, decorated either side with more candles and decorations. The rest is pretty much a blur. Tom got down on one knee, and presented me with the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was in a diamond emporium box, so immediately I realised that my MOH Lauren was in on it too. After we shared a very intimate moment, we enjoyed a bottle of my favourite champagne before heading off to dinner to celebrate, sharing the news with our nearest and dearest!

What was your vision for your wedding day?
We had lots of planning hiccups along the way with our original venue so when I eventually landed on Mona Farm, I was immediately blown away by how beautiful and picturesque the property was. One of my non-negotiables was that I wanted all of our guests to have a magical (and carefree) experience - away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

I’ve always felt at peace in the countryside, surrounded by nature. Getting married at Mona Farm made the vision extremely seamless.

To summarize the vision in a few words, I’d say - elegant, classic, whimsical, vibrant and sophisticated.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Walking down the aisle feeling extremely calm (arm in arm with Dad), but equally grateful to be surrounded by all of our loved ones.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Once the venue was locked in, I knew that I wanted to wear a gown that would compliment the boldness of the venue. Given all the perfect photo opportunity locations that the venue lends itself to, I was comfortable wearing a material that had some character, and a structure that provided shape and excitement.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?
There wasn’t one big decision, but rather a number of important smaller decisions. We knew that when all of these elements were executed together, it would turn the atmosphere of the day from potentially just being mediocre, to being WOW (eg. the song selections, the welcome to the wedding itineraries, the food and beverage selection, the translated menus for international guests etc).

Where did you look for your wedding gown inspiration?
My go-to sources for wedding gown inspiration were Pinterest and Instagram, being very intentional to only follow pages that matched my timeless (but romantic) aesthetic.

Is there anything you would do differently?
Not a single thing! We were blessed with the best - can’t speak more highly of all of our vendors.

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Feeling wow’d the second you put on your wedding dress should be something that is never compromised on. Speaking first hand, the feeling does exist, and if you haven’t felt it yet - keep looking for your dream gown!

What attracted you to Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Seeing all of the real-life brides. I felt as though I knew them as our aesthetics were aligned. I had no doubt I’d find my dream dress through Helen.

I can’t recommend Helen and her team enough! I had been searching for my dream dress in Sydney for a few months but none of the stores provided a memorable experience. The second that mum and I met Helen, we felt at home. Her pieces are absolutely breathtaking and I can attest to the fact that she prides herself on providing a luxurious bridal experience. All of my fittings went smoothly and Helen was always happy to go above and beyond.

Real Bride Lydia wearing bespoke Suzanne Neville gown

Bride & Groom: Lydia and Sam
Planning & Styling: Claire at One Lovely Day
Gown: Suzanne Neville 
Accessories: Shoes were Manolo Blahnik, Pearls Tiffany and Co, Grandmothers watch and handbag, earrings were borrowed from my sister (her wedding earrings) which were bought through a jeweller. Engagement ring is Naveya and Sloane. 
Bridesmaids dresses: Diane Von Furstenberg, Maggie Marilyn, Solace London.
Venue: The McCallum Residence
Photography: Danelle Bohane
Videography: Danelle Bohane (her husband Dirk)
Floral: Michele Coomey Floral 
Catering: Great Catering Company - best caterers!!
Marquee: Flagship Marquees

How did you and your husband meet?
We initially met while in London through mutual friends but it wasn’t until we were back home in NZ that we started seeing each other. 

How did he propose?
On our first holiday as a family of 3! One morning we went for an early walk on the beach with our son Hugo and dog Louie. There was no one else on the beach and the sun had just come up. It was the most surreal surroundings and perfect moment. 

What was your vision for your wedding day?
I wanted to create an elegant and glamorous occasion whilst still feeling relaxed. It was so important to me that the day felt like us and it truly did! 

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I didn’t really outsource much, I had a vision that’s remained clear to me for a long time leading up to getting engaged so I was ready to get to it immediately and bring it to life! My wedding stylist Claire was a great sounding board and helped steer me in the right direction. 

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
My sister also bought her gown from HRB, so I knew it was a good option from her experience and once I visited the boutique I knew I was in good hands. Everyone at HRB was determined to help me get the gown I wanted and the ease that came with the whole experience was particularly appealing. 

Is there anything you would do differently?
No! Like any wedding, there was things that went wrong but I think it adds to the memories of the day and made it what it was - amazing! 

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Relax, laugh and soak up every moment. 

I would highly recommend Helen and her team. I was well looked after and made to feel very special at every visit and most importantly they understood my vision so easily. It was a seamless, enjoyable experience and I am very grateful for their service!

Real Bride Nicole wearing Elie Saab for her spectacular South African wedding

Bride & Groom: Nicole & Josh
Planning & Styling: BNT Management (collaboration with Anne Mann Celebrates)
Gown: Elie Saab
Accessories: Elie Saab Veil, Aquazzura heels, my mother’s diamond earrings
Bridesmaids dresses: Rachel Gilbert
Flower Girl Dresses: Annie Bell Boutique
Venue: The Manor House, Quoin Rock Wine Estate
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Videography: Soda Films
Floral: Fleur Le Cordeur

The post wedding event details Shabbat dinner for all our guests
Gown: Bespoke Suzanne Neville
Accessories: Aquazzura heels, Chanel handbag, Jennifer Behr Earrings
Venue: Waterford Wine Estate

How did you and your husband meet?
For years and years, I kept on saying, “the drums of Africa still beat in my heart…” Then, as if it were written in the stars – my heart led me home in the summer of 2016, where I met Josh in Cape Town and fell in love. We endured an on/off long-distance relationship for a few years, until I finally took the plunge and moved to South Africa to be with him in February of 2020. Unbeknown to us at the time, Covid was about to spiral – and just three weeks later the President of South Africa locked us down, and Australia locked us out. 

There, in our very small, unfurnished, empty apartment - where the option to leave home was off limits, our social lives were halted, and travel was restricted; we were put in a situation that could make or break us. Fortunately, we had so much fun and really thrived as a couple.

How did he propose?
Fast forward 2 years, Australians were finally allowed to travel, and my mom visited us from Sydney. Josh asked her, my dad and stepdad’s permission to marry me – and at a casual lunch in his parents’ home to my complete surprise, he proposed. It wasn’t what he had planned as he wanted to propose in Cape Town a few weeks later; but the importance of having a member of my family with me after so long took priority, and it was simply perfect.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
The process of getting a dress made from scratch wasn’t for me. I’ve always been a lover of high fashion, even working as a personal shopper and stylist when I lived in London; and I always wanted my dress to be the creation of an esteemed designer. Before I even had a boyfriend, I knew I would find my eventual wedding dress at HRB. Helen has the most incredible and most thoughtfully curated selection of top end gowns – it was a no brainer.

I had such a clear vision; my wedding gown was the first I tried. I’m a jeans and white t-shirt girl and always wanted my wedding dress to reflect that and to feel like an elegant ‘white t-shirt’ … very simple, classic but modern, no beading or lace, ‘less is more’ aesthetic. The fabric and fit were my priority, and nobody does this better than Elie Saab. In my opinion the quality, detail and craftsmanship of Elie Saab is unrivalled – so much so, it actually felt as if Mr Saab had made this gown especially for me. It was so perfect.

I was also lucky enough to wear a bespoke Suzanne Neville dress the following night, to our post-wedding Shabbat. A crisp white corset adorned with feathers and flowers – it was the perfect piece for a romantic dinner in the winelands.

What was your vision for your wedding day?
I’ve always wanted a wedding that was tasteful and understated. My vision was to incorporate my love of luxury style with the natural landscape that Cape Town and the Stellenbosch region is known and loved for. I chose soft colours for the floral and décor. A butter yellow baby’s breath chuppah, couches adorned with various Missoni printed cushions – and Missoni zig zags running throughout the wedding… on the tablecloths, bars, dance floor etc. I wanted the venue to speak for itself, with the décor and abundance of floral to just accentuate the already magnificent setting.

The custom linen lamp shades that filled the roof of the marquee only further accentuated the romantic feel we were going for.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I was fortunate enough to 1) know exactly what I wanted and 2) have a mom who is a leader in the event and wedding planning industry – so I didn’t have to look anywhere! My mom and I are so in synch and had lots of chats and discussed what I wanted and how it could be executed. The fact Josh and his parents trusted us both 100% made it even easier – as we could make all the decisions without having to run them by anyone.

In terms of initial vision, I think Josh and I drew inspiration from the setting and from our love of the country in which we were getting married. Our goal was for our wedding to reflect us as a couple – from the look to the feel, to the vibe. Everything was so perfectly executed to enable this; and from our guests’ feedback, I think we nailed that goal.

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

We started planning probably 8 months ahead of the actual wedding day – once we had confirmed our most important overseas family members could all travel to South Africa to be there with us on our chosen date.

I would say the journey was quite seamless, except for the fact we had to manage cross-city and cross-continent hurdles. It was the logistics that posed the biggest challenges for us. Josh and I lived in Johannesburg, chose to get married in Cape Town and use suppliers from there, and my family and our wedding planner (my mother) were all in Sydney – as were the chosen caterers, photographers etc. The international time difference was frustrating and there were many early morning / late night zoom calls throughout the organisation period.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?
We wanted to incorporate some of the Sydney suppliers and professionals who work alongside my mom in the industry, and who have literally known me since I was a little girl and watched me grow up. To fly everyone across the globe is both logistically and financially challenging so we had to make choices. Big decisions pay off. Our day would not have been the same if not for the hard work, skills, and attention to detail that the Sydney contingent brought.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

There were two moments that really stood out for me. The most unforgettable of all was without a doubt the moment Josh and I saw each other for the first time. There is a custom in Jewish religion whereby the bride and groom separate for a week before the wedding, with no communication.

On the wedding day, I got ready with all my female friends and family and the important women in my life, and Josh did the same. We then made our way to the Bedekin; the veiling ceremony – which takes place right before the chuppah. After a week apart and all the built-up stress and excitement, and without being able to talk to or see each other, our closest friends and family sang us to that moment where we locked eyes and were reunited. It was beyond special. The Bedekin is always my favourite part of any wedding; and the love, happiness, atmosphere and spirituality that emanated ours will stay cherished in my memory always.

The moment we walked into the marquee was also a highlight. You can plan and plan so that the song is perfect, the room looks perfect, everything is perfect. What you can’t plan is the energy from your guests and the vibe they bring. As we walked in, the entire room of guests swarmed into the middle of the marquee and surrounded us in a mosh pit – and what was meant to be one entrance song turned into a ten- or so-minute rave before we even sat down! The mood was absolutely electric, and I remember Josh and I looked at each other and said “what is going on!?” It was unbelievable.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Not a thing. Our wedding day was so perfect. It was incredible feeling the love from family and friends and each other – and the vibe was better than we could have even imagined. It was electric because our wedding was one hundred percent, authentically us – and nothing was contrived or forced in any way. We made sure to stay true to ourselves as a couple and the things we love and put value on; and this was felt in every way.

In terms of my experience as a bride – they say you want to look back in 20 years at your wedding photos and have no regrets. I know this will be the case… not to mention I felt like an absolute princess in my dresses!

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

In terms of the dress – whether you go in with a vision or not, make sure to choose a dress that feels true to you. My advice is to not try to be different on your wedding day – and to not choose ‘a trend.’ It’s possibly the most important day to date where you should look and feel wholeheartedly, entirely you.

In terms of the wedding – so many of our married friends told us to take a moment at the wedding, walk away, and look back at what we had created. We made sure to do this – and it was unbelievable to see the joy, love and enthusiasm that surrounded us. The day goes so fast; and this moment enabled us to just pause, and take it all in.

More significant though I would advise any bride-to-be to remember that the wedding day is just one day – it’s the marriage that is most important. Try not get worked up about small details and focus on the big picture and exciting future ahead. It is all about love after all.

I loved my experience with HRB from start to finish. Helen is so warm and honest, and she understood what I wanted in terms of look and feel. I trusted her throughout the process wholeheartedly. Even despite me living overseas, she was so accommodating in scheduling appointments and fittings to work with my short visits to Sydney. She really was there for it all - even putting my dress in the boot of the car when I went to collect it that final day!

Honestly, I might need to talk to my husband into having some sort of anniversary party just so I can relive my HRB process. I’ve been looking at the latest range of dresses Helen’s bringing in – and the new season pieces are making me fall in love all over again!

Real Bride Emma wearing Suzanne Neville ‘Romance’

Bride & Groom: Emma Law & Will Charalambous
Planning & Styling: Planning = self, Styling = items hired from Simply Seated
Gown: Suzanne Neville – Romance
Accessories: Veil (Peter Langer), Earrings (Jennifer Behr)
Bridesmaids dresses: Bec + Bridge
Venue: The Stables – Bendooley Estate
Photography: Scott Surplice
Videography: Ripple Weddings
Floral: Ellebore

How did you and your husband meet?

We met through mutual friends. We were at a friends house and I was holding a cheese platter and serving it around. He came right up to me – they do say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

How did he propose?

 We've been engaged since November 2021. Will's boss (who was in on it) sent an email out to the whole office, to which Will forwarded to me, saying that he was taking the team plus partners to a celebratory dinner at Nobu Sydney, followed by all expenses paid night at the Crown. My boss (also in on it) 'coincidentally' gives the whole team the SAME afternoon off... what are the chances?!... We head to Crown, Sydney that Friday afternoon. I am blissfully unaware of what was really planned that night. I thinks we're going to FREE drinks at The Palisade Hotel followed by a FREE dinner at Nobu...little did I know. I’m all dolled up and VERY excited to meet Will's new work buddies. It is absolutely pouring outside... we jump in a cab headed for The Palisade Hotel. The cab drops us off at the bottom of Barangaroo reserve, one of our favourite spots to take Douglas our dog, to which I immediately start telling the cabbie off for not dropping us off at the front of The Palisade....you're going to make me walk in this rain?! My hair? My shoes? Will hurries me out of the car and convinces her that they'll walk the rest of the way through the park.....in the rain. I am NOT a happy camper. In fact I whinge the entire walk about how my hair and shoes and dress are ruined and his work friends are going to think I'm a mess. All the while, Nick, Will's best man, had been hiding in the bush for hours with a camera and a picnic blanket to shelter from the rain. A park ranger had questioned him 2 or 3 times for wearing all black, with a camera and hiding in a bush. We reach our favourite spot, right in front of the harbour bridge, and Will put his hand on my shoulder. That's when I knew. Not to mention he dropped the knee...onto wet concrete....in white jeans! Now that is love.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

 I always pictured our wedding having a country-like feel to it, but still wanted an element of luxe to it. Both my husband and I come from families who love to feed people and eat together – so a family-style share menu was important to us and was something we’d always envisaged. We just loved the idea of being in the same room and sharing such a fabulous day with those we love most.   

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

Instagram is where most of my inspiration was found! I had been to many weddings prior to my own – so I had an idea of what I wanted and what I definitely didn’t want. Going on the Instagram accounts of vendors I loved was helpful to see what other brides had done.  

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

 Being completely honest – the neckline of my chosen dress was something I never thought I would go for, however the drop sleeve was truly the feature that convinced me to try the dress on. I loved how the dress was the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary with a touch of romance. 

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

 I started planning relatively soon after we got engaged as we were still only starting to come out of covid at the time – so I had some time on my hands! I probably started planning about 14 months out from the actual wedding.

 I really enjoyed the planning process overall. I consider myself to be a very organised person, so no doubt this helped, but I do believe this is what made the process enjoyable as the ‘panic’ was rarely there.   

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

 Probably a somewhat selfish answer but my dress! There were 2 dresses, I was choosing between, and I found it very difficult to decide. I found myself deciding between the dress I loved and made me feel amazing and a dress that I thought others would want to see me in. I obviously went with the dress I loved!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

 Just taking a moment to realise that every single person in the room, many who had travelled from far and wide, were there to celebrate my husband and I – a really magical feeling! This was definitely the highlight.

Is there anything you would do differently?

 Firstly, my shoes! I fell in love with how my shoes looked and they cost a bomb! But they were the most uncomfortable slingback shoes and the straps fell down my heels all through the ceremony and photos. Break in your shoes properly and wear a style of shoe that you know are comfortable for you.   

Secondly, I wish I actually ate and enjoyed the food and drink!...

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

 The best advice I was given and I believe in having now had my wedding, is to trust your vendors. They do what they do for a living and sometimes you have to trust their creative license! I could never have imagined some of the elements of my wedding day and they would have never happened had I provided a really stringent brief. They know what they are doing!   

Helen and the team are fantastic! From the very start I was made to feel very comfortable and not pressured at all. The experience at the beautiful boutique is really wonderful and very considered. The quality of the gowns are second-to-none and I felt beautiful on my wedding day. I would absolutely recommend visiting here for any brides-to-be. You will not regret it. Thank you Helen and her team xx

HR Real Bride Alana in a Stunning One Shoulder Petunia Gown by Suzanne Neville

Bride & Groom: Alana and James
Planning & Styling: Honey Lane Events
Gown: Suzanne Neville
Accessories: Peter Langner Veil & Keren Wolf Jewellery
Bridesmaids dresses: Rebecca Vallance
Venue: Botanic House Sydney
Photography: Jimmy Raper Photgraphy
Videography: La Lune Cinema
Floral: The Flower Posse

How did you and your husband meet?

James and I met in July 2016 at a farewell party in Surry Hills for a friend of mine who was moving to the UK. He actually had arrived at the party with another girl.

How did he propose?

The proposal occurred in September 2020. It was a really windy day with gale force winds and James took me to Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast for what was meant to be leisurely stroll intended to take 30 mins – 1 hour. Unfortunately, it was longer than expected and we were walking for 4 hours without any food or water! We were both exhausted and it did not go as James had planned. He had arranged for my family to be all together after the proposal. After we were over an hour later, I think they were concerned where we were but everyone was too scared to call in case they ruined the proposal! On the final walk up the hill to the car I needed to have a rest and as I was catching my breath, he got down on one knee!

What was your vision for your wedding day?

My wedding day vision was modern yet timeless. The amazing team at Honey Lane Events were instrumental in making this dream come to life – I wanted a messy, but refined look in terms of styling. I think it was termed as ‘Timeless Ethereal Romance’.

Our reception took place in the gorgeously refurbished Botanic House in Sydney. The event design stemmed from the venue’s contemporary finishes and touched on the surrounding gardenscape. I also wanted to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, a sense of timeless elegance and occasion minus the stuffy formality.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

Where didn’t I look?! I think for me my main source of inspiration was Pinterest. I had separate pins for each aspect of the day. I shared this with the lovely Alannah at Honey Lane who used it to create our mood board and subsequent style proposal. Additionally, I looked at a few influencers’ weddings on Instagram as well as various planning company pages.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

When I arrived at Helen Rodrigues, the lovely Sophie had picked a range of gowns for me to try on. Before I started trying them on, my mum pulled out the amazing Petunia dress from Suzanne Neville. It was the first one I tried on in store and it was perfect. It was not like anything I had ever seen before. I wanted something that was fitted, I knew I did not want a conventional princess style bridal gown, and this was that and more! The off the shoulder was just amazing and not something I had ever seen on any brides! The detailing on the shoulder and bodice was spectacular and it felt so special!

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

Our planning journey commenced very soon after we got engaged. We started exploring venues in October 2020 and had initially booked our wedding for October 2021. I wanted to give myself enough time to plan but not too much time. I think 12 months is the perfect amount of time. Finding a venue was probably the most drawn out, we probably saw about 20 venues in Sydney – nothing felt right until we walked into Botanic House and we both looked at each other and just knew, ‘This is it’. Unfortunately, we did make the decision to postpone in July 2021 due to the NSW COVID Lockdowns.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

What to do about COVID – The decision to postpone was probably the hardest and biggest decision we had to make. We were originally due to get married in October 2021 but postponed to January 2022 in July of 2021. Then, in December with the Omicron outbreak, we were almost forced to make another big and difficult decision, however, we stuck with it, and it could not have been more perfect!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

The whole day was honestly a highlight! Having all our family and friends in one room, you could really feel the love, it was something I had never really experienced. We also were so lucky to be able to have family who live overseas attend which was really special!

If I had to pinpoint a moment though, it would be when our wedding coordinator let us in for a sneak peak of the reception area at Botanic House. It was so gratifying to walk in and see everything I had dreamed of, come to life, from the terracotta napkins, custom crockery, and glassware to personalised menus, signs and flowers. It was magic!

Is there anything you would do differently?

Absolutely nothing! There was so much stress in the lead up to the day that in those final weeks I had no expectations. The day exceeded anything I could have expected.

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

1. Before the Event: Control only what you can control. Unfortunately, you cannot control global events or how people react to attending your event in a global pandemic.

2. On the day: Remember, nobody will know if something does not go to plan except you (your husband probably won’t even know or realise).

3. During the day: Absorb it! - Take a moment to stop and look around at everyone there, they are there for you!

The Helen Rodrigues Team are amazing. From that first appointment in January 2021 to when I picked up my dress from Helen exactly a year later in 2022, the experience was faultless. During lockdown, Helen lifted my spirits and was responsive and reassuring in every email she sent, providing dress updates when there were delays. Every time I went in store to have a fitting, she continued to reassure me that we would get there! Her knowledge and expertise is invaluable and I feel so lucky to have had her on my wedding journey. My sister, mum and I have decided that when my sister gets married, we will not be going anywhere else. I cannot recommend Helen and the team at Helen Rodrigues enough for their love, time and support throughout the last year. I am sad that I have to say goodbye and will miss coming in store – hopefully it won’t be long until we have another wedding in the family and Helen and the team can be part of another journey.

HR Real Bride Vin wearing 'Serrano' by Suzanne Neville with detachable bow

Bride & Groom: Vin & Duncan
Gown: Suzanne Neville ‘Serrano’ gown and detachable bow from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Damien Milan
Venue: Pilu at Freshwater
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories New York veil & Paspaley Jewellery
Florals: The Ivy League Florist
Hair & Make-up: Rachelle Facelo
Celebrant: Meggan Brummer
Streaming: Dragone Productions
Wedding guest favours: Fabbrica Sydney

How did you and your husband meet?

We were both working in New York at the time. We met completely by accident on a random day in the office. He was by far the best looking guy on the floor and grabbed my attention immediately.

How did he propose?

When Duncan moved to Sydney to live here with me, Palm Beach was one of the first places we visited. He proposed to me 6 months later on a beautiful sunny day at Palmy. After he popped the question, he surprised me with lunch with my parents and best friend so that we could all celebrate the occasion together!

What was your vision for your wedding day?

Overall we wanted the vision to be a reflection of who we are as a couple, so all decisions were made based on being true to our favourite things and aesthetics.

And our main focus was to make sure both sets of our families and friends felt completely part of the celebrations (even from afar).

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

There were so many useful sources! I selected the colour palette after visiting the colour pantone wall at Bunnings.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

Before I visited Helen, I had tried on dresses at a couple of other boutiques and hadn’t really had the wow moment… and was starting to think that was a kind of silly fairytale. When I tried my Suzanne Neville gown for the first time, it’s like I knew instantly it was the perfect one for me. I finally had that moment where I felt like a princess.

The Serrano gown was so chic and classic with its clean lines. But my favourite thing about it was the custom detachable bow and train on the back. It had the perfect amount of personality for me.

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

Because Duncan is from the UK and we have friends and family in lots of different parts of the world, we had originally planned our wedding to be in a kind of central location. We picked Lake Como, Italy. We had spent 6 months living there and absolutely fell in love with La Dolce Vita. Because it was overseas for everyone, we sent out ‘Save the Dates’ and started planning a year in advance of the original wedding date.

Being impacted by the pandemic, our wedding planning took a very unexpected turn when international travel became so uncertain. We found it was useful to keep everyone updated via our wedding website.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

When we decided to put a hold on celebrations in Italy, and decided to be married in Sydney. This meant that Duncan’s immediate family and many of his friends weren’t able to be there in person. Fortunately, with the miracles of streaming, they were able to be there live for the ceremony and reception.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

Seeing Duncan at the alter and putting that ring on his finger! I also truly loved walking down the aisle through the garden at Pilu, feeling like a princess with my sparkly veil in the sunlight.

I also just loved seeing the whole vision come to life - from the beautiful florals, to the bridesmaid dresses, the music, to the food etc. Everything was a celebration of the things we love and I’m so glad that our guests were able to share in that!

Is there anything you would do differently?

Honestly nothing I can think of!

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

Planning a wedding really is a huge task regardless of the scale. I was so glad that Duncan and I struck to our strengths through it all, so it kept the fun and excitement up throughout the planning phase. And of course - make sure you ask your bridesmaids for help!

Even before my appointment at HRB, I knew my experience here would be different. Helen took the time to call me before my appointment to get a sense of me and my personality. I really appreciated this because my appointment time was used really effectively. She was very accommodating of having my 3 bridesmaids and both parents in the boutique (quite a boisterous crowd!) and was professional, gorgeous and incredibly organised.

My whole experience was seamless from start to finish, and I’m so grateful to her and her lovely team (including the fabulous alterations lady!) for making my dress so perfect for me.

HR Real Bride Katarina wearing Suzanne Neville 'Amber'

Bride & Groom: Katarina & Jonathon
Gown: Suzanne Neville ‘Amber’ gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Florals & Styling: Madeline Anne Stylist
Venue: Beta
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories - Jennifer Behr Bailey Headband & Peter Langner Ruby veil, Chanel Earrings & Jimmy Choo shoes
Bridesmaid dresses: Bec & Bridge
Hair: Hair by Yianna
Makeup: Bernadette Leva MUA
Wedding Rings: GS Diamonds
Grooms Suit: P Johnson
Videography: Blush Pink Photo & Film

How did you and your husband meet?

Jonathon and I met through my best friend. We instantly became friends and began dating soon after. We have been together for 9 amazing years and now happily married.

How did he propose?

It was our anniversary and we had planned for a special dinner on the Friday evening, where the dinner spot was also a surprise to me. Working in the office during that day, I received a text from Jonathon at lunch time. However, this text was different… the text read “pack up your things and meet me downstairs”. It turns out he had planned for me to have the rest of the day off from work and we were going on a little staycation and ended up at Jonah’s Boutique Hotel at Whale Beach.

We headed down to the beach after our welcome champagne and as the sun was setting he got down on one knee and proposed! It was such a surreal moment that I will cherish forever. A little picnic full of fairy lights and more champagne was also set up which he had organised prior. It was a beautiful evening of celebrations at the beach, followed by dinner at Jonah’s restaurant. He had also planned a big family celebration dinner the next day at Otto, Woolloomooloo. It will forever be the best day in 2019.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

We envisaged a romantic ambiance, elegant setting and memorable wedding. We knew we wanted to keep it traditional and get married in a church, black-tie dress code to keep it formal and classic in a venue that had a character and vibe of its own. A night full of good food over candlelight, live saxophone, lots of champagne and dancing all night long celebrating, was what we dreamt of.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

I found inspiration from lots of overseas wedding dress designers, scrolling through all of their Instagram pages. There were so many beautiful styles out there. Now when I look back on all of my saved photos, there was definitely a trend and common theme - lots of bold, unique, statement wedding gowns, different elements than your traditional wedding gown. I truly imagined myself to be a modern bride, which reflected my personal style.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I knew I wanted my wedding dress to be a unique statement piece. I wanted something different that was modern and elegant. I’m a full believer in ‘less is more’. Suzanne Neville gowns truly reflect this. As soon as I saw the Amber gown, I instantly fill in love with it. The square neckline was so chic, the corset bodice was so beautiful and the way the gown fell down was so effortless. It was nothing I had seen before. I loved the little open back and the buttons going all the way down. I also added my own little touch to the dress by having my sleeves extended in length to sit at my wedding rings. It was also the first wedding dress I tried on at Helen’s and I knew it was the one I would marry my soulmate in on my wedding day.

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

We started planning after our engagement party towards the end of 2019. Month by month we would focus on one aspect of the wedding. There were many late night researching, creating mood boards, scrolling on Instagram, and emailing suppliers. We were both equally part of the planning process, working together as a team to create our dream wedding. The overall planning process was so much fun. It was so rewarding seeing our vision come to life and everything fall into place on our wedding day.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

Our biggest decision was when we were deciding on the wedding location. After we got engaged in May 2019, we were seriously considering a Greek Island wedding. We went through all of the research, budgeting and almost started planning. However, we had some very close family members that wouldn’t be able to attend, so we ultimately decided on Sydney. Luckily for us, everything turned out perfectly and we didn’t have to change our original wedding date.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

The entire day was truly magical. If I was to pick my top 3 moments, they would be (in no particular order):

Putting on my wedding gown in the morning surrounded by my Mum and bridesmaids. This was something I dreamt about leading up to my wedding day. Everything felt so complete with my hair and makeup all done, all of my gorgeous accessories and sentimental pieces on, allowing myself to be fully present during this moment. I honestly felt my most beautiful.

Walking down the aisle and seeing Jonathon standing at the alter was very special. It was such a big lead up to this moment. As soon as I stepped into the church, it felt like time had stopped, it felt like a dream… a dream come true.

Our entrance into the reception was the best part of the evening. We had planned a big opening, with a surprise saxophone player, champagne tower and started the dancing straight away with a few of our favourite old school songs to set the vibe for the rest of the celebrations.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Simple answer, no. We wouldn’t change a thing - it was the perfect day for us.

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

Stay true to who you are when choosing your dream gown. The process of wedding dress shopping is very exciting, but can also feel quite overwhelming with so many amazing gowns and designers out there. Believe me, you will feel your most comfortable, confident, and beautiful as ever in a gown that truly represents you and reflects your personality. I know this was the case for me and I’m so thrilled I wore my dream wedding gown.

I cannot thank Helen and her team enough for my entire bridal experience. It was such a wonderful and personal journey, in which it was treated every time with such professionalism, ease, kindness and care. They completely understood my style and vision. It was a dream come true finding my beautiful wedding gown, I felt like a princess. I will forever cherish these bridal moments and how confident and calm I felt every time. I would highly recommend any brides to be to visit the boutique, as Helen’s gowns are so magnificent and unique, she is the best in the business.

HR Real Bride Alexandra wearing Suzanne Neville Serrano

Bride & Groom: Alexandra & Damien
Gown: Suzanne Neville ‘Serrano’ gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: TeaLily
Planning & Styling: Ashdown & Bee
Venue: Dunbar House
Floral: Aleksandra
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories HR Holly veil, Suzanne Neville belt, Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps, Christie Nicolaides earrings, Prada bag
Bridesmaid dresses: custom Bojena King
Hair & Makeup: Airlie & Co
Celebrant: Jessie Cacchillo
Stationary: State of Elliot
Rings: Sahagian & Co
Groom’s suit: custom The Bespoke Corner Tailors

How did you and your husband meet?

Damien and I met at drinks in the city where we both worked. Drinks turned into dinner, and we made it official a couple of months later while out on the harbour with friends for Australia day.

How did he propose?

We were holidaying at Damien’s parent’s beach house over Christmas. After several failed attempts due to rain, Damien proposed at a beautiful lookout overlooking the ocean. It was completely surreal.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

We wanted an intimate and classically simple wedding, that was personalised in every way to be uniquely us. From bespoke florals and furnishings, to serving our favourite wines from across Australia and offering an a la carte menu, our planning centred around creating an intimate experience for our 90 guests.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

Mostly Instagram. Damien and I travelled to Japan shortly after getting engaged. I spent most of the flight scrolling Instagram and had a clear vision for our wedding by the time we touched back down in Sydney. Planning took off from there.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

Its perfect simplicity. I loved the clean lines and elegance of the Serrano gown, and the fabulous movement of the silk. The Italian crepe knit was also a nice nod to my Italian heritage.

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

We started planning our wedding 14 months out. I am known for being meticulous and organised, and the wedding was no exception. I reflected on every fine detail, which at times was stressful, but it did mean leading into the wedding I felt super confident our wedding would come off just as planned.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

So many decisions set the tone for our wedding. Stand out decisions were definitely my dress, Damien’s suit, our florist and the venue.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

The sheer intimacy of it. It was us in every way.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I feel so proud looking back on our wedding. It was truly perfect and I wouldn’t want to chance a thing.

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

We were told to find some time for just the two of us on our wedding day, which we did. It was so special to have that moment and we’d definitely suggest the same to future couples.

Helen was beyond fabulous! She is incredibly talented at what she does and made me feel at ease at every stage. From my first visit, when Helen had the perfect dress waiting for me from just a fleeting walk by, to my last visit when Helen helped me load my dress into the car and gave me some final words of wisdom. She is truly the best in the business and I’d recommend her wholeheartedly.