Real Bride Isabella wearing Monique Lhuillier

Bride & Groom: Isabella & Stephen
Planning & Styling: Isabella!
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Accessories: Keren Wolf Headband, Manolo Blahnik shoes and Cartier bracelet
Bridesmaids dresses: Bec & Bridge
Venue: Gardens House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Photography: Evia Zachariah
Videography: Film My Wedding
Floral: Lucie from Lulu Bird

How did you and your husband meet?
I was living in Sydney and had flown down for the weekend to celebrate the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and we met at Derby Day at Flemington!

How did he propose?
We had planned a staycation weekend at the Sofitel in Melbourne CBD, just before we were headed for dinner, he proposed in our suite! It was so lovely and private, exactly what I could have asked for – I hate a fuss and being around other people, so just being the two of us was so special. We didn’t tell anyone (including our parents!) for 24 hours so we could really soak it all in and enjoy the night just the two of us.

What was your vision for your wedding day?
We knew we wanted a wedding that was surrounded by gardens or greenery, given that many of our guests were flying in from other states; the Royal Botanic Gardens were perfect, being so close to the city! Once we had our venue, our vision was to be classic and timeless, with lots of personal touches and moments throughout to suit our beautiful venue.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Instagram! As a social media marketer, I spend most of my days on Instagram, so this was my natural inspiration tool – I looked at wedding planners and my vendor's pages to look for ideas that could suit our wedding.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
When I first entered the boutique, Nicole suggested I walk around and pick a few dresses that immediately caught my eye. Remarkably, the very first dress I picked and tried on perfectly matched my vision and was the one I chose. Its classic silhouette and captivating off-the-shoulder neckline mirrored exactly what I had imagined.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I absolutely loved wedding planning! We got engaged in February and were married by that December, so we had 9 and a bit months of planning; it was perfect as it allowed me to have the time I needed to organise everything but not too much time to procrastinate or stall on making a decision!

Working in marketing and previously doing some events, I felt like I could put all my skills to good use – I loved having a project and really enjoyed not having a wedding planner/stylist (apart from our incredible planner at Gardens House, Melissa who made everything so seamless on the day!) in the lead up as it allowed us to really create and bring our own vision to life.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
The venue! That felt like the most crucial and biggest wedding decision; once we had that chosen, everything else seemed to fall into place – it is also the first major decision you make for a wedding, so when you are just starting this big process, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Apart from marrying my best friend? Having all our family and friends there to celebrate us! We stopped and reflected on how amazing it was that we had over 170 people, over half of whom had travelled from interstate to celebrate our wedding – it was really special.

Is there anything you would do differently?
Nothing! We were so thrilled with how it all came together both in the lead-up and on the day – something we have to thank our incredible suppliers for. Melissa from Atlantic Group at Gardens House was a delight to work with and had our wedding run seamlessly – a time when I didn’t have time to do anything; she was there to check all the details and ensure we would be happy.

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
My top three tips for HRBride’s would be –

1.     Everyone will give you their advice (wanted or not!); whilst it’s great to listen and take on board where you want, at the end of the day, it is your wedding, and you have to stay true to what you and your partner would like for your special day

2.     Stay true to your personal style with your dress, hair and makeup – you don’t want to look back in 10 years and regret trying a trending hairstyle or look that isn’t you!

3.     Enjoy every minute of your wedding day because it truly does go so quickly, soak every minute in and if you can steal a few minutes with your partner, just the two of you, after the ceremony and before the reception starts – take it, it’s nice just to take a moment together and realise you are married!

I couldn’t have asked for a better bridal experience with Nicole and Helen from Helen Rodrigues; as an interstate bride, they made the process so easy and enjoyable. I did not visit another wedding dress shop or designer because I just knew my dream dress was at HR, and I was so happy with my initial consultation with Nicole. The alteration process was seamless, and they allowed me to get all fittings done in one visit from Melbourne, making it stress-free – all within a short 7-month period.

Another Dress: The Mini Edit

The bridal mini dress is a huge trend we have seen over the past few years, with girls having more than just one look on their day.

This concept lends itself to being both a fun and practical decision. For brides who choose a gown with a fuller skirt for their main look, changing into a mini dress can be a choice made out of practicality. Sitting down at the reception and dancing can be made difficult if wearing a large ballgown, thus a change into dress is the perfect concept at the end of the night. For brides that have chosen gowns that are possibly restrictive in terms of having sleeves or are off the shoulder, a change into dress means the the bride can still be to be able to dance properly at her reception.

For some brides, it is more for the fun factor rather than being practical. The perfect opportunity for mini dress or sparkle lovers to incorporate some fun into their day. Plus, also a great way to show off your wedding shoe!

With welcome drinks and recovery parties now being very prevalent among wedding celebrations, not only are brides on the hunt for their wedding gown but special outfits to wear to all of the celebrations. In our mini edit we have done just this, curated certain mini dress options that are great for bridal showers, hens, welcome drinks, wedding day reception and recoveries - all in one place. Our stylists are here to help with not only your ceremony look, but your looks for all your special bridal events. Our goal is to help you create a story between all of your looks, and assist you in feeling like the best version of yourself. We believe that if you are going to change out of the dress of your dreams, the second dress has to be equally as beautiful and worth changing into!

We have put together a capsule collection of mini dresses, something for every type of bride to choose from. We have options from Elie Saab, Monique Lhuillier, Suzanne Neville and Lee Grebenau.

Monique Lhuillier “Marisa”

Monique Lhuillier “Bon Bon”

Monique Lhuillier “Petal”

Elie Saab Spring 2023 Look 16

Suzanne Neville “Zarina”

Suzanne Neville “Bellagio”

Lee Petra Grebenau Allure “Strapless Feather Mini Dress”

Lee Petra Grebenau Allure “Slit Sequined Draped Midi”

Lee Petra Grebenau Allure “Feather Mini Dress”

Lee Petra Grebenau Allure “Draped Net Mini”

See our Real Brides wearing their party dresses on their wedding days:

Book your appointment now to let us help you curate your entire bridal wardrobe!

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 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 Katie wearing Monique Lhuillier Rose

Bride & Groom: Katie & Harrison
Planning & Styling: Winehouse
Gown: Monique Lhuillier Rose
Accessories: Jennifer Behr earrings, Manolo Blahnik shoes
Bridesmaids dresses: Solace London
Venue: Winehouse
Photography: Bayly & Moore
Videography: Joyride Weddings
Floral: Bespoke Weddings and Events
Celebrant: Your Big Day
Entertainment: Mountain Beats DJ Co
Makeup: Eve Makeup Artistry
Hair: Hair to Wed by Tina
Cake: Sophie Roseanna Cakes

How did your partner propose?
It was during one of the big Covid lockdowns. We had only just moved into our new place a couple of weeks prior, and Harrison’s original thought was to tee up the proposal with a housewarming celebration. When the lockdown hit and this didn’t go to plan, it ended up being pretty spontaneous! We had finished a bunch of chores and were sitting by our fireplace having a drink one afternoon, and he decided to go get the ring! It totally took me my surprise, it was so beautiful and intimate. Then we ordered Mexican, spending the night drinking many margaritas and calling family.

What was your vision for your wedding day?
We wanted it to feel classic and romantic, with a big party vibe for the reception!

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I definitely found inspiration online through Pinterest and Instagram. I also bought a lot of wedding magazines throughout our engagement - it’s so fun having something tactile to flick through! Together Journal and Vogue are some faves.

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I actually saw my dress originally in a Monique Lhuillier campaign online and fell in love with it straight away. I loved the colour, silhouette and the rose detailing. I tried on a bunch of incredible gowns at the boutique, but when it came time to try on my dress during the trunk show, it was an instant yes! So strange to say it but I just felt like myself when I had it on.

What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I loved the wedding planning process! We started just over a year from the wedding date. As we were having the celebration overseas, we wanted to get our Save the Date out as soon as possible to give guests plenty of notice. We were so lucky to have the incredible Sam and her team at Winehouse - they made the whole journey so seamless, especially as we were planning the wedding from afar.

What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Our biggest decision was definitely whether or not to have the wedding in New Zealand. It was always such a dream of mine as we spend a lot of time in Queenstown with family, it’s like a second home! We were worried it was a big ask for guests, as well as the massive travel restrictions in place at the time. After speaking to a lot of family and friends who were excited by the idea, we decided to do it. Thankfully, it worked out with restrictions - we felt so fortunate to celebrate with everyone in a place that is so special to us. So surreal!

What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Honestly, it’s too hard to pick! Walking down the aisle and seeing Harrison standing at the end was a major one. We also had the best time on the dance floor! We were super lucky as we travelled to Queenstown a week earlier with family and a big group of friends, so there were many highlights leading up to the day also. There’s a lot of heartwarming, funny, lovefilled moments from the week that we will treasure forever!

Is there anything you would do differently?
Get more sleep the night before! I left a few things to the last minute like writing cards and preparing gifts, so I only had a couple of hours rest before an early wakeup time. Wouldn’t recommend!

Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Have fun with the planning and don’t sweat the small stuff! I also feel like this gets said a lot, but try to be as present as possible on the day. My maid of honour was so amazing at bringing me into a moment - in the car to the ceremony, during photos, sitting at the reception. She would turn to me and say, “Look around, soak it in, this is your wedding!” I remember those times so clearly - looking around, being surrounded by all of our loved ones for such a happy celebration. It really does make you feel so grateful.

My whole experience with Helen was a dream from start to finish! Coming into the boutique was beyond special, and I was absolutely over the moon when I found my beautiful gown. Helen, Sophie and the team are just incredible, and their expertise is second to none. I can’t thank them enough for being so helpful, accommodating and kind, whilst always making me feel so comfortable throughout the entire process. Thank you Helen from the bottom of my heart!

Real Bride Hannah wearing Monique Lhuillier Valencia gown

Bride & Groom: Hannah Hooper + Sam Fong
Planning & Styling: White Events
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Accessories: HR signature veil, Sarah & Sebastian earrings, Jennifer Behr headpiece, Manolo Blahnik heels
Bridesmaids dresses: Cult Gaia
Venue: Fraser Gallop Estate, Margaret River
Photography: Teneil Kable Photography
Videography: Orris Films
Floral: Natural Art Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Brittany Mason, Catherine Mooney

How did you and your husband meet?

Sam and I met at an AFL Ladies Day event where I had gone to support a girlfriend who played in one of the teams. Unbeknownst to me, one of our mutual friends had gone up to him and said she wanted to introduce him to me. Sam wasn’t keen on a setup so didn’t want to know who it was she wanted him to meet. Not too long after that Sam and I happened to be standing next to each other in the bar line (I know, such a cliché!) and hit it off right away..the rest is history!

How did he propose?

Sam proposed on the morning of my birthday weekend on a secluded beach near Bradleys Head point. We then enjoyed a champagne breakfast at my mum’s house with Sam’s parents. They had no idea that he was proposing, so we got to surprise them at breakfast which was quite special. Sam had then booked a beautiful lunch for the two of us and the celebrations continued with a birthday / engagement party that evening with all our friends and family!

What was your vision for your wedding day?

I had always wanted to get married in the Margaret River as we had spent many summers there at Sam’s family property. The first year I visited WA we had visited Fraser Gallop Estate and I absolutely fell in love with the venue. The estate features a large Palladian style home, which fronts a lake, and across the lake there are sweeping views of the vineyard. I said to Sam that day that if we ever got married this is where I’d want to have it! In terms of styling, my vision was clean and crisp with lots of whites and ivory. For the flower arrangements I envisioned hydrangeas and orchids mixed in with baby’s breath.

Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

 Mostly Pinterest and Instagram!

What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I had been referred by some girlfriends who said that they had the best experience with the HR team. I had seen my dream dress on Instagram and messaged Helen right away who had me in for a trunk show viewing within a couple of weeks. It was a one and done job! Thanks to Helen it was probably the least stressful part of the whole wedding planning process.

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

We had booked in the date and venue a few weeks after getting engaged and had also had our first meeting with our wedding planner by that point. Once the big things were locked in, most of the planning happened about 6 months out from the wedding. We had a great wedding planner who helped make it a seamless and stress-free experience.  

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

The biggest decision was choosing whether to have an interstate wedding. We were cognisant that there would be travel and a fair amount of logistics involved for guests to get there. We made sure to provide a lot of information and guidance to our guests on where to stay, how to get around and we organised shuttle buses to and from the wedding and recovery party the next day.

 What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

Without a doubt the highlight of the day for me was the ceremony. Surprisingly I was the calmest I had been all day whilst walking down the aisle and during the ceremony. It felt like it happened in slow motion, and I somehow remember every moment of it. The latter half of the wedding – not so much! 

Is there anything you would do differently?

Honestly nothing! The day was perfect and even if there a couple of little hiccups, no one notices, and you just go with it.

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

Remember that it's about the two of you. Everything else is secondary. If possible, try and sneak off for a few minutes for some alone time and even watch the wedding from afar! It’s nice to take this moment to be present and soak it all up as the day goes by so incredibly fast!

Helen, Sophie and whole the team are true professionals. Not only does Helen stock the most incredible gowns, but the attention to detail she showed throughout the entire experience was second to none. Helen took the time to really understand my vision for the day and matched me up with incredible accessories to pull the look together. From my initial enquiry through to styling, alterations and the delivery of the dress, the team were so helpful and truly made the process stress-free (and fun)! Thank you to Helen and the team for providing me with such an amazing experience. I can't recommend Helen Rodrigues Bridal more highly!

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

Real Bride Tara wearing Monique Lhuillier

Bride & Groom: John & Tara Gillette
Planning & Styling: Belinda – The Curated Life
Gown: Monique Lhullier
Accessories: Jimmy Choo Shoes & Dior Earrings
Bridesmaids dresses: Camilla & Marc
Venue: Redleaf, Wollombi
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Videography: Moon & Back Co
Floral: Belinda – The Curated Life

How did you and your husband meet?

My husband and I met when I was 13 and he was 15 through our group of friends.

 How did he propose?

Johnny proposed at Emirates One & Only, Wolgan Valley. He had planned a sunset picnic for the two of us on the property.

What was your vision for your wedding day?

We (I* – Johnny just wanted an open bar and a pumping dance floor) wanted an elegant black-tie wedding but it was important that it still felt warm, romantic and very personal. The ceremony and reception were exactly that. By night-time we wanted to change the pace into a really fun party which had everyone on the dance floor. Tick!

 Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?

Our venue, Redleaf, Wollombi is an Italian style villa. This was the starting point for our inspiration. The design, colours & landscaping of the property all inspired our style for the wedding. While planning our wedding we were also doing a complete renovation to our new home. I used a lot of the items we had bought for our house at the wedding. For example, we have Tony Assness beeswax candles at home and were able to get more for the reception table centre pieces. We have some Alex and Trahanas ceramic pieces at home and we were able to buy additional pieces as vases for styling the bar tops. We also have Lucy Montgomery Cushions throughout our home and purchased some to fit in with our peach & lemon colour scheme. So I was really inspired by homewares and interiors.

 What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?

I wanted a really timeless, elegant and classic gown. I had actually been eyeing this one off since before my engagement! I knew beads, pearls, sequins & bling weren’t for me. I went to have something similar to this dress custom made and started the process but ended up cancelling this. I was worried about how many variations to the tailoring one simple dress could have and how much this would change the end product. It made me nervous not knowing exactly how the dress would be and not having time to change it. Once I had met with Helen and tried the dress I felt so at ease and excited, so I chose this one.

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

I had mapped out our wedding well before my engagement. It really was my dream wedding, so I always had ideas for what I wanted. I got serious about planning about 6 months after our engagement. Our original date was around a year after our engagement but then COVID hit and we had to postpone it until about 2.5 years post engagement. I know a lot of couples found this devastating but considering what so many people were experiencing during the pandemic – what’s enjoying our engagement a little longer!

What was the biggest decision you had to make?

I had originally chosen an alternative venue and paid the deposit so the decision to change venues and loose that was something I went back and forth over but I’m so happy I did.

Deciding on a new date and navigating COVID and wedding planning had its challenges. When we had to move the wedding date due to COVID restrictions one of the only available weekends within a reasonable time was the Easter Long Weekend. We incurred Public Holiday surcharges from all of our suppliers, so I was apprehensive, but it was so worth it to turn it into a 3-day affair!

 What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?

There are so many highlights for me that I can’t choose one! My favourite moments were getting ready with my bridesmaids and my parents, my dad walking me down the aisle, the moment of seeing my husband for the first time, hearing his vows, the speeches, the time Johnny and I spent together for photos soaking it all in and hitting the dance floor with the best friends & family.

 Is there anything you would do differently?

Not a single thing!

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

Have fun with it! Life will throw stressful situations at you. Your wedding shouldn’t be one of them! It should be fun and exciting. Remembering this will help keep things in perspective.

I had such a positive experience with Helen. Her calm nature and professionalism made me feel so comfortable. Helen offered her experience and advice without overstepping or trying to influence my decisions which provided the perfect guidance in finding a dress.