Real Bride Story: Annelise Wearing Galia Lahav Opéra
Bride & Groom: Annelise & Joshua
Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav Opéra gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Salt Atelier
Venue: The Grounds of Alexandra (Linseed House)
Accessories: HR Signature veil from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Videography: Salt Atelier
Bridesmaid Dresses: Club London
How did you and your husband meet?
Josh and I met through our best friends (who are now married too) on a night out in the city. We hit it off instantly, spending the night bantering and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Everything felt so natural right from the very start.
How did he propose?
We were in the Hunter Valley for a casual weekend away… and there was nothing casual about it. Josh surprised me with a helicopter tour which started with flying over gorgeous vineyards before a quick pit stop to a gin tasting venue. After trying some of the nicest Gin in Hunter, landed on a cliff edge where he’d set up a picnic with the most stunning view, and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, we flew to a lunch spot where both our families were waiting to surprise me and join in the celebration. Lots of hugs and happy tears. It was honestly one of the best days of my life.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
More than anything, we wanted our wedding to feel like one big celebration, full of love, unforgettable moments and lots of dancing with all our favourite people. Josh and I just wanted to be present and relish in all the special moment with each other and our loved ones.
We also wanted to embrace our European heritage and bring the carefree classy vibe into our wedding styling while adding a whimsical touch. My Pinterest board was filled with silk draping, greenery, ivory and soft peach/pink florals, vintage vases, cupid stencils, rustic buildings and beyond. A detail that made our wedding truly special was the bespoke tambourines we designed for our guests. Each tambourine was adorned with playful Italian sayings like “La Dolce Vita,” “That’s Amore,” and “Ciao Bella.” They added such a fun, personal touch and watching our guests dance the night away with them brought so much energy and laughter.
Where did you look for your wedding gown inspiration?
I definitely turned to Pinterest, my holy grail for inspiration, as well as photos from previous brides shared on Instagram.
Tell us about your experience at Helen Rodrigues Bridal and what drew you to your gown?
Growing up, I was obsessed with classic Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren. It was something my Nonna and I bonded over. She’d always have old films playing, filled with music, dance, and timeless elegance. That vintage style has always stayed with me. The Opera Gown by Galia Lahav was the first dress I tried on, and I knew immediately it was the one. From the head-to-toe guipure lace to the Basque waist silhouette, it felt like it was made for me. The day I went to try it on, I noticed a photo of Grace Kelly on the table at Helen Rodrigues boutique, who was another one of my style icons from that era, and in that moment, it felt like a little nod from the universe… and from my Nonna that it was the dress for me.
“Working with the team at Helen Rodrigues was amazing, they’re the dream team! I wanted to customise my dress with sleeves and a split, and they brought my vision to life so beautifully. Their creativity, care and support made the entire experience feel effortless and so special. I’m beyond grateful for the role they played in such an important part of our day!”
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Our wedding planning journey was such an incredible experience, but definitely a big one! We started planning just over a year out, which gave us time to really think through what we wanted. It was exciting, creative, and so special seeing everything slowly take shape, but there were definitely moments where it felt like a lot… there are so many decisions to make and details to consider! Looking back though, all the effort was completely worth it, and seeing it all unfold on the day was so rewarding.
One of my favourite parts of our wedding to plan was picking our entry song for the reception. Josh and I had a vision for our walk-in and it was so fun bringing it to life! We worked closely with our DJ to create a custom mashup of some of our favourite songs including “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle and “Be My Lover” by La Bouche, blended with a catchy house beat. It was the peak of our reception and we still reminisce on how incredible that moment was for us.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
One of the biggest decisions I had to make was choosing my wedding gown. With so many gorgeous options available these days, narrowing it down to the one and only felt quite overwhelming. Going through this process with my Mum made it even more special—she shed a few tears when I tried on the Opera gown. That moment was truly unforgettable, and it's one we both hold close to our hearts.
When selecting my dress and making many of the other big styling decisions, I made sure to stay true to my style throughout the whole process and not be swayed too much by trends, especially with so much out there these days. By being authentic and staying true to your own style in each decision, you create an atmosphere or vibe that your guests will sense and appreciate on the day.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
The moment I walked through the church doors and spotted my husband, Josh, standing at the end of the aisle - the look on his face and the emotion in his eyes made everything else fade away. I instantly felt calm. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life, one I’ll always hold close to my heart.
Is there anything you would do differently?
If I could do anything differently, I wouldn’t overthink it as much. I’d spend less time worrying about the tiny details, because on the day, those things really do fade into the background. What stays with you is the feeling of being surrounded by your favourite people, marrying your best friend, and sharing that joy together. The rest naturally falls into place.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
This was advice given to me by Brooke from HR, and it really stayed with me on the day… take a moment to step away from all the craziness and be with your partner in solitude. Soak it all in and remind each other how proud you are of everything you’ve put into the day, and how blessed you are to be celebrating with your nearest and dearest. Essentially, just remain present, because it truly is a BIG day that goes by so incredibly quickly!
Whether you're looking for a classic wedding dress or something truly unique, Helen Rodrigues Bridal offers a truly personalised experience for every bride. Book your appointment today and find your dream gown.
