Real Bride: Ashleigh Wearing Monique Lhuillier Sienna gown
Bride & Groom: Ashleigh & Ben Pugh
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier Sienna gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Lost in Love
Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley
Floral: The Petal Project
Planning & Styling: Nuptial Collective
Videography: Moon & Back
Accessories: Jimmy Choo shoes, Dior earrings, Veil from HR Bridal Accessories
The Meeting
We had met through mutual friends years before we first started dating. When the timing was right and he asked me on a date 7 years ago, we began seeing each other and we never looked back.
The Proposal
It was on a yacht in the harbour for my birthday with all of our friends present.
When Ben and I had spoken about getting engaged one day years earlier I said I would love for the day to include our friends to celebrate with, a detail that he remembered and brought to life, it was so special.
The Wedding Day Vision
We wanted the day itself to feel fun and full of energy. For the styling, we wanted it to feel classic and refined which we wanted to reflect through the stationary and florals. We had our guests dress in black to compliment this vision. We also included elements like plinths instead of a traditional seating chart, a champagne tower and a saxophonist to lead everyone over to the reception space to make the day feel unique and memorable.
Wedding Day Inspiration
I always knew I wanted a classic and timeless look. I stayed away from any trends and wanted a gown that I will look back on and feel the same way as I did the first time I tried it on. I found inspiration from Pinterest, socials, and different wedding dress designers that I have always admired.
“Helen, Nicole and the team made my entire wedding dress journey so memorable and special. They were so wonderful to deal with from the first appointment through to the last fitting, providing genuine care and making sure every detail was perfect.
They brought the vision of my dream wedding look to life and I couldn’t fault any part of my experience. I can’t thank you enough for going above and beyond to make it feel so effortless and enjoyable. ”
The Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier Sienna gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
I had followed Helen Rodrigues on socials before even getting engaged and I always knew they were a boutique I would want to visit. The Monique Lhullier dress I wore I had seen on their socials and fell in love with before even visiting the boutique. When I tried it on I knew it was the one, it checked all the boxes.
Helen, Nicole and the team made my entire wedding dress journey so special. They were always warm and welcoming, showing genuine care every step of the way and a meticulous attention to detail. The whole experience felt effortless and enjoyable.
Wedding Day Highlight
There were honestly so many highlights throughout the day it's hard to choose just one. But of course, walking down the aisle to Ben surrounded by all of our loved ones was a dream, the beauty of this moment was everything for me.
Advice for future #HRBride’s
Make the whole planning journey a fun experience, don't sweat the small things and stick to what feels authentic to you. Be present on the day and remember what the day is about, what makes your wedding day special is that you are marrying the love of your life, a once in a lifetime occasion where everyone you love is together to celebrate you.
Whether you're looking for a classic wedding dress or something truly unique, Helen Rodrigues Bridal offers a luxurious, personalised experience for every bride. Book your appointment today and find your dream designer gown.
