Eliana Wearing a Bespoke Suzanne Neville Gown
“When I got engaged, there was no question about where I would get my dress from. I was always going to be a Helen Rodrigues bride as they really do have such an exquisite selection of gowns. Helen and the girls were so supportive and lovely from the first moment we stepped into the boutique. They had answers to questions I hadn’t even thought of yet and had a big influence in not only helping me find my dream dress, but from styling me head to toe! We ended up mixing 3 different Suzanne Neville gowns together to create my dress and the team at Helen did not hesitate to make this happen. It truly was such a memorable experience that I will cherish forever! ”
Bride & Groom: Eliana and Stathis @elianacallintzis & @stathiscallintzis
Planning & Styling: B Events by Bianca @b.eventsbybianca
Gown: Suzanne Neville
Accessories: Jennifer Behr (headpiece), Peter Langner (veil) Roman and French (Earrings) Jimmy Choo (Shoes)
Bridesmaids dresses: Shona Joy @shonajoy
Venue: Ivy Ballroom @merivaleweddings
Photography: Blumenthal Photography @blumenthalphotography
Videography: Soda Films @sodafilms
Floral: Montana Flora @montana__flora
How did you and your husband meet?
We met when we were only 2 years old and grew up as family friends. We reconnected when we were in our early twenties and he asked me out for drinks one Saturday night….the rest is history!
How did he propose?
He proposed during the thick of lockdown, pyjamas, and all. We were sitting on my bed, and he pulled out a piece of paper. He had written an acrostic poem that said “Will you marry me” vertically down the page. It was very real and raw. I couldn’t have asked for a more special proposal!
What was your vision for your wedding day?
I always envisioned a very classic and elegant wedding day, filled with soft romantic colours and timeless décor. With this said, I also wanted to ensure that we simply had fun, ate, and danced a lot!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
For my wedding look, I turned to old Hollywood stars for inspiration (Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly). As for the styling, I simply wanted the venue to feel warm, romantic and filled with love.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Helen was the first and only boutique I went to as I knew that she had the style I was looking for. I think it was the 2nd gown I tried on, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the perfect dress for me! I always wanted a timeless dress that I would be able to look back at in 20 years and still be just as obsessed with.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Luckily one of our best friends is a wedding planner and she was the biggest help throughout our journey. It was a very seamless and enjoyable process. We started planning the wedding roughly a year out!
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
The biggest decision we had to make for the wedding would probably have to be the seating chart as we both have big Greek families!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
The highlight of the day was definitely sitting at the bridal table with my husband and just taking it all in. Speeches were just about to start, and I thought to myself, we really did it, this is our wedding day! My husband also performed a traditional Greek dance for me which was very special.
Is there anything you would do differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Your wedding begins the day you get engaged, enjoy every second of the planning (stress, tears, laughter, and all) because it truly goes so quickly. Take a moment on your special day to be with your partner and really try to soak in the moment!
