Real Bride Story: Franky wearing Monique Lhuillier Alexandra
Bride & Groom: Francesca & Adam
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier Alexandra gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Stephan and Nakita
Venue: Tantalus, Waiheke NZ
Accessories: HR Signature veil from Helen Rodrigues Bridal, Pacquali Bruni and Cartier
Bridesmaid Dresses: Custom made
Florals: Michelle Coomey
Planning & Styling: Claire Donaldson
Hair & Make-up: Fiona Goddard and Amelia Mowat Boutique Bride
How did you and your husband meet?
We met at a dinner party in Auckland, just a month or two before I was due to move back to London. My visa was already sorted and I was very much planning on leaving. I remember noticing him across the table but I didn’t know him at all, so I kept asking questions, trying to piece together who he was.
We started talking that night, and he mentioned he thought we’d met before, at the races in Christchurch years earlier. I asked what I was wearing, and he said a blue lace dress. I knew exactly the one. That moment really stayed with me, there was something unexpectedly romantic about being remembered like that.
Our first date was the very next night at Swashbuckler (a bit of an Auckland institution, nothing fancy, in fact quite the opposite), just after my visa had been approved. I think what made it work so effortlessly was that I had no expectations; I still thought I was leaving, so there was no pressure. The rest was history as they say!
How did he propose?
Adam proposed in Fiji, which has always been a very special place to me. My family has been going there for as long as I can remember, so it’s always felt like a second home. We also returned there for our honeymoon, which made it feel even more full circle.
Earlier in the year we’d spoken about rings so he could get a sense of what I liked, and from there he took the lead. The proposal itself was beautifully simple. It happened just outside our villa, overlooking the ocean before dinner. It felt very private and very true to us.
I do remember him saying afterwards that he was relieved it was finally done, as he’d been travelling with the ring in his suitcase and was slightly stressed about it not being insured unless it was locked away. It added a lightness to the moment.
It was a big, life-changing moment, but very understated. No cameras, no audience, just the two of us.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
I wanted the day to feel like an elevated, very personal dinner party. Intimate, thoughtful, and centred around bringing our closest family and friends together in a way that felt relaxed but considered.
The details were a big part of shaping the atmosphere. I focused on keeping everything refined but not overdone. Custom damask tablecloths, simple florals, and candlelight across tables that were all slightly different, so it never felt too uniform or staged.
I also collected silver plates from antique stores over a number of months so we could have butter mounds on the tables. It was something quite specific, but it added to that layered, collected feel I was drawn to.
Music was equally important. I booked the string quartet early on and had them learn specific pieces for the ceremony, including “Spring 1” for walking down the aisle and “Moon River” during the signing. Later in the evening, we had DJs with a live saxophonist, and our first dance was to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
I was conscious that hosting it at a venue rather than a private home might make it harder to personalise, but Tantalus completely delivered. On a clear, warm day, the garden and courtyard felt incredibly special.
Looking back, it was all the smaller elements coming together that made it feel like ours.
Where did you look for your wedding gown inspiration?
I always knew I wanted long sleeves and a high neckline. I was drawn to timeless looks, and always loved the iconic Grace Kelly gown, and more recently, Kitty Spencer’s Dolce & Gabbana gown. I didn’t rely too heavily on specific platforms, magazines or mood boards, it was more about visiting boutiques with designers featuring this kind of silhouette.
“I loved every minute of working with Helen Rodrigues Bridal to find my perfect wedding dress. Living in New Zealand, I made the trip over in June last year to select my gown, and returned in early February to collect it ahead of my wedding back home later that month.
Every step of the process was seamless. There wasn’t a single moment where I felt stressed or unsure about my dress or my decision. From the first fitting to the final appointment with their incredible atelier, I felt completely confident in my choice.
This really comes down to Helen and her team’s experience. They know exactly what works, and they think beyond just how the dress looks — considering all the small, practical details that matter on the day itself (like length, movement, and comfort).
I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
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 highlight of your wedding day for you?
Some of my favourite moments came from the in-between. The drive down to Tantalus in a classic Mark II Jaguar with my dad and brothers stands out. It was slightly chaotic, as the car was not the easiest to handle, but also incredibly special. There was a lot of laughter, and it felt like this quiet pause before everything began. But, there is nothing more special then walking down the aisle and your husband to be seeing you for the first time. That really was something.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Nothing they haven’t already heard, but it’s worth repeating, the day goes by incredibly quickly. Try not to spend it worrying about details. By that point, everything is set, and there’s very little you can change.
There’s also something genuinely charming about imperfection. The small mishaps and unexpected moments are often the ones you remember most. A wedding doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful, in fact, it’s usually better when it’s not.
We also made a conscious decision not to centre the day around content, and it was one of the best choices we made. It meant more time being present with friends and family, rather than trying to create moments for the sake of a photo or social media.
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.
