Real Bride Hannah wearing Elie Saab
“Choosing to buy my gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal was such a blessing… I knew I wanted to wear Elie Saab which is really hard to find in Australia, but through Helen it was so easy and enjoyable. They took so much care of every detail and I felt so looked after in the best way possible!!!”
Bride & Groom: Hannah & Andrea Kraus
Venue: Villa Castelbarco, Milan Italy
Gown: Elie Saab from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Videography: Black & White Videography
Planning & Styling: Daniela, Sugar Events
Floral: Muchacha Milano
How did you and your husband meet?
I believe it was real luck… Andrea, my husband was relocated to Sydney Australia for a job opportunity and one day on his walk home he strolled into a newly opened Italian restaurant, where the owner kindly welcomed him and invited him for lunch… At this very lunch Andrea met his best friend Jared who quickly called me and said “Hannah I’ve met your husband!” The rest is history!
How did he propose?
We were on holiday in Liguria, Italy, where we sailed to a tiny beach that is only reachable by boat! The stunning San Fruttuoso has a castle that melts into the sea, set on a pebbly beach with a little taverna… forever a very special place for us! As we arrived we swam and as I came out of the sea I spotted a box on the beach chair… It was such an incredible place to share the excitement.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
From the beginning of planning our wedding, I knew I wanted it to be classic, romantic and fairy-tale like. It also needed to connect to the place while stilling very true to us and our aesthetic.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Having my own clothing label, Hannah Artwear I do a lot of work with textiles in India, using natural materials and drawing inspiration from florals. Our wedding was definitely influenced by Hannah Artwear… the pastel colours, natural fabrics and textiles. I made all the stationery, table fabrics and gifts at my factory in Rajasthan. It was such an amazing experience to give my wedding my personal creative touch and I loved the process so much! I remember taking a minute on my wedding day to look around and appreciate all the details, the lights and the magic in the air!
For your wedding day what drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
The very first time I walked into Helen Rodrigues I spotted my gown instantly… its as if there was a magnetic pull that brought us together! It was the first gown I tried on and like most things with me, I knew right away it was the perfect gown! The fit and construction of Elie Saab is another league of its own and I really appreciate that especially being in the industry. The dress I chose is so classic and elegant. I loved the subtle embroidery and detailing.
What was the wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
We planned everything from Australia which was so easy and enjoyable as our planner Daniela was fantastic, she made the whole process beyond smooth and stress-free! In 9 months we planned everything together. Andreas family was also a huge help being in Italy, they found the wedding venue for us and manage a lot of other things as we were so far away in Aus!
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Probably the location… I think choosing a place that you feel connected to and love is really important. We knew we were going to have a big wedding and so wanted a place that has a sense of space. We also wanted to base the weekend out of Milan as its the place Andrea grew up and holds a special meaning and significance.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
The beginning to the end! Really I think the ceremony was the most emotional moment of my life! I will never ever forget the moment holding onto my parents as they walked me down the isle… surrounded by my family and friends from around the world, walking towards Andrea, the man of my dreams.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Nothing at all!
Is there any advice you would give to other #HRBride’s?
Just enjoy the process, don’t take any of it too seriously, and remember that the only thing that matters is you and your husband!
