Real Bride Alanna wearing Suzanne Neville Bespoke Bloomsbury
“The experience of dress shopping at Helen Rodrigues Bridal is second to none. Helen and the entire team were tireless in making sure I found my dress and looked amazing on the day. During the entire process I never felt pushed towards one dress or another, allowing me the space to naturally find the right dress for me. When it came to the fittings Helen is an absolute perfectionist and I had utter confidence that the dress would be perfect. Helen Rodrigues and the team is exactly what every bride wants for her day. ”
Bride & Groom: David and Alanna
Planning & Styling: White Rabbit Projects
Gown: Custom Suzanne Neville ‘Bloomsbury’
Accessories: Peter Langner Vita Insieme veil
Bridesmaids dresses: Manning Cartell
Venue: Lions Gate Lodge/ Capella Hotel
Photography: Bayleigh Vedelago
Videography: Sommar Films
Florals: Hermetica
How did you and your husband meet?
David and I met at my best friend’s engagement party at the now defunct Sydney RnB scene institution called “the Carter”. One bad pick up line about a surgery, the insistence of a good friend and several questionable food choices for a first date later– here we are.
How did he propose?
David tricked me into thinking we were in the Blue Mountains to attend friend’s pre-wedding celebrations before they left for Spain. On route to the party we took a detour to do some “apple picking”, and with the sun shining through the clouds and the Megalong Valley in the background he got down on one knee and popped the question! Instead of a pre-wedding party, we had our own engagement weekend away.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
David and I didnt really attach to a particular image, but more of a feeling – we really wanted to evoke a feeling of timelessness that transitioned from classic to modern as the day turned to night. We had three parts to the day, from a secret garden ceremony, to an intimate dinner party and a surprise disco.
We were met with rain on the day but we absolutely made the most of it - looking at all our photos, it was like the rain was meant for us.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
We primarily used social media but focused on photos that had just that “je ne sais quoi” that spoke to both of us and they became our wedding moodboard.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I had always wanted a timeless dress that I defined, rather than a dress that defined me. It wasn’t a straightforward process but without compromises I had that moment where I knew that the dress was just exactly my dress. The elegant beauty of the dress was what made it perfect for me and my wedding day.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Wedding planning is not easy. We are so lucky to have the help of an amazing planner in Bree of White Rabbit Projects. We did not give ourselves very much time, and so the race was on from the beginning! There were big choices that we procrastinated and some vendor surprises and without Bree I’m sure to this day we would still be in the planning stage!
She was amazing and really helped pull everything together.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
There are so many big decisions when planning a wedding. I think our biggest decision ultimately was our wedding planner! As a couple you are entrusting your special day in the hands of whoever you pick and they really help define and bring things together. We were so lucky and as soon as we spoke to Bree, we knew she was the absolute right fit.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Our secret dance party will forever live on in our memories. Between the reception and the dance floor, David and I were whisked away through a secret passageway into a ‘first dance’ waiting area where the band was playing. For a few brief moments we were all alone by ourselves - there were no cameras, no guests, just us and the band. I still remember Soul Man playing as we took each other by the hand and had our own private disco. The doors would eventually slide away to reveal the first dance and we would be joined by all our guests, but that quiet moment together is our favourite.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Absolutely nothing.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Finding the right dress can be a stressful process. Seek guidance from those around you, but trust your intuition and don’t settle or compromise. Everyone is here to help you find the dress for you.
