Real Bride Alexis wearing Elie Saab
“From the first appointment to the final fitting, everything was seamlessly timed, and I felt so at ease, which meant a lot to me being an interstate bride. Helen Rodrigues and her team provided such a warm, genuine and personalised service. I would highly recommend Helen Rodrigues to any bride in search for a breathtakingly timeless gown and an exceptional experience.”
Bride & Groom: Alexis & Nunzio Tartaglia
Planning & Styling: The Studio by Fleur McHarg
Gown: Elie Saab from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Venue: St Patrick’s Cathedral/ National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Photography: Bayleigh Vedelago
Videography: Moon & Back Co
Floral: The Studio by Fleur McHarg
Tuxedo: Tom Ford from Harrolds
Stationary: Wedding Paper Chic
How did you and your husband meet?
He interviewed me for a role at his firm in September 2013. I got the dream job, although it took another couple of years to find the dream man ;)
How did he propose?
He surprised me while on our stay at Qualia, Hamilton Island. It was New Years Eve - he organised a helicopter to take us to Whitehaven Beach where he had a picnic all laid out. Before I could pop the champagne, he got down on one knee and opened a ring box with the most beautiful diamond. It was the perfect way to celebrate and ‘ring in’ the New Year!
What was your vision for your wedding day?
An elegant black-tie event surrounded by our nearest and dearest at a timeless Melbourne venue. As soon as we stepped into St Patrick’s Cathedral and saw the incredible stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall at the NGV, everything just fell into place.
Where did you look for wedding inspiration?
I bought so many magazine and looked online as I’m sure all brides do, but I knew what I wanted for our wedding day - classic white elegance, complemented by glowing candles and the smell of fresh flowers. When we met our stylist, Fleur McHarg, she brought that vision to life and made it our own with an amazing large scale light and greenery installation above the dance floor, velvet lounge bench seating with overhanging custom lamps, mirrored free standing bars amongst the seated guests, and a series of changing black and white projected images up against the walls of the Great Hall. What Fleur created, with only a two hour bump in, we will never forget!
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Helen Rodrigues was always a must. I flew to Sydney to see one of her gorgeous trunk shows and had my eye on a couple of dresses from another international designer. But when trying those on instore, I caught myself looking over my shoulder at a stunning sheer long sleeved gown, delicately embellished with a beautiful white leather belt - it screamed Elie Saab. For me, I instantly knew it was ‘the dress’ by the feeling I had while wearing it. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was love at first sight and the last gown I tried on.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Very relaxed and a lot of fun! We had wonderful suppliers who made the decisions along the way so easy. We met with them regularly throughout the whole process, which made it an enjoyable experience and I can truly say we made some friends for life. It also helped that we gave ourselves plenty of time to plan the day (16 months), and my fiance was there at every appointment. That was really important to me and made it all the more special.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
The guest list and seating arrangement. My husband comes from a big Italian family, so we had over 350 invited guests. A lot of time (and wine) went into the seating chart!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Seeing my fiance for the first time, standing there at the end of the aisle. We had a cathedral ceremony at St Patrick’s in East Melbourne, with church bells, a full choir and organ accompaniment. It was magical. The location was also perfect as it allowed us to get some amazing shots while walking over to the iconic Melbourne Town Hall. We even had some time to have a laugh and bubbles with our bridal party outside Grossi Florentino and enjoy the beautiful Autumn day.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Honestly, no. Though I wish we could have squeezed in another set with the band! We had the very suave Dan Hamill and his band perform. As soon as the formalities were over, our guests didn’t leave the dance floor. We loved seeing all of our family and friends having a great time together.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBRide’s?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. There will be things that don’t go to plan on the day, but I promise none of your guests will have the faintest idea. Enjoy every moment and spend as much of it hand in hand with your groom.
