Real Bride Anique wearing Inbal Dror Pure
“I was really happy with my experience at Helen Rodrigues Bridal. Helen was personable and down-to-earth, so it was great work with her from the start. Living overseas, I only had the opportunity to try on the sample once 10 months before the wedding and then my actual dress less than two weeks out from the big day. Helen ensured this process was seamless - her tailor was fabulous and made sure the dress was comfortable and fit right. Helen was also so responsive along the way to answer all my questions!”
Bride & Groom: Anique & Ben
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Venue: Ceremony at Monte Chapel (my high school) and reception at Ben’s family home in Randwick
Photography: David Campbell Imagery
Accessories: Keren Wolf Venus Pearl Crowns from HR Bridal Accessories, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and bracelet from my mother
Bridemaids: Skirt and tops by Bec & Bridge
Catering: Katering
Floral: Bouquets by Hermetica Flowers
How did you and your husband meet?
We met at work - rather unglamorous - but we were both seconded from our companies to government on a project. A mutual friend who knew we were working at the same place introduced us to each other.
How did he propose?
On one knee in the living room of our flat in London - it was perfect.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
Having the reception at Ben’s family home, I was very mindful that nothing was too ‘wedding’. We wanted to work with the surroundings and the beautiful garden and add personal touches wherever we could. We wanted a day that reflected us and the things we love. We also wanted the day to be fun, so we were ultimately focused on good food, good wine and good music!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I looked on Instagram for things that I liked the look of and then bounced the ideas off Kate from Katering who helped us transform them into something that worked for us and our day.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
Having the reception at Ben’s family home, I was very mindful that nothing was too ‘wedding’. We wanted to work with the surroundings and the beautiful garden and add personal touches wherever we could. We wanted a day that reflected us and the things we love. We also wanted the day to be fun, so we were ultimately focused on good food, good wine and good music!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I looked on Instagram for things that I liked the look of and then bounced the ideas off Kate from Katering who helped us transform them into something that worked for us and our day.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Where we chose to hold our wedding was probably the biggest decision we had to make. Living in London for the past few years we wanted to get married somewhere in Sydney that felt like home to us, so we did just that: we ended up choosing to have the ceremony at my high school chapel and the reception at Ben’s family home. From there, we had a million other smaller decisions to make that would ultimately shape the day. Not holding the reception at a traditional venue gave us a creative licence to choose and style everything - marquee, lighting, flooring, tableware, glassware etc etc!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
I loved every moment of the day for different reasons! The ceremony felt intimate and special, the reception felt like a big party and Ben and I had a couple of moments together in between to soak it all in. The biggest joy was seeing all the people we love in one place together, having the best time!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Trust that you will enjoy the day that you and your partner have put so much effort into planning, it will inevitably be a wonderful day for you and your loved ones!
