Real Bride Carla wearing bespoke Suzanne Neville
“Helen was ideal. Both her and Sophie made me feel so comfortable and relaxed my nerves at my appointments. Without her intensive knowledge of the bridal industry I would never have found my perfect dress… and we all know that the most vital item for the bride on her wedding day is her dress! Thank you Helen and Sophie for your professionalism and kindness during my time at Helen Rodrigues Bridal.”
Bride & Groom: Carla & Adrian
Gown: Bespoke Suzanne Neville ‘Amber’ top with the ‘Serrano’ skirt from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Ripple Weddings
Videography: Ripple Weddings
Venue: Terrara House
Floral: Pia & Jade
Accessories: Pre-owed by the bride
Bridesmaid dresses: Chancery the label
Hair: Jodie Day Bridal Hair
Make-up: Ella & Me The Makeup Collective
How did you and your husband meet?
Adrian and I crossed paths on Australia day 2017, we both ended up at a mutual friends last minute BBQ after original plans were cancelled due to the weather. A week or so later I saw Adrian again at a night out and that’s when Adrian asked me to dance, that was when our story began.
How did he propose?
We were on a winter holiday travelling in Kiruna, Sweden. I had planned this leg of the trip and arranged for us to go dog sledding. Without me knowing, Adrian had changed my plans and arranged the dog sled to take us somewhere completely private, he had been in discussion with the hotel staff and they had decorated the snow with fire pits, roses and champagne. The most romantic night of my life.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I looked online, Instagram, magazines… I wasn’t the type of girl who had planned herself walking down the aisle from a young age so it took me a few months to make decisions. I started envisioning different styles for our venue and testing what themes we preferred.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
A wholesome day filled with love and laughs, surrounded by our nearest and dearest.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
Ever since I moved to Neutral Bay close to 10 years ago I walked past HRB on my daily commute admiring the gowns in the window. I hoped if I ever became a bride I would be able to try on her gowns. When the time came and I attended my appointment I brought a picture in on my phone for inspiration but I had no idea who the designer was or what country it came from, when I showed Helen this screenshot I nearly fell off my chair, she told me that she had that exact gown in her store, I was so surprised I didn’t believe her, it was too perfect to be true.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I would say I was fairly relaxed through my planning journey, Adrian and I started looking about a year out for the band and the venue. We always knew we wanted Brown Sugar because we had seen them play and we loved both their music and the energy they brought to the night. We were very lucky, it all fell into place, the suppliers we booked were all very professional and we felt extremely grateful.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
I’d say the dress, for sure, choosing 1 outfit for the most important day of your life, how can that be easy! There is a lot of what if’s and should I’s, I second guessed myself and changed my mind more as we got closer to the wedding date.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Our wedding entrance was better than we could have ever imagined. We knew we needed something fun and upbeat, we had a musician walking in with us playing a saxophone while we were welcomed into our marquee and it was so much fun!
Is there anything you would do differently?
I would allocate more time with family and friends for photos. The day goes by so quickly, I kept thinking that I would have time for things later on, but something or someone is always there to fill the gaps.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Remember, you are the only one who knows what is supposed to happen, if anything doesn’t go to plan just smile and roll with it… you can always complain to your husband later.
