Real Bride Edwina wearing custom Inbal Dror
Bride & Groom: Edwina & James
Gown: Customised Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Venue: The Mint & Est.
Photography: Alex Marks Photography
Videography: Tom Roberts Media
Accessories: Peter Langner New York veil and Cameron & Co
Makeup & Hair: Jennifer Mountain
Bridesmaids dresses: Bianca Spender and Sass & Bide
Floral: Kiko Deisgn
How did you and your husband meet?
We met through mutual friends in Melbourne. I was living there at the time and James was visiting from New Zealand before moving to London for two years. After we met that weekend, James returned to Melbourne three weeks later to spend a week with me before flying to London. We spoke every day as he travelled for three months and at the end of his trip I met him in London where we flew to Morocco to spend two weeks together. James then returned to Australia with me instead of staying in London as originally intended.
How did he propose?
James planned an entire day full of amazing surprises he pretended it was for our anniversary. It began with breakfast at a cafe overlooking the harbour followed by an incredible scenic seaplane tour of Sydney and the north coast, a delectable seafood lunch with beautiful champagne, and a trip to McKell Park, Darling Point, a favourite spot of ours, where there was a gorgeous picnic set up with nibbles, champagne and music. It was here that James got down on one knee and proposed. A few minutes later we were joined by our friends who had set up the picnic, my brother who had been taking photos from the bushes and both our families, including James’ family who had flown over from New Zealand. It was extremely special.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
James and I wanted an urban Sydney wedding since Sydney is the city where we have built our life together. We chose a significant architectural venue for our ceremony, The Mint, which combined my love of architecture with James’ love of history. For our reception, we chose a ‘family favourite’ restaurant, est., in the heart of the city with the most beautiful interiors featuring grand, high ceilings and decorative pillars. James and I love good food so the bespoke menu that was created for us by Peter Doyle was a big highlight and choosing the wines to match was also important to us. We always wanted to end the night with a killer dance floor and cocktails, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Instagram had plenty of wonderful inspiration to help inspire our big day but ultimately I had a vision in my head that I put together with my very creative sister Sally who also provided a huge amount of amazing ideas and inspiration.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I kept seeing so many beautiful Inbal Dror dresses on Instagram and when I saw that Helen Rodrigues was having an Inbal Dror Trunk Show I just knew I had to go. I hadn’t even tried on a single wedding dress at that point but as soon as I had my appointment at Helen’s I knew that one of the Inbal Dror dresses would be my wedding dress. I absolutely adored the finer details and delicate fabrics that Inbal uses and especially love the exquisite sparkle they exude.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I started planning my wedding properly a few months after becoming engaged and once we had decided on the venues. It was a very special time because my amazing and very talented sister Sally helped me and was my go-to person for everything! I couldn’t have done it without her.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
There were so many big decisions but I’d say the venues for the ceremony and reception were two of the biggest as they were the base for what would ultimately create the right mood and atmosphere for our wedding.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
It is hard to pick just one highlight when the entire day from start to finish was one big highlight but if I had to pick one, it would be walking arm in arm with my Dad towards the aisle, the room full of our favourite people, turning the corner, and seeing James standing down the end with our bridal party. I honestly could not stop smiling and have never felt happier. Also, during our vows it began pouring with rain, which you could see through the glass behind us and it was absolutely magical.
Is there anything you would do differently?
No everything was absolutely perfect in my eyes. There were of course a few hiccups and the weather was not ideal, but I would not change a thing.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Everyone says this but it is true, not everything will go as planned and that’s okay. My advice would be to try not to worry about this in the lead up to your big day because on the day, I promise you it will not bother you and you will be so happy that even if you notice it you will just laugh.
