Real Bride Emily wearing Elie Saab
“I cannot speak highly enough of my experience at Helen Rodrigues.
I had my eye on this specific gown from Elie Saab for a while however wanted to try on a few different styles to make sure I had picked the right one. Having multiple world-renowned bridal designers and various styles in the store allowed me to try on an array of dresses to help me make up my mind. The moment I saw myself in this dress I knew it was the one. We got married on New Year’s Eve so I wanted to make sure my dress had some sequins to go along with the theme.
Throughout the many lockdowns and times of confusion, Helen was able to store my dress until my Mum and I were able to fly to Sydney to collect it. Every aspect was super professional and organised and coming to Sydney for 2 days while we had the final dress fittings was a really fun time for us.
I cannot recommend Helen highly enough and I think it’s very clear that many brides also feel the same way. ”
Bride & Groom: Emily Bamford & Edward Cooper
Planning & Styling: The Style Co
Gown: Elie Saab
Accessories: Manolo Blahnik shoes, Peter Langner Veil
Bridesmaids dresses: Diane Von Furstenberg and Aje Earrings
Venue: My Parents property
Photography: Katie Harmsworth
Videography: Hum Drum
Floral: Super Bloom by The Style Co
How did you and your husband meet?
We met on Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse in 2015, at the end of the day heading towards the buses back into town we ended up getting sat next to each other and chatted the entire way. Booked a dinner in for the following we and the rest was history!
How did he propose?
He proposed on Christmas Eve 2019 at our favourite restaurant. We had celebrated every anniversary, birthday and just random occasions there previously. We went in early under the guise of buying a cookbook for a family member for Christmas but when we got in there were balloons and flowers and next thing I knew he was down on one knee.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
We wanted our guests to think “Yep that’s very Ed & Ed”. Very romantic in parts but also very light. We found an amazing mix with the ceremony outside part being very traditional and elegant and then when guests went into the marquee it was like walking into a restaurant, which is exactly what we love doing, we love long boozy dinners and we wanted the marquee to feel like the best restaurant you’ve ever been to.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
With the help of the style co we found colour inspiration in our own photos. We scrolled back and found some colours that we always were drawn to and started from there. We’re always wearing a colour or print and it seemed fitting for the colours to be a little on the bolder side. We also wanted to show off my parents farm, they have the most fantastic garden with roses and greenery so it was fitting for us to flow with the venue instead of changing it.
The wedding was also on New Years Eve, so we figured if we’re going to have a wedding then, we have to make it the best new years eve party anyone has ever been too. We had a bit of a switch from 11:30pm from wedding to NYE party and had confetti and champagne sparklers.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I always knew I wanted to wear Elie Saab. I had admired his work for years and naturally googled Elie Saab Wedding dress when we got engaged and Helen Rodrigues came up. Mum and I booked a very last min trip to Sydney just when the pandemic was starting and found the dress straight away.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Well I have a husband who Is extremely organised and loves planning so that helps! We would not have been able organise the wedding without the help of our amazing wedding planners, The Style Co who helped create the vision we wanted. Originally we started 12 months out however once we changed dates it ended up being 18 months.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Honestly, we didn’t have to make too many. We both were on the same page form the start so there was not disagreeing or decision making to be had.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
The feeling, which sounds strange but the feeling I had all day and night was incredible. I was content and happy and could feel so much love from not only my husband but everyone there.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Change the weather! It was 39 degrees and very sunny! I truly wouldn’t change a thing but I do wish it was a little cooler.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Don’t overthink things!
