Real Bride Monisha wearing Inbal Dror
“I could not have been more delighted with my experience with Helen, Sophie and the wonderful team at HR Bridal. From the outset, Helen welcomed me with warmth, humour and a real understanding of the details which matter most when it comes to choosing a gown and accessories. I felt entirely able to put my trust in Helen and the end result was even more as special than I had hoped.
It goes without saying that Helen’s selection of designers, gowns and accessories is unmatched, but it is her knowledge and warmth which are truly priceless. Thank you, Helen, for helping to make our day so magical!”
Bride & Groom: Monisha & Nathan
Gown: Inbal Dror from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Planning & Styling: Florals & styling by Myra at My Violet, Calligraphy and signage by Jo at Calligraphy En Vogue & planning by Monisha
Photography: Thomas Stewart
Videography: Paper Cranes Productions
Venue: The Friends Room, State Library of NSW & Cafe Sydney
Floral: Mi Violet
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories HR Holly veil, Jennifer Behr Czarina headband, & Christian Louboutin shoes
Band: Baker Boys Band 8-piece
Hair: David Connelly, my best friend & bridesman and Astrid Montague
Make-up: Sanaz Fakhra
Celebrant: Suzie Crozier
Cake: Stacy Brewer Cakes
How did you and your husband meet?
We met through Nathan’s sister Amelia, who is one of my best friends. I figured that with that kind of pedigree, he had to be a good one! Our first date happened as a spur-of-the-moment decision on a cloudy Monday afternoon, and the rest is history.
How did he propose?
Nathan proposed in the wine cellar at Mimi’s, at Coogee Pavilion, after much behind-the-scenes planning with the help of the restaurant team. The sommelier, who happens to be a good friend of ours, took us into the wine cellar ostensibly so that we could choose a bottle of wine. It took me longer than it should’ve to realise that at some point, the sommelier had slipped out and that my favourite song was playing through a hidden speaker, and that Nathan one down on one knee.
Fittingly, it was in the same building that we had our first date. I later learned that Nathan’s original plan had been to propose in New York, which is his favourite city, but Covid and its related lockdowns thwarted that. In the end, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
Ultimately what we wanted from our day was to treat our closest friends and family to a great party. The state Library of NSW was a no-brainer for us: the history, the architecture and the location spoke to us, and it felt right for us to exchange vows surrounded by a veritable who’s-who of literary greats. Cafe Sydney is such an iconic venue, so it made sense to host our reception there, overlooking the harbour in all its night time glory.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
We didn’t really take much inspiration from other sources. In the end, Nathan and my visions aligned closely so we left the finer details to the experts. Again, full credit to Myra and Jo for their incredible work.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I had been following Helen on social media for a long while, and I knew that I wanted a gown by Inbal Dror. I love her whimsical, ethereal designs and I was determined to have as many sequins as possible. My gown was the second one I tried on, and I knew it was the one when my Mum and my bridesman, who had accompanied me to the trunk show, started crying.
What was your wedding planning journey like?
I started planning less than six months out from our chosen date, so it’s safe to say that I had my hands full! Knowing which vendors I wanted to work with made all the difference. As soon as we had locked in the ceremony and reception venues, I reached out to the vendors and by some miracle, all were available on the day.
Although planning the wedding on my own meant that there were more than a couple of stressful moments, it was definitely worth it in the end. Nathan and I and our guests were delighted with the way our day turned out.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Choosing the ceremony and reception venues. We wanted venues that were iconically Sydney, since we love this city, and which would allow our guests to eat and drink very well. Humbly, we think we got it right!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Without question, the highlight of my day was walking into the State Library on my Dad’s arm, and seeing Nathan waiting for me at the end of the aisle. Knowing that I was about to marry my best friend and soul’s companion, was the most joyful feeling.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Honestly, nothing at all.
Is there any advice you would give to other HR Brides?
Choose venues and a gown which make you feel something. Go with your gut and things will work out just fine. And as Helen will so wisely tell you, just remember that if thing don’t go to plan, well, nobody but you knows what the plan was in the first place!
