Real Bride Olympia wearing Elie Saab
“Both Helen and Sophie treat you like you are part of their family. From the first appointment walking into the shop, it felt like I was walking into home. You are at ease, you don’t feel overwhelmed, you don’t feel rushed to make any decisions and you automatically trust their expertise and knowledge. I think what sets Helen apart is, she genuinely is on this personal experience with you the entire way. She gets to know her brides, she makes every appointment so memorable and personal, you just want to stay in the shop for longer to chat! It is so special to know Helen and Sophie will always be part of your wedding journey, something that you will cherish forever.”
Bride & Groom: Olympia & August
Gown: Elie Saab 2021 Look 2 from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Venue: St Mary’s Cathedral & Park Hyatt Sydney
Floral: Kiko Design
Hair & Make-up: Tanya Gorg & Natalie Anne Hair
Videography: Salt Atelier
Accessories: HR Bridal Accessories Peter Langner Ruby veil and Manolo Blahnik shoes
Bridesmaid dresses: Rachel Gilbert
How did you and your husband meet?
We met while at work. He asked me out everyday for one week to go out with him, while I kept saying no. Then I gave in and we went on our first date. He was very persistent and still is! A quality I do love about him.
How did he propose?
When we first met, I had told August how Hayman Island would be a beautiful weekend away… to have a break! Little did I know, the weekend he booked for a break turned into him proposing. I had booked all these activities to fit into our 4 day getaway. We arrived on the Friday afternoon after flying in from Sydney, I had planned a sunset picnic on the beach, however as their was a cyclone not to far away from us the picnic was scrapped! As we arrived to our room, August dashed off to organise something else as he knew I had put thought into our weekend, I kept telling him don’t worry we will just have a quiet night in the room and order room service. He literally made me get ready in 30 minutes! As we walked to what I thought was dinner, he diverted us to go to the beach. As we arrived to the cabana on the beach, he had organised for us to have drinks before dinner, he popped the bottle of champagne, turned to me and said “wouldn’t this be a beautiful spot to propose”. Now I look back I feel horrible my response of “oh yeah but we aren’t even thinking of that” as I turned to say this, he was down on one knee with a ring box and asked me to marry him. I kept him waiting on his knee for about 5 minutes before I said yes.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
We both wanted something very intimate with just our immediate family and close, close friends. We also wanted to keep it very classic, minimal and execute all the details well.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Working in the industry, I already knew what I wanted. I was very particular on the suppliers we had. The florist had a brief of 5 different types of flowers to use, our cake supplier who has made all our family celebration cakes for years, I told her the design I wanted and I let her pick the flavour! I told our singer + DJ there was only one song that was a non negotiable for us, the rest I felt up to them. Working both behind and in front of the scenes with events, helped me cross out a lot of things couples do, so I think knowing what I wanted already helped. Everything in the end I had chosen was still a reflection of us as a couple.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I had no intention the day I walked into Helen, I would try the dress that would be my dream dress. I hadn’t done much research before having my first appointment with Helen, yet I knew she was the only stockist of Elie Saab in Australia. I had admired Mr Saab’s gowns for years, from watching celebrities walk down the red carpet to seeing bride’s on Instagram in his gowns, I knew they were something special.
I remember saying to Helen, I wanted to look beautiful and look like a bride. Looking at our photo’s now, my dress encompassed everything I wanted to look on my wedding day. It is so unique. I honestly just want to keep wearing it every single day.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
We only had 8 months to plan, yet as we knew what we wanted I had everything confirmed quite quickly. Waiting for the church approval took a while, but once we had that the rest was booked within a month. I didn’t waste any time! When we went into lockdown in June, I wasn’t worried and kept positive the whole way through. I basically moved over 50 weddings and events during that time for all my clients, however I kept continuing to plan ours. Everyone else around us too was BEYOND stressed and nervous my dress wouldn’t arrive, but I had complete faith it would. I reached out to Helen roughly a month out from the wedding just to make sure my dress was on track and it was!
Everything worked out for us, and it all came together!
Is there anything you would do differently?
Definitely not. Everything was perfect. I keep looking at our photo’s wanting to relive that day all over again. Just to wear my dress again mainly!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
I always say “it will always work out in the end and if it doesn’t, it isn’t the end”
Keep faith, have hope and stay positive!
When it comes to your gown, as Helen said to me, you have to imagine the location of your wedding and your gown has not not only embody your style but it has to embody the location of your wedding.
Don’t try to many gowns on and bring a small group to your appointment. Having shared this experience with my Mum and sister, they were the only two I needed!
