Real Bride Story: Flor wearing Galia Lahav Esther
Bride & Groom: Flor & Paul
Planning & Styling: Carissa Alfaro from Emunah Events
Gown: Galia Lahav Esther from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Accessories: shoes from Jimmy Choo, pearl earrings from Paspaley, and Safire ring as something borrowed from my mum
Bridesmaids Dresses: Aje
Venue: The Valley Estate, Currumbin Valley
Planning, Styling, Florals & Co-ordination: Carissa Alfaro from Emunah Events
Photography & Videography: Mitch Birchall Studios
Reception Gown: Pronovias and shoes from Dior
Makeup: Mia Connor
Hair: Paula Schaumburg
Celebrant & MC: Hitched by Fabs
Cake: Marina Machado Cakes
Entertainment: Benny Hanna Wedding Singer
Content Creation: Creative Haus Weddings
Live Painter: The Wedding Painter
Gelato: Wheel & Spoon
Furniture Hire: Social Event Hire
Signage and stationary: Trescher Papier
Transportation: Currumbin Valley Coaches
Party Bus: Bus Tour Rhymes
Ceremony Platform: Aisle Suite
Dance Choreography: Wedding Dance Diva
How did you and your husband meet?
Paul and I met eight years ago in the most “unexpected” way… through Tinder of course. For him, it was immediate; for me, it was slower. Yet one thing was impossible to ignore—his natural charm. Within a week of meeting in person, everything shifted. Since then, our lives have been woven together through adventures, shared ambitions, countless laughs, and an incredible partnership. What defines us most is the balance we create together: a relationship that is full of energy and spontaneity (this is all Paul), while also feeling deeply grounded and certain (while this is Flor).
How did he propose?
Paul proposed in a way that perfectly reflected who he is—thoughtful, intentional, and deeply personal. He chose a beautiful setting that felt significant to us (close to home on a relaxing afternoon walk), creating a moment that was quiet and intimate. There was no elaborate production; instead, it about the life we had already built together and the future we were choosing together. That simplicity made it unforgettable. He use a little plastic heart ring he borrowed from his nice and painted by hand, this made it so much more romantic and cute… giving me the chance to later choose the ring of my dreams.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
We wanted our wedding to feel timeless, elegant, and deeply personal. Our vision was to create an experience that felt sophisticated yet relaxed—a celebration where every detail reflected our story and my style. Most importantly, we wanted our guests to feel immersed in an atmosphere filled with love, joy, and connection while enjoying a truly memorable celebration. A mix between country wine (Mendoza) and French gardens. It was black tie as we wanted everyone to look their best and give the opportunity for that amazing dress you never have the chance to wear.
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Our inspiration came from a mix of what I love (high fashion and luxury) with a mix of what Australia represents with it beautiful countryside and weather, and its layback attitude and celebration spirit. We were drawn to a timeless aesthetic with modern touches, focusing on quality, texture, and thoughtful details rather than trends, pastel colours where lilac and lavander were the main focus. We wanted the day to feel elevated and refined, while still feeling warm, welcoming, and authentically us.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
From even before I got engaged, I have been drawn to Galia Lahav for its ability to merge structure with softness. The gowns felt powerful and feminine at the same time… just a statement of fashion and luxury. My gown was incredibly special because it felt like an extension of who I am—romantic, modern, and confident. It had exquisite architectural detailing and a silhouette that moved beautifully throughout the day, with its overskirt creating that statement piece that no one will forget. It didn't simply complement me; it elevated the entire experience and made me feel like the most refined version of myself.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
We started planning around 18 months before the wedding, which gave us the opportunity to be intentional with every detail. While there were certainly challenges along the way—including planning a major home renovation at the same time—we genuinely enjoyed the process. We approached every decision as a team (thanks to my beautiful wedding planner), focusing on creating a celebration that felt authentic to us and memorable for our guests.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
One of the biggest decisions was balancing our desire for a highly curated and beautiful celebration while ensuring the day still felt relaxed and enjoyable. We wanted every detail to feel special and considered, but we also wanted the focus to remain on the experience, the people we love, and the joy of the occasion rather than perfection. Also about the number of guests as we wanted to be able to spend time with each of them and a larger crowd wouldn’t make that possible.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Without question, it was seeing all the people we love gathered together in one place. Looking around the room and seeing family and friends celebrating with us was incredibly emotional (especially as we have several guests coming from interstate and even overseas. The energy throughout the day—the laughter, the music, the conversations, and the joy—created a feeling that's difficult to put into words. It was one of those rare moments where everything seemed to slow down and you could fully appreciate how special it all was.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Honestly, very little. The day exceeded our expectations in every way. If anything, I would remind myself to pause even more often and soak it all in. The day goes by so quickly, and those fleeting moments with your partner, family, and friends are the ones you'll treasure forever.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBrides?
Trust your instincts and stay true to your vision. It's easy to become overwhelmed by trends, opinions, and endless choices, but the most memorable weddings are the ones that genuinely reflect the couple. Focus on what matters most to you, enjoy the planning journey, and remember that at the end of the day, you're celebrating your love story
“My experience with Helen Rodrigues Bridal was exceptional from beginning to end. From the moment I walked into the boutique, I felt welcomed, supported, and genuinely cared for. The team made the entire process feel effortless, guiding me with warmth, expertise, and incredible attention to detail.
Finding my gown was one of the most memorable and emotional parts of wedding planning, and I always felt confident that I was in the best hands. Their passion for helping brides find a dress that truly reflects who they are shines through in everything they do. I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful experience and will always be grateful for the role they played in making me feel so special on one of the most important days of my life.”
