Real Bride Story: Kristina wearing Galia Lahav Fabiana
Bride & Groom: Kristina & Jess Scanlon
Planning & Styling: Isabella Pizzonia from Bella Mia Events
Gown: Galia Lahav Fabiana from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Accessories: Veil from Helen Rodrigues, earrings from Jennifer Behr at Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Effie Kats
Venue: Redleaf Wollombi
Photography: Dean Snushall
Videography: Dawn and Karl from I Do Cinema
Floral: Sophie Warner
Hair stylist: Jacob Muller Hair
Makeup artist: Emma Gerrie Makeup
Other suppliers: Ciao Pepis, Stellaire Entertainment, Breana Wilkins Celebrant, Adorn Design Co
How did you and your husband meet?
Jess and I met on the dating app, Hinge and we bonded instantly over our shared love of food and cooking! Our first date was at Old Mates Place, a roof top bar in the city and then we went for pizza at Frankie’s. We spent hours talking in the car after the date had finished and then we shared our first kiss!
How did he propose?
Well, strap on in, this is a good one. Keeping in mind, Jess was determined from the very beginning to catch me by surprise with our proposal!
We had planned a dream trip to Italy, and I quietly held onto hopes of a proposal with any one of Italy’s breathtaking views! Tuscany and the rolling hills could have been perfect, but no proposal. Lake Como came and went. A private boat, prosecco, surrounded by the most beautiful scenery and still.. no proposal. I was heartbroken driving away from Lake Como, completely convinced a proposal was not happening on this trip and Jess would most likely propose in our pyjamas at home. Even texting my sister saying, it’s not happening and I won’t let it ruin my trip!!
A few days later, we went on a hike in the Dolomites. No makeup, activewear, and completely unaware of what Jess had planned for the day. After hours of climbing, we reached the peak of Mt Fana. Surrounded by the most incredible, stunning views, snapping away at what looked like AI, I turned to Jess.. and there he was, down on one knee!
In the most unexpected moment, with the most breathtaking views, he said,
Kristina, I love you. You make me so happy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?
I will never forget those 4 lines, and it is still my favourite story to tell!!
What was your vision for your wedding day?
Our vision was simple, to be completely in each other’s presence surrounded by those who love us most as well as good food and wine!
We did envisage a wedding in Tuscany at a beautiful vineyard and even though that plan couldn’t go ahead, our wedding was perfectly us!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
I went old school and turned to magazines. I actually had a cut-out from a Vogue magazine many years ago of a wedding dress I loved, and although I knew I wouldn’t have a dress the same, I knew aspects of my dress that I did want!
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
As soon as I saw the Galia Lahav lookbook, I put the Fabiana at the top of my list of dresses to try on! Honestly, it was just so ME! The detailing, the soft elegance, the delicate straps. If I were a dress, I would be the Fabiana.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
Jess & I started planning our wedding very early – 2 years in advance. Jess proposed in June 2024, and we set our wedding date a few months after, to be married in Tuscany, Italy in September 2026.
Our wedding planning was fun and very much a joint effort; Jess & I loved planning it together and would often chat about our wedding and mood boards over a bottle of wine! With so long to prepare and having a beautiful Italian Wedding Planner, Giulia Zambon – Moments Lab, we had all the tools for a smooth engagement period and lead-up to the wedding!
After Jess was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025, we had to make the tough call in February 2026 to cancel our dream Italian Wedding and bring forward our wedding to 8 April 2026 and plan a brand new wedding in 6 weeks! Thankfully, our dear friend Bella from Bellamiaevents took it in her stride to help us make our new dream wedding come to life!!
One thing I will say about planning a wedding so quickly, the excitement was 24/7. We were constantly planning our 3-day wedding event, and it was always exciting for the whole 6 weeks in the lead-up to our wedding! I genuinely enjoyed the process. From flowers and candles to lighting and styling, every decision was intentional. I loved creating a day that felt unique to us and included meaningful personal touches wherever possible.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
The biggest decision was definitely cancelling our wedding in Italy. We do have hopes to get back to Italy and have a small celebration over there! Any excuse to wear my dress again, of course!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Our entire wedding day felt like the most perfect dream we could have ever imagined, but if I had to choose one moment I’ll hold onto forever, it would be seeing Jess for the first time at the end of the aisle. He was teary-eyed, and in that moment, everything and everyone else just disappeared.
Throughout the entire ceremony, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. We didn’t look anywhere else; we were completely wrapped up in each other, in our own little bubble. It was so intimate, so full of love and just perfect being in each other’s space.
If anything, the hardest part was holding back from kissing him before we were told, ‘you may now kiss the bride.’
Is there anything you would do differently?
Nothing at all! Our day was an absolute dream, everyone kept saying, ' Every wedding is full of love but our wedding was something different. They had never felt such a genuine love in the air, and honestly, it sounds corny, but it’s completely true!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride's?
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that your wedding is just that, yours! Be fully present and experience every single moment together.
Additionally, when you’re shopping for your wedding dress, when you try ‘the one’ on, you will know.
“Helen, Brooke and the entire team made me feel so incredibly special from the very first appointment. The whole experience, from trying on dresses, to saying YES to my dress, right through to the final fitting, was nothing short of magical.
Needing my dream dress, the Galia Lahav Fabiana Gown, A LOT earlier than originally planned! Without hesitation, Helen went above and beyond and worked her magic to get my dress expedited. I honestly cannot thank her enough. She was so incredibly accommodating, caring and determined to make it happen, and she did!!
I truly cannot speak highly enough of Helen and her entire team. They went above and beyond in every single way and made me feel so beautiful, confident and incredibly special every time I walked into their gorgeous showroom.
There was something so special about being looked after by people who genuinely care as much as they do. They made what is already such a magical part of getting married even more unforgettable.
Thank you will never be enough for everything you did for me.
Helen and the team, you are truly the BEST, and I will forever be so grateful that I got to experience my bridal journey with you!”
