Real Bride Tara Wearing Monique Lhuillier
“I had such a positive experience with Helen. Her calm nature and professionalism made me feel so comfortable. Helen offered her experience and advice without overstepping or trying to influence my decisions which provided the perfect guidance in finding a dress. ”
Bride & Groom: John & Tara Gillette
Planning & Styling: Belinda – The Curated Life
Gown: Monique Lhullier
Accessories: Jimmy Choo Shoes & Dior Earrings
Bridesmaids Dresses: Camilla & Marc
Venue: Redleaf, Wollombi
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
Videography: Moon & Back Co
Floral: Belinda – The Curated Life
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband and I met when I was 13 and he was 15 through our group of friends.
How did he propose?
Johnny proposed at Emirates One & Only, Wolgan Valley. He had planned a sunset picnic for the two of us on the property.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
We (I* – Johnny just wanted an open bar and a pumping dance floor) wanted an elegant black-tie wedding but it was important that it still felt warm, romantic and very personal. The ceremony and reception were exactly that. By night-time we wanted to change the pace into a really fun party which had everyone on the dance floor. Tick!
Where did you look for your wedding inspiration?
Our venue, Redleaf, Wollombi is an Italian style villa. This was the starting point for our inspiration. The design, colours & landscaping of the property all inspired our style for the wedding. While planning our wedding we were also doing a complete renovation to our new home. I used a lot of the items we had bought for our house at the wedding. For example, we have Tony Assness beeswax candles at home and were able to get more for the reception table centre pieces. We have some Alex and Trahanas ceramic pieces at home and we were able to buy additional pieces as vases for styling the bar tops. We also have Lucy Montgomery Cushions throughout our home and purchased some to fit in with our peach & lemon colour scheme. So I was really inspired by homewares and interiors.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I wanted a really timeless, elegant and classic gown. I had actually been eyeing this one off since before my engagement! I knew beads, pearls, sequins & bling weren’t for me. I went to have something similar to this dress custom made and started the process but ended up cancelling this. I was worried about how many variations to the tailoring one simple dress could have and how much this would change the end product. It made me nervous not knowing exactly how the dress would be and not having time to change it. Once I had met with Helen and tried the dress I felt so at ease and excited, so I chose this one.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
I had mapped out our wedding well before my engagement. It really was my dream wedding, so I always had ideas for what I wanted. I got serious about planning about 6 months after our engagement. Our original date was around a year after our engagement but then COVID hit and we had to postpone it until about 2.5 years post engagement. I know a lot of couples found this devastating but considering what so many people were experiencing during the pandemic – what’s enjoying our engagement a little longer!
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
I had originally chosen an alternative venue and paid the deposit so the decision to change venues and loose that was something I went back and forth over but I’m so happy I did.
Deciding on a new date and navigating COVID and wedding planning had its challenges. When we had to move the wedding date due to COVID restrictions one of the only available weekends within a reasonable time was the Easter Long Weekend. We incurred Public Holiday surcharges from all of our suppliers, so I was apprehensive, but it was so worth it to turn it into a 3-day affair!
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
There are so many highlights for me that I can’t choose one! My favourite moments were getting ready with my bridesmaids and my parents, my dad walking me down the aisle, the moment of seeing my husband for the first time, hearing his vows, the speeches, the time Johnny and I spent together for photos soaking it all in and hitting the dance floor with the best friends & family.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Not a single thing!
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Have fun with it! Life will throw stressful situations at you. Your wedding shouldn’t be one of them! It should be fun and exciting. Remembering this will help keep things in perspective.
