Real Bride Story: Sophie wearing bespoke Suzanne Neville
Bride & Groom: Sophie & Matthew
Wedding Dress: Bespoke Suzanne Neville from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
Photography: Blake Heywood
Venue: The wedding ceremony was held at St Michael's Cathedral in Wagga Wagga, NSW, followed by a beautiful reception at my family home just outside Wagga.
Floral: Little Triffids Flowers
Planning & Styling: The Styling Store
Videography: OLT Media
Accessories: Earrings were by Mejuri, shoes were Morimoto Australia
Bridemaid Dresses: Rachel Gilbert
Hair & Makeup: Hair by Shorty & The Hive Hair Studio
The Meeting
Matt and I first met at my sister’s 21st birthday party, which was held at my family home – the very place where we celebrated our wedding. It felt incredibly special to marry Matt there, and it was the perfect complement that my sister was my Maid of Honour.
Real Bride: The Proposal
Matt proposed on a Sunday afternoon in August at his beautiful family property, ‘Coomoo Coomoo Creek’, near Quirindi, NSW. After a family lunch, we went for a walk up the hill – something we often do when visiting the farm. He proposed at one of our favourite spots, overlooking the property and the Liverpool Plains. It was very simple, heartfelt and no fuss – completely me. The timing was perfect as it happened just before we went on a six-week trip to Europe, which made for the perfect unofficial pre-wedding honeymoon.
Wedding Day Vision
Our vision was for country elegance – a fun and relaxed yet sophisticated celebration filled with good food, good wine and fantastic company. Hosting it at my family home made it even more personal. Seeing our guests genuinely enjoying themselves meant the world to us and made all our hard work worthwhile.
Wedding Gown Inspiration
While I browsed Instagram and bridal magazines, I think I always knew the style of dress I wanted. Most importantly, I wanted to feel like myself – and so I was focused on finding a gown that I felt comfortable and confident in, and that truly felt like me.
“Helen and her team made my wedding dress journey seamless and enjoyable. From my very first visit, I felt comfortable, supported and truly special. Helen’s expert guidance, genuine care and incredible attention to detail ensured that every element of my dress was perfect. She and her team never let me leave until every detail was just right, and it was that dedication that truly set them apart. Thank you for making me feel comfortable and beautiful every step of the way!”
The Wedding Dress: Bespoke Suzanne Neville from Helen Rodrigues Bridal
I was looking for something timeless and elegant while fitting for a country garden wedding. Initially, I had my eye on Monique Lhuillier, but after visiting Helen Rodrigues Bridal and trying on Suzanne Neville's gowns, I knew I had found the right designer. With Helen, Brooke, and Nicole's help, we created a bespoke gown combining the structured bodice of the Gigi gown with the fuller skirt of the Eternity gown to create the perfect dress.
The Biggest Wedding Planning Decision
Not long after choosing my gown, I decided to modify the bodice slightly to add floral embellishments. I always wanted something a little bit different so followed my gut instinct. It was a big decision, but I’m so glad I trusted myself – the dress turned out perfectly.
Wedding Day Highlight
One of the most memorable moments for Matt and I was looking around and seeing all of our guests having such a wonderful time. Every bit of effort that goes into hosting a home wedding – especially the countless weekends spent in the garden – was completely worth it. The garden looked stunning, thanks to my Mum and Dad’s hard work.
Another special moment for me was walking down the aisle with my Dad. Seeing all our family and friends and Matt standing in the cathedral was a moment I find it hard to explain. All I could think was, “Wow, this is actually happening.” There’s also something about the grandeur of a cathedral and the powerful sound of the organ that made the moment incredibly special.
And finally, the speeches – they were heartfelt and emotional, and everyone spoke so beautifully. Later, the dance floor came alive with so much energy, and seeing everyone having an amazing time was the perfect way to end the night.
Would you do anything differently?
Try to stress a little less – but other than that, no; everything was fantastic!
Advice for future #HRBride’s
Be yourself and trust your instincts. For someone like me who’s indecisive, it’s helpful to get input from family and friends, but sometimes too many opinions can be overwhelming. Make decisions that feel right for you and stick with them – and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process. It’s over before you know it!
Whether you're looking for a classic wedding dress or something truly unique, Helen Rodrigues Bridal offers a truly personalised experience for every bride. Book your appointment today and find your dream gown.
