The Special Couple: Melva + Nathan 

THE FIRST SIGHT 

Nathan and I had a chance meeting late one night at a mechanic workshop my godsister had owned. I happened to be there when Nate also dropped in that same night. There was an immediate spark between us that night, but it wasn't until about two months later, when we reconnected, that things took off!

THE PROPOSAL

On our fourth anniversary, Nate booked a villa at Crown Towers. During the day, he took me for a luncheon at Shadowfax Winery - little did I know this was to buy time for my best friend to set up the room for the proposal while we were at the winery! After we returned, my best friend and her husband hid and filmed the moment for us. When I opened the door, I was so shocked! The room had rose petals laid out. There were candles and polaroid photos of our best moments and balloons signage to marry him. I was so shocked I started crying and so happy to have my dearest friends there. Nate proposed as the sun was setting; it was so romantic! Afterwards, we celebrated at Vue de monde with an intimate dinner and had a private tour of the kitchen with the chefs and crew. It was the best night ever!

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

We wanted a wedding that reflected us and our style. We wanted it to be fun, bougie with plenty of great food and entertainment for everyone. Nate and I embraced old cultural customs and traditions with modern-day flair.

SAYING 'YES' TO THE DRESS

I saw my dress on Instagram, and it looked beautiful on the model. I knew I just had to have it. The dress ticked all the boxes for me: off-the-shoulder, big dramatic train, mermaid silhouette and beautiful, intricate beading on the bodice. I frantically searched for all retailers and was relieved to see Eternal Bridal stocked it. I immediately booked an appointment to try it on.

I immediately became obsessed when I saw the dress at my styling appointment! I knew I had to have it, but I kept my options open to other dresses and tried up to 20 different designers, styles and colours, but once I put my Enzoani dress on, I knew I had to have it straight away. It complimented my body shape so well and accentuated all the right curves. My maid of honour teared up seeing me in the dress; I knew it was a done deal. Everything just reconfirmed my choice

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY

The entire day was magical, but the highlight was when we finished our first dance. After lots of practice and some last-minute changes to the choreography, we nailed it! It was like an enormous pressure off my shoulders, and I could finally party!

MELVA'S ADVICE

My advice is simple: Do yourself a favour and get yourself a wedding co-ordinator!!

Melva wore Octavia gown from bridal designer Enozani. See more gowns from Enzoani Collection here.

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