The Special Couple: Hollee + Nick

THE FIRST SIGHT & PROPOSAL 

Nick and I have known each other for over ten years. We first met through sport. We both grew up cycling together. We always had a special spark, and when we eventually got together, I knew I'd found the man I would marry one day.

I was racing an Ironman triathlon at Port Macquarie. Nick had planned to propose at the end of the race at the finish line. However, at the last minute, we decided against the idea, and instead, we went to the beach the following morning. He was all dressed up, and I wondered why but didn't think anything of it. I was playing in the surf when he called me to a small tidal pool, pulled out the most beautiful ring from his pocket, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. We then spent time on the beach, really soaking in the moment.

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE 

We were inspired by the beautiful countryside we live in and wanted to have a laid-back and rustic theme. We didn't want anything over the top and wanted the styling to be simple. We had wood-fired pizza for our wedding dinner! We wanted to encourage our guests to get up and move around and enjoy the afternoon and night. Our wedding was small and intimate. Our venue was a renovated Hayshed with beautiful lights and views of rolling hills.

THE BRIDAL LOOK & SAYING "YES" TO THE DRESS

I tried on around ten gowns in total. I wanted my bridal look to be elegant, romantic, sensual and unique. I wanted my dress to have something extra special about it. The open corset of my Lilliane wedding dress initially drew me to my gown when it was hanging. Then, when I saw the fantastic tulle at the back, I was in love. People say when you've found the dress, you know, and I absolutely knew. I felt tall and confident. For the first time, I felt like a bride. I could picture myself walking down the aisle in it.

I walked out of the changing room to see my mum and sister. We all had tears swelling. The moment that I had dreamed of since I was a little girl had come true, and it was everything I could of wanted. Lauren was my Eternal Bridal stylist, and she made my whole experience perfect. She was so friendly, had an infectious smile and laugh and gave me her honest opinion, which I valued dearly. I loved the store so much that I had to get a photo outside the store in my dress to remember the moment forever. On the day, I wore a simple hairstyle with pearls in my bun. My bouquet was champagne and blush-coloured with some wildflowers to keep with the rustic theme.

THE HIGHLIGHT 

The highlight of my day was the moment we stepped aside to sign the registry. All I could hear was the song we had chosen together, and all I could see was Nick. We just smiled at each other. Everything felt perfect. We also enjoyed walking around the venue with our closest friends and taking wedding photos.

HOLLEE'S WEDDING ADVICE

The one piece of advice I would give is that it's okay not to do things by the book or obey certain traditions. What is important is that you create the day that you want. Your wedding day isn't the end goal. It's the beginning of your beautiful marriage. Also, you only get to wear a wedding dress once, so go big and dream big. Your dress should express your personality and make you feel incredible.

Hollee wore Lilliane wedding dress from Vera Wang Bride. See more gowns from Vera Wang Bride Collection here. 

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