Date: Saturday October 10th 2015

How did you meet?

Chris and I met through a mutual friend at a birthday party. There was an immediate attraction, and we become great friends before starting a relationship and him proposing on our 7 year anniversary.

Describe the proposal.

It was our 7 year anniversary. Chris took me up to Olinda in the Dandenongs for a weekend getaway. The weather was perfect and the view from the lookout that he took me to was stunning. We usually get each other presents for our anniversaries so I didn’t think anything of it when Chris gave me a card and a present. The card was really sweet and had a key in it that went along with the present, which contained a beautiful jewellery box. Opening the box with the key there was a wax seal, which I have always said to Chris I wanted on our wedding invites (I was so happy he remembered!). I took the wax seal out to reveal the most gorgeous engagement ring and Chris was suddenly on his knee in front of me. It was a perfect moment I will remember forever – and we ended up using a personalized wax seal on our wedding invitation too!

Describe your wedding theme / style.

Elegant and classy modern glam, yet relaxed and intimate. Purple has always been my favourite colour and with Chris’s last name being Lavender it was easy to decide on a colour scheme! Although we didn’t want a church wedding I do love the look of churches, so ‘The Dome’ on Collins street was the perfect spot for out ceremony. It is beautifully grand with a really long aisle, which was perfect. We also had a string quartet which sounded amazing. The reception was just as beautiful with a white and black theme and purple lighting. We added a fun touch with vodka on the tables at the reception and shot glasses for the bonbonnieres, which was also a nod to my Russian heritage.

Which part of the wedding planning process did you find most enjoyable?

I actually enjoyed planning the wedding. I did a lot of the research – reading reviews, getting opinions and ultimately deciding with Chris which band, cars, cake, photographer, celebrant and food to have at the wedding. It was actually a fun process to do things together with Chris to create our day special. Choosing the songs for the day was something we enjoyed together doing. I really enjoyed the dance classes for our first dance as well.

Describe the moment you found your wedding dress

I was so looking forward to trying on dresses however it soon became disappointing when my mum and I kept liking completed different dresses. When we walked into Eternal Bridal I saw this dress on the rack and loved how different it was. Mum wasn’t convinced however when I tried it on we both knew it was the one. As soon as I put the dress on I felt like a bride – a princess – and amazingly my mum loved it too! That moment I knew it was my dream dress.

Do you have any advice for bride-to-bes?

Enjoy this amazing time and have fun with it all. I can truly say I enjoyed the experience – but it does help to be organized! I knew when and what needed doing and kept my emails very up-to-date. It. I made sure to compromise with my family yet made the final decisions with Chris. This helped us have the most amazing day and one I will remember forever.

Ilona wore ‘Venice’ from Blush by Hayley Paige. See the collection here.

Bridal gown: Blush by Hayley Paige from Eternal Bridal
Bridal headpiece/veil: Eternal Bridal
Beauty:  PRO-GLAM Makeup & Hair
Hair: PRO-GLAM Makeup & Hair
Groom’s suit:  Briggins
Cake:  Cakes of Fantasy
Flowers: Irina’s Flowers
Invitations: Giant Invitations
Photographer: Studio Edge
Decorations: Weddings of Distinction