Was there a theme for your wedding? What inspired you while styling your dream day? 

Timeless elegance. We wanted something that was going to be simple, elegant and not too over the top and something we can look back on in the years to come and still love. We were also working with a budget and wanted to do cost effective styling. We deliberately picked a venue that was gorgeous on its own and didn’t need a lot of styling to make an impact. Bendooley Estate was PERFECT for this, the grounds and reception space are stunning and perfect for a winter wedding. And they also make an effort to be sustainable and highlight Australian flora and produce. We had minimal florals and made use of candles for the tablescapes that just made the room so moody and romantic. We also had a family style dinner so we had to make sure there was enough room on the table for the platters without the guests feeling squished. Leah Mitchell did our florals and table styling and she did an AMAZING job. We added a couple of DIY items like placards and menus and it all came together perfectly.

What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

This I actually really struggled with. As a younger bride it was hard to find the balance between not aging myself down and looking like a little girl playing dress up and not aging myself too much. I wanted to look mature without looking too much older than what I am. I actually didn’t have a specific look or dress in mind when I started dress shopping which was fun as I got to try on all different styles but it was so hard to choose. I had 7 bridal appointments before I finally made the decision. My custom Sage gown by Le Lee Studio was the perfect balance of elegance with a bit of fun and personality. I didn’t feel like it aged me up or down but it just suited me perfectly and was gorgeous against the backdrop of the venue and against Zoe’s dress.

Describe your ‘yes to the dress’ moment. How did you feel and what made you say ‘yes’?

This moment actually took me two appointments. The first time I came we loved the detailing of the Sage dress and the way the A Line sat with the stiffer fabric. By this point of dress shopping I was starting to find the features I loved in a dress and Sage was almost all of them, the top just didn’t suit my figure. Luckily the designer was open to alterations to make my dream dress. I had one more appointment scheduled with another store and needed to go and see their dresses before making a commitment. There was just nothing that compared to Sage but I found the neckline that I loved. I returned to Eternal Bridal to try the dress on again and discuss the alterations and they could do exactly what I was after. Seeing myself from afar in the mirror and seeing my mum tear up I just couldn’t go past it. Even though it was a gamble saying yes to a dress that I hadn’t seen, I had so much trust in the Eternal Bridal team and the designer and gosh did they deliver. So special trying on my dress once it had been made, it was such a special moment to share with everyone. 

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?

Lauren and the team were so lovely, so welcoming and patient especially whilst I was being indecisive. At no point did I feel rushed or pressured to make a decision or pick a dress and the communication was great through the whole experience. You really do just feel so special.

What was the highlight of your special day?

It is hard to pick just one, we had such an amazing day from the start to the finish. My mum made our cake and we spent the morning of the wedding decorating it together which was just so special. But honestly I think having all our favourite people together in one room was just such an amazing feeling for us both. Sitting at dinner together and looking at all the people who made the effort to come and celebrate with us was so heartwarming. 

If you could go back in time and give your newly-engaged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Probably the biggest piece of advice would be that no one will be more excited about your wedding than you and your partner and that is ok. It’s so difficult to manage expectations especially with social media and comparing yourself and your experiences with other brides, but as long as you are doing what makes you and your partner happy then that’s all that matters.

 

Emily and Zoe’s wedding vendors: 

Emily’s wedding gown: Custom ‘Sage’ gown by @leleestudio via @eternalbridal

Zoe’s wedding gown: @grace_loves_lace

Venue: @bendooleyestate

Photography: @alittlebitsnappy

Videography: @mitchhickmanfilms

Florals and styling: @leahmitchellfloral

HMUA: @bridetobemakeupcompany

Celebrant: @marrymenatalie_celebrant

Jewellery: @lanegems

Musician: @glennlumanta

Dog sitter: @petsofhonour

Entertainment: @ev_ent