The Special Couple: Emma + Vanja

THE FIRST SIGHT & PROPOSAL

We actually met on Instagram! Vanja proposed on a frozen lake at Blachford Lake Lodge, located in the wilderness of Northern Canada. We had to catch a bush plane flight from the city of Yellowknife to get there. The lodge is quite literally in the middle of the Canadian wilderness - we spotted a pack of wolves on our adventure on the frozen lake and watched the Aurora Borealis at night. Vanja proposed on Boxing Day. It was freezing at -25 degrees! But it was perfect.

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

I wanted a secret garden, fairytale, romantic theme. Stories and fairytales I have read and loved, with flowers and the seasons, inspired me.  I chose Hopewood House because Bowral is a very special place for me. It holds a lot of sentimental value to me. My parents have a little cottage there, and we spent every weekend in the cottage during my childhood and youth. I love how marked the seasons are in Bowral. You watch the flowers bloom in spring, the leaves turn golden in autumn and then fall in winter. On cold winter mornings, the cottage would be covered in frost! You feel so connected with the natural work in the Highlands. I love that, and I wanted a seasonal wedding. I always knew I would marry in Bowral.

My husband also discovered and fell in love with Bowral when we started dating. We spent many weekends together at my parent's cottage. It holds my happiest memories. When I visited Hopewood, I fell in love with the estate, particularly the gardens and the story of the residence's history. The house was perfect for my secret garden theme, with its grand and historic touches making it feel truly magical. It was an absolute dream to marry there.

THE BRIDAL LOOK 

I knew that I wanted an A-line dress with tulle and lace! I also knew I didn't want a stark white dress. I wanted a whimsical, romantic, classic style. Almost fairy-like or ethereal.I tried on about ten different gowns. The wedding dress I chose is a ball gown with a rosé sheer tulle skirt with handmade flower appliques and off the shoulder sleeves. It is a dream. I loved the rosé sheer tulle skirt. It was very different to everything else I had seen. I loved that the dress wasn't stark white or champagne white. The rosé sheer tulle was so lovely and delicate. As soon as I tried on the Sinclair gown, I knew it was my wedding dress. I remember looking at my mum, who was with me at the time and seeing her smile. We both instantly knew it was the one!

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY

Our wedding was held on the weekend of the week in March, where it rained every day and felt like it would never stop. It was reported as the single greatest wet weather event in the last ten years. The highlight of my day was running through the grounds of Hopewood House with Vanja in gumboots! We were kissing and dancing in the rain while our photographer snapped away. It was so fun and intimate and our style as a couple!

EMMA'S ADVICE

Enjoy and embrace the day. It really does fly by. Don't get hung up on the small stuff and things you can't control - like the rain!

Emma wore Sinclair from GALA by Galia Lahav. See more gowns from GALA by Galia Lahav Collection here.

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