The Special Couple: Isabella + Brendon

THE FIRST SIGHT

We first met many years ago, when we were fourteen! We were both working casually at KFC back in Brisbane while still in high school. We were friends, but then two years later, we became a couple. The rest is history with moving to Sydney, starting our careers, and now in Adelaide for another adventure.

THE PROPOSAL

Brendon whisked me away to the Hunter Valley. It was so romantic. We had stayed in a cute cabin style accommodation nestled in the hills and overlooking Pokolbin. After almost ten years together, I had a (very strong) inclining he would pop the question. In particular, as we stood on the balcony and things went quiet. I gave him a big hug as I sensed he was uneasy. Brendon's quite tall, so when my head laid on his chest, my gosh, I'd never heard a heart pound so loudly and fast! A second later, he got down and one knee with a ridiculous grin on his fast and asked me to marry him.

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

Our first point of inspiration was choosing a location that was our happy place - near the ocean. A beach wedding wasn't our thing, as we wanted to maintain an element of formality yet also something relaxed and effortless, much like my personal style. Once we locked down our locations, we worked with the surroundings. I didn't want to force a particular aesthetic as the places were so beautiful in themselves. Again keeping with my style, it was neutral warm and effortless.

THE BRIDAL LOOK 

Modern glam was my inspiration for my bridal look. It's the one day you can be glamorous and feel like a princess, so I wanted to achieve that. But I also wanted a modern take with a silhouette the would compliment my body shape. Eternal Bridal store was the third store I went to. When Brooke suggested the Natalia gown, I said no as I had already looked at it on the rack. But I figured I'd try it anyway. It was the last (16th) dress I tried. As soon as I saw myself in the mirror, I knew it was the one. I had been trying on dresses that were either sleek and simple and showed off the figure or glamorous ball gown style dresses. Trying to find something in between wasn't happening for me until I saw Natalia dress on me. It was the perfect combination of a glamorous bridal look thanks to the stunning pattern, sequin and that stunning train). It was a little bit sexy and womanly with the figure-hugging bodice and hip.

SAYING 'YES' TO THE DRESS

I had a beautiful experience with Eternal Bridal boutique, and my in-store stylist Brooke was amazing. We had the last appointment slot on a Friday evening, and Brooke stayed back well past trade time to help me find the one. When I slipped into the Natalia and went to the big mirrors, I went silent for a bit. I was so used to saying "hmmm no" that I was caught off guard. Keeping my initial thoughts inside, I kept a straight face and inspected the gown a bit more. I looked back at my sister smiling and my best friend with tears in her eyes. I looked at myself in the mirror and imagined walking towards Brendon down the aisle in this gown. It was then I cried, smiled and laughed and knew I had found the dress.

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY

The ceremony was without a doubt the most memorable and beautiful part of the wedding day. Summergrove Estate Chapel overlooks the Tweed Coast hinterland, and it really set the scene. Standing up there holding hands the man of my dreams while overlooking the hinterland was magical. Our celebrant Ben was incredible too. He captured our love story so well, and listening to him while staring into Brendon's eyes was wonderful. I don't think I've ever experienced that many emotions in one hit. Despite the overwhelming amount of emotions, the tears didn't spill over. It wasn't until we had a moment alone outside the chapel where the tears came. Our photographer snapped that moment. It's really special.

ISABELLA'S ADVICE

Over the year of planning, I really enjoyed the process. It went quite smoothly! But if I could give my newly engaged self one piece of advice, it would be that the month before the wedding will be crazy busy, so take time for yourself and don't be afraid to ask others for help.

Isabella wore Natalia from Enzoani. See more gowns from Enzoani Collection here.

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