On April 13th 2024, high school sweethearts Monica and Adrian said "I do" at the church altar, then headed over to Doltone House Darling Island to celebrate trying the knot with family and friends. We spoke to EB Real Bride, Monica about planning her classic, modern wedding, the moment she said 'yes' to a Le Lee Studio dress, and more. 

Let’s go back to where it all began. When and how did you meet your significant other?

Adrian and I met in high school. I moved to his high school in Year 10 and we instantly became friends by being in the same classes and having very similar interests and family upbringings. We stayed close friends for a year and when he decided to leave school at the end of Year 11 for an apprenticeship, we started dating.

How did your now-husband propose?

It was a complete surprise! Adrian told me we were going bar hopping with our friends to celebrate my best friend/soon-to-be sister in law graduating university. They told me we had to go through the Crowne Hotel first because Adrian's brother (who is my best friend's boyfriend) booked the Crowne for them to stay the night.

Once we arrived at the Crowne, they checked in (well I should say checked me and Adrian into the hotel) and we walked up to the room. When I opened the door and I saw rose petals and flowers and it wasn't until Adrian grabbed my hand that I realised it was actually for us! He proposed in front of my best friends and his brother.

Afterwards, he told me we were going to the bar downstairs to celebrate. As we are walking to the bar, my mum and mother in law ran towards me and surprised me with both our families there ready to celebrate. It was such a fun and beautiful day.

What inspired you while styling your dream day?

We wanted a simplistic and classical theme for our wedding. We decided to go white with a touch of blue in our florals and we absolutely loved it! The bouquets and florals/styling at the reception was everything we wanted and more.

What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

Whilst looking through different styles of wedding dresses and bridal looks, I knew I wanted a dress with floral detailing, an a-line silhouette and a beautiful long veil. So I began searching online and came across Eternal Bridal. When I saw Le Lee Studio's 'Aspen' dress I knew I had to try it.

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

Knowing I was going to Eternal Bridal to try on Le Lee Studio's 'Aspen' dress, I was a bit nervous if it was going to be what I wanted but the moment I tried it on I fell in love and my mum and sister in law teared up. I loved the floral detailing, the straight cut and the way the dress sat. I decided to change the back of the dress to another Le Lee Studio design as I wanted a lower, more V shape back. Lauren, the stylist was so accomodating and helpful with what I wanted. Once Lauren showed me the matching veil, I was completely sold on the dress.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?
I had such a positive experience at Eternal Bridal. Lauren the stylist was so encouraging and attentive to what I wanted in my dream dress. I also bought my shoes and garter from Eternal Bridal because I loved the overall look together. From the initial consultation to buying my dream dress and the fittings, it was such a fun and stress-free experience that I am really grateful for.

What was the highlight of your special day?

This is such a hard question because I was so blessed to have such a wonderful and special day. But I think the highlight of the day was dancing with my now husband and all our family and friends on the dance floor. Everyone was having such a fun time together and looking back at videos, it makes me so happy to see everyone dancing and laughing together.

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

I would tell myself that everything will fall into place. Trust that the people around you know what they are doing and that everything will go to plan.

Monica and Adrian's Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Doltone House
Photography: MarkJay Photography
Videography: TreeLife Films
Florist and Stylist: Tia Mia Floral Events
Cars: HF Wedding Cars
Gown: Le Lee Studio from Eternal Bridal 
Shoes: Badgley Mischka from Eternal Bridal
Suits: Top Ryde Tailoring
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Rings: Novita Diamonds and Patrick Nader Jewellers
Make Up: Make up by Elana
Cake: The Cake Studio
Invites Amici Studio
Fireworks: Sydney Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

Find your dream wedding dress at Eternal Bridal. Book your appointment.