The Special Couple: Rachelle + Daniel

THE FIRST SIGHT

Daniel and I met eight years ago; I was at a club with my girlfriends celebrating my nineteenth birthday. Awkwardly he approached me, introduced himself, we chatted and after numerous polite declines to his drink offers he asked for my number, which I agreed to. Moments later I realised I had accidentally given him my mum's number instead of mine, as that's the only number I know off by heart! Embarrassed and with much laughter, I gave him the correct phone number, we dated for a few months and committed to each other the following year on valentines day.

THE PROPOSAL

In November 2017, I was diagnosed with bowel disease; overseas trips, our love of weekend ocean escapes and dining out came to an extreme halt. They were replaced by running to the bathroom up to 27 times a day, numerous hospital visits and stays, IV infusions, and so many potent medications that I became seriously ill, fragile and depressed. Valentines day 2018, our 7th year anniversary Daniel booked a beautiful room at Crown Metropol, after a few trips to the bathroom, I walked into the bedroom to find him on one knee and asking for my hand in marriage and gifting me with the most beautiful engagement ring, but foremost, the gift of love, he has stood by me all the way.

THE INSPIRATION

Daniel and I wanted our wedding to express our personalities; we both love old-world architecture, Daniel being a chippy, loves buildings with heart and soul. Beautifully tiled mosaic floor, statuesque Baroque and Italianate pillars, grand arches, as well as clerestory windows meant we couldn't go past exchanging our vows at the Dome on Collins street. Our love of the ocean led us to Encore in St Kilda, where our reception took place. A stylish beachside venue which showcased a beachy vibe, white florals, draped greenery adorned high centrepieces, underneath glowing candles lit the tables. We were blessed on the day with the most amazing backdrop; a glorious sunset lit up the sky! I say blessed as only two weeks prior; I was in a hospital bed.

THE BRIDAL LOOK

Romance is the word I would use to describe my choice of bridal dress. Old world lace, hand-sewn pearls and crystals and a beautifully embellished bustle, also with stylish practicality. The gorgeous bustle was detachable as were the sleeves, which meant my bridal dress suited old world charm, then morphed into a comfortable bridal dress fit for dancing and being lifted into the air!

HER SAY "YES" TO THE DRESS MOMENT

I've only tried on this ONE dress! I had scrolled past an image on Galia Lahav's Instagram and was captivated by how unusual and unique it was; I had to try it on. I had found Eternal Bridal while searching high and low for this Galia dress! The sample dress was in the Sydney boutique; I had it shipped to the Melbourne store to try on and instantly fell in love! The sleeves, shape, beading was everything that shouted ‘my style’. As soon as I had it on my Mum and friend said ‘that's the one, it's totally a you dress’.

The girls at Eternal Bridal told me to also have a look at other dresses to try on incase the Thelma dress wasn’t the one. I grabbed two other dresses to try but ultimately we all knew I had to try the Galia dress on first. As soon as I put it on, that was it! It was the first, last and only wedding dress I tried. So that was it, I purchased it there and then.

THE HIGHLIGHT

Every moment of our wedding was a highlight. Due to my disease, I was feeling exhausted the night before, I was rather anxious and nervous as my energy levels were very low and I was limited in what foods I could consume. Once morning had come, I stepped into my Gahlia Lahav dress and it was like euphoria took over, and I knew I’d be ok. Perfect weather, perfect ceremony, perfect celebration of unity, amongst all we felt so supported and loved.

RACHELLE'S ADVICE

Looking back, almost all of the wedding planning was done from either the hospital bed or my own bed, so I'm actually pretty chuffed and grateful that it all went to plan with a bit of help from divine intervention.

Rachelle wore ‘Thelma’ from Galia Lahav Haute Couture. See more gowns from Galia Lahav Haute Couture Collection here

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