DRESSED TO IMPRESS “My dress was called Tori by Sincerity Bridal, which I bought from Lulu Browns Bridal,” remembers Melissa. “I am a comfort queen and after months of preparing to look absolutely flawless, I wanted to eat everything on the day and still look and feel good! So, I opted for a stunning gown with a square neckline, a low back that was fitted to the waist and a long train with button details going down the whole back. I was going to have organza sleeves added, but I’m glad I didn’t because it was beautiful as it was. It also had pockets, which is every bride’s dream. When I went to try on my dress, I put a veil on just to see and it was so gorgeous! It had tiny rhinestones on it that sparkled as I walked and they caught the light. It was as long as my dress and with my gown being so plain, it just added that glam edge I was after without it being too much.” Brandon rented suits for the groomsmen and himself from Jakes & Co. “The groomsmen had a green, tweed-style waistcoat to match the bridesmaids,” says the bride. “I took my maid-of-honour and bridesmaid to Bridesmaid by JB’s showroom, not knowing what colour or style to go for. They tried on lots of options and colours, and Toni was great as she explained she made them to order so we could have a top style of one with a different skirt style of another for the perfect look. The fabrics were super soft and flattering, plus the girls said they were so comfortable. I took measurements for a child-size bridesmaid’s dress for my cousin and it was perfect.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “We had a saxophonist for the drinks reception, which set the mood, and we also had a saxophonist in the evening who worked with the DJ to get people dancing all night long,” shares Melissa. “We had a selfie mirror for guests to take photos with props and we got to see everyone’s photos after as well, which was a great keepsake. The evening DJ from Dancefloor Couture LTD was so good and all of our friends absolutely loved it.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I felt really calm and it didn’t really hit me until the last half hour when everyone was trying to get photos and we were travelling to the venue,” explains the bride. “Brandon was very nervous! His best man, Jack, had to help him take a few deep breaths. We were both so nervous about saying our vows in front of everyone, but facing the registrar, we couldn’t see anyone, so it was absolutely fine! “The bridal suite at The Glass House was a godsend; it had a huge private toilet, and with such a big dress, it was great,” adds Melissa. “There was also a private dressing area for the bridal party to touch up their make-up and I also had a hair change for the evening.” The couple had their fox-red labrador, Reggie, join them for the ceremony. “He absolutely stole the show,” recalls Melissa. “Everyone loved him; he was the ring bearer and it was just too cute. “My maid-of-honour, Eloise, carried out every single thing I asked her to do; she was amazing,” continues Melissa. “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to manage my very demanding bridezilla duties! Special thanks must also go to Nicole at Dedicated HQ. She honestly gave me so much confidence on the day; all the bridal prep was amazing, as was the nutrition and just general support with managing stress. I wouldn’t have felt as amazing as I did on the day without her.” HONEYMOON “We went to the Amalfi Coast for a week,” shares the bride. “It was fantastic; we cooked with the locals, went on food and wine tours and learned about the history of the towns. It was such a fabulous experience; the whole trip was one we will never forget!” REAL WEDDINGS 39
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