Surrounded by lush greenery and breath taking ferns that spread across a vibrant rainforest is the Lyrebird Falls, Kallista VIC. #RCREALBRIDE Nikita looked like a vision of perfection in her Kenneth Winston in style ‘1651’. Marrying her long time partner Matthew among close family and friends was a day Nikita will never forget as she recalls her perfect day with the man of her dreams.
Photography & Videography: Rosa Photography Melbourne
THE FIRST SIGHT
Matthew and I met in Kyneton, a small country town where I grew up as he was friends with my sister. We had an instant attraction; there was no doubt about it!
THE PROPOSAL
For our 7-year anniversary as a couple, Matthew tricked me into booking an anniversary dinner at Schatzi’s; a quaint, romantically themed restaurant in Woodend VIC which we’d always loved.
However, in secret he had already phoned well ahead of time and planned a surprise! Being a Wednesday night, I wasn’t expecting anything more than a quiet, celebratory meal with my partner, but as we arrived, I opened the door and was greeted by the entire restaurant, filled with our immediate family and closest friends – he had even arranged for my brother in New Zealand to be present via Skype!
‘Our song’ was playing over the restaurant speakers, and tears filled my eyes as soon we walked in as I knew HE WAS PROPOSING TO ME..FINALLY! Matthew gave a short, heartfelt speech, and then dropped to one knee and proposed. It instantly became the most amazing night of my life… so far!
THE VENUE
We chose to be married at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista VIC.
It was only the second venue which we visited, however we felt as though it was the place for us, even before we arrived! We felt the drive through the forest scenery set a mood for the event for our guests (as well as ourselves); and then to remain surrounded by the forest throughout the event, was really the icing on the cake.
The staff were amazingly helpful, personable and demonstrated a quality that simply made the choice easy. We booked our date straight away knowing we wanted it to be on our 9 year anniversary.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
Hands down, my favourite part of the night was dancing to my father’s version of Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton with my husband for our first dance. My father passed away in 2008, he was a musician and he had recorded covers and also wrote songs of his own.
Matthew and myself took dance lessons and had our first dance choreographed to his song. It was a surprise to my family and a very special moment for me and my husband. It was such an amazing feeling hearing my father sing the lyrics “my darling, you look wonderful tonight” and “I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes” on my wedding night.
THE DRESS
I LOVE MY DRESS!! If I could, I would wear it every day. I loved the neck line, the back, the train..I loved absolutely everything. I only tried on dresses at Raffaele Ciuca in Brunswick. I tried on a few but the one I chose, all of my sisters and myself loved it but of course the kicker was that my mother loved it also. We all agreed it was such a “Nikita” dress!
FINDING THE ONE
I had a great shopping experience with RC. The shop itself is just stunning. It felt like what you see in the movies trying on the dresses. I had a few ladies assist me throughout my visits and all of them were absolutely AMAZING and so genuine with their opinions and suggestions.
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Planning a wedding definitely can be very stressful, I was very lucky that I had such a helpful and hands on fiancé. My tip for planning a wedding is to both be equally involved in the decision making, share the load and also use to do lists, spread sheets, timelines, whatever it takes for you to feel organised, even if you aren’t!
The best thing about organising a wedding is that every step has an expert, your photographer, the wedding location staff, the store you purchase your dress from etc. so if you and your fiancé don’t know what you are doing, they do!
Our tip on how to keep a happy relationship; Give it your all or nothing!
VENDORS
Photographer: Rosa Photography Melbourne
Link: https://www.rosaphoto.com.au/
Venue: Lyrebird Falls
Link: www.lyrebirdfalls.com.au/
Flowers: Blooms on Brice
Link: http://bloomsonbrice.com.au/newblooms/
Cake: Nikos Oakleigh Quality Cakes
Link: http://www.oakleighqualitycakes.com.au/
Hair: Megan Harrison Bridal
Link: http://www.meganharrisonbridal.com/
Makeup: Tahni Faye Makeup Artist
Link: https://www.facebook.com/tahnifayemakeup/
