Elizabeth & Adam - Raffaele Ciuca Bridal Shop

We all love a destination wedding and what is more special than the story of how two people fell in love despite the difficult decision of giving up a home that you grew up in. Elizabeth, originally from Canada, came to our shores with the prospect to teach and fulfil her wanderlust travel desires. After 3 short months she met Adam who would make her fall in love not with a lovely Aussie bloke but the country many of us call ‘home’. Married in Toronto, Canada this lovely couple committed a life to one another surrounded by family and friends from all around the globe uniting to celebrate the universal language of love.

#RCREALBRIDE Elizabeth wore the ‘Autumn’ gown by Maggie Sottero. This beautiful sheath gown features beaded lace motifs over tulle with a sweetheart neckline and a gorgeous illusion scoop back.

Photography: Lara Zeini (Toronto, Canada)

THE FIRST SIGHT

I had originally come to Australia for just a year to teach and travel before returning home to Toronto. Then, 3 months after arriving I met Adam through a friend. I had returned home from a day of teaching and found Adam talking to my flatmate. We had a short conversation that had a long lasting effect on both of us. He liked my accent and I liked his. Shortly after our conversation he invited me to watch his basketball game and then took me out for ice cream (my favourite food). It was on that night that I decided I would be staying in Australia for longer than a year.

THE PROPOSAL

Since I live so far from home, Adam and I often plan trips to see my family. In June 2017, we left for a trip to Europe. The plan was to start in Poland visiting Adam’s family, move on to Switzerland and end in Portugal to visit my family. What I hadn’t known was Adam had a plan of his own. After spending a few days with Adam’s family we moved on to Krakow on our own and spent the first day sight seeing and ended the evening by walking through a beautiful park lined with trees, benches and a busker playing the violin. Adam suggested we have a seat on a bench. I began looking through the photos we had captured on our trip and at that same time Adam was getting down on one knee, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was a moment that I will treasure forever.

What made it even more special was knowing that in a few weeks I would be with my family and we would be able to celebrate with them.

THE VENUE

Adam and I selected Bairrada Restaurant for our venue for several reasons. The main reason was the venue allowed us to incorporate elements of our cultural heritage. Adam’s parents are Polish and the venue was able to provide paczki (Polish Donuts) along with Belvedere vodka. My parents are Portuguese and the venue specialises in Portuguese cuisine. Another reason the venue was perfect for us was we had a small wedding with only 65 guests and it was the perfect size, not too big and had a perfect sized dance floor which was important to us because we wanted to make sure everyone was able to get up and dance.

We researched quite a few options prior to deciding but ultimately going with Bairrada was an easy choice for us, because it was the only one who ticked off all our requirements. Other options we looked into were either too big, too small or weren’t able to cater the food we were hoping for.

FAVOURITE MOMENT

The whole day was amazing choosing a favourite is a difficult task. One highlight was definitely saying our vows. It was a reminder of the love we share and have for each other and our lasting commitment to each other. After the ceremony we were able to release doves and it was a beautiful moment that we were able to share with our family and close friends. Taking photos was a lot more fun than I imagined it would be. We were able to take some fun shots and really enjoy the company of our bridal party. I also loved getting to the dance floor and letting loose with our guests.

THE DRESS

I wore the Autumn gown by Maggie Sottero. I have never felt more beautiful in my life and have never received as many compliments on a dress before either. The dress was so flattering to my figure. It was the perfect combination of everything I love in a dress. It had beaded lace motifs over tulle with sweetheart neckline and a gorgeous illusion scoop back. The dress was the first I tried on. I tried on quite a few afterwards but kept thinking about the Autumn gown. The second time I tried it on I knew it was definitely the one.

FINDING THE ONE

Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I truly felt like their main priority was making sure I was happy and that I looked my best. Every part of the process from the first appointment to my last alterations was amazing. Every time I stepped into Raffaele Ciuca I got excited. Maria was so amazing and helpful when I finally decided on my gown and the chocolates and champagne were fantastic too!

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES

Remember to plan for what you and your fiancé want for the day. It’s a reflection and celebration of the both of you so don’t get too caught up on what everyone else thinks! Try to incorporate something that is special to just the two of you. We had special cake toppers made of an echidna groom and a platypus bride because Adam thinks I resemble a platypus and I think he looks like an echidna. It was a really cute addition to our day.

Keep your relationship happy by supporting and being patient with each other and don’t forget to have fun and laugh!