Every now and then you come across a union where you can tell a couple have a connection beyond love but rather one that has been formed from friendship and mutual respect and evolved into something more over time. Watching Michelle + Nathans wedding video brought a tear to our eyes because we could feel the love that had formed from young teenagers and grown into something deep over more than a decade of partnership.
#RCREALBRIDE Michelle looked simply stunning in her Pronovias gown in ‘Panola’. The radiance of her smile on her face shines threw in every photo, it was hard to tell it was raining on their special day because the brightness of everyone evolved drew you in to this beautiful day.
Photography: Blumenthal Photography
THE FIRST SIGHT
Nathan and I met in High School when we were 14 years old and have been together ever since! We formed a really close friendship and after a year or so and Nathan asking me out a couple of times I finally said yes which turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Our first date was the classic dinner and a movie – nothing exciting.
We are still best friends to this day and feel so lucky that we found each other at such a young age.
THE PROPOSAL
We had been dating for about 8 years, Nathan came home on a week night and said pack a bag we are staying in the city for a few days. I was a bit suspicious but was more worried about the fact that I had to go to work the next day! He had booked a suite at the Langham in Melbourne, organised with my work to have a few days off and took me to our favourite restaurant.
As we had been together for so long I knew Nathan so well that I could tell something was up but it didn’t make it any less special. We went out for dinner and when we got back to the Hotel he got down on one knee and proposed! I just remember how nervous he was which was so cute as it really showed me how much it meant to him even after all this time.
THE VENUE
The venue was actually the easiest decision we made. We felt it was vital to choose a venue that we could trust in and after attending a function at Crown once before it was clear to both of us that Crown was definitely top of the list.
The service/food quality and overall experience as a guest was outstanding and we wanted our guests to have the same experience. There are so many important parts to a Wedding and when you are planning it all yourself you really need suppliers and vendors that are reliable and that can make your vision come true and Crown certainly did that. Crown Melbourne were absolutely amazing – nothing was too hard and their attention to detail and care taken at every stage was surprising for such a large company. Crown was the only Venue we visited and after only one meeting with them we knew it was the place we wanted to have our special day.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
Michelle – The best part of the day was actually the drive in the limo together from the Ceremony to the photos/reception. We had two cars, one for the bridal party and another for Nathan and I, thinking back I am so happy we did that. It was the first moment we had alone together as husband and wife and it was so nice to take that time and actually enjoy it together without all of the craziness around us.
Nathan – The whole day was just perfect but I think easily the best moment of it was seeing Michelle walking down the aisle towards me. I was so excited to see her and she looked absolutely stunning – it is a moment that I will never forget.
THE DRESS
Prior to dress shopping I really didn’t know what I wanted to wear, there was not a style or cut that I had to have so was really open to anything.
A wedding dress is not something that you wear often so I was not even sure what was going to suit me! Raffaele Ciuca was the first store we went to and after 3 dresses I tried this one on and instantly knew it was the one. I loved the cut, the lace and just felt so comfortable in it. After making the decision that this was the dress I wanted (the “one”) the assistant told me that it was the last one and that the dress was no longer being made – it was meant to be!
FINDING THE ONE
The girls at Raffaele Ciuca made me feel so comfortable and I cannot thank them enough. This was the one part of the wedding planning that I was not looking forward to as I do not like a lot of attention so the thought of trying on dresses in front of a group of people was quite daunting. I was so stressed and nervous when I arrived at the store with my family and didn’t think I was going to find anything that looked good on me.
I put it off for so long because I was scared I would feel so uncomfortable and judged but the RC girls were so kind and made me feel so comfortable. I was not pressured into buying anything and they picked the perfect dress for me rather than thinking of sales and meeting budgets it actually felt like they cared about my day not the sale which does’t happen often in retail these days.
To my surprise the experience was so much better than I could have ever imagined. The girls made me feel so comfortable and I am truly grateful for this.
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Planning a wedding is equal parts stressful and amazing! I loved every part of the process but there is so much pressure to keep everyone around you happy when really you should focus on what you and your partner want the day to be. You will find that everyone will give you advice and have an opinion so just take it all on board but make sure you trust your own vision as only the two of you know how you want the most amazing day celebrating your union to one another.
We believe friendship and respect are so important to a successful relationship. Nathan and I have been together for over 13 years and have never been happier! We have a mutual respect for each other and truly accept and love each other for who we are. We are the best of friends and are always there for each other no matter what.
VENDORS
Dress: Raffaele Ciuca Bridal
Photographer : Blumenthal Photography
Celebrant: Fr. Martin Dixon (St Joan of Arc Church Brighton)
Venue: The River Room, Crown Melbourne
Flowers: Bud Flowers
Hair: Lalka
Make-up: Leonie Karagiannis
Band: Baker Boys
Suits: Travellers Apparel
Rings: Canturi
Photo Booth: Awesome Photo Booths
Cake: Cakes ‘R’ Us
Floral Wall/Letters/Runner: Melbourne Event Florals
