Alex had her Happy Ever After in Essense of Australia

Alex walked in to the boutique and was one of those girls you just instantly like and click with. I was over joyed that she found her dress with us; Alex just made the whole process lovely for everybody. To all brides if you keep a calm and relaxed approach to your wedding it will always go well.

Tell us about the proposal…

Our proposal was far from traditional, but some say it was kind of romantic. We were sitting having dinner and drinks in Bologna, Italy before heading home the following day. We’d just been to a friend’s wedding in Tuscany which was just beautiful and so over dinner had planned what our perfect wedding would look like. A few wines down, my husband (boyfriend at the time, obviously) went to the toilet and I decided it would be a great idea to just get married. We’d been together for 6 years at this point and overcome some big challenges, so it certainly felt like we were in it for the long haul. When he got back, I proposed the idea of getting engaged and announcing it at his 30^th birthday party the next month, but he said no. I want to do it now, whilst we’re here.

After ringing our families that evening, we rearranged our flights and headed into town to look for a ring. I wanted a ring from a local shop, but we couldn’t speak Italian, and no one seemed interested and so we found a Tiffany’s, and obviously I found a perfect ring. We went for a coffee in the middle of the square and I had no idea when he was actually going to do it. I’d always said ‘please not in public’. It was quiet and the next thing I knew he asked me if I wanted him to go down on one knee. ‘No, please don’t…!’ I said. So he didn’t and as soon as the ring was on my finger we got a round of applause from a couple next to us.

Where did you get married and how did you pick the venue?

We got married at Kingscote Barn near Tetbury. It was actually my husband that found the venue. We wanted a barn venue that had some decent onsite accommodation, that was exclusive use and wasn’t silly money. At first we thought it was a little far away, but there was a drive up to the venue off the road, and it was just perfect for what we wanted.

What made you decide your dress was the one & what did you love most about it?

It was different to what I was imagining. I originally wanted something very plain and understated, but I loved the two-tone as I didn’t want anything that was pure white or ivory. I loved how I felt in the dress, I felt sexy but also like a bride. I’m quite short and have a small chest so a lot of the dresses made me feel like I was playing dress up. The dress I chose was beautiful in every way and I just felt amazing in it. That’s when I knew it was the one. It was the back of the dress that I loved the most. The lace detail and the low back was elegant, and I knew my husband would like the way the dress was tight on my bum.

How did you accessorise, ie, which shoes did you pick? Did you choose a Headpiece or a Veil, or both?

I chose some Jimmy Choo’s for my wedding shoes. A lot of people say don’t waste your money on them as no one sees your feet, but I’d always wanted a pair and when your wedding day is so special, I wanted to feel special from head to toe. My mum bought them for me as a 30^th birthday present too which made it feel more okay. I love them though and will be wearing them when I am a bridesmaid for my friend and on my honeymoon (both which are next month). I went back for a relaxed waterfall veil that I absolutely loved. I twinned the veil with a hairpiece and felt neither was over the top.

Did you have Bridesmaids? If so, what did they wear, how did you pick?

I had 7 bridesmaids and they wore a Sorella Vita dress in dusty rose (I think?). I love taupe and light an airy colours but not a fan of pastels so this seemed like a perfect solution. As I had 7, it was getting complicated trying to choose a dress and a colour by getting everyone’s opinion so Madi told me to pick a colour that would complement my skin tone. So, I did! I also loved the style of the dress I chose, and it seemed to be flattering on everyone, no matter what their body shape was. My pregnant sister-in-law had a slightly different dress due to the fabric, so it could hang loosely over her bump (she gave birth 6 days later!)

What did your groom wear?

He wore a House of Cavani suit, as did all the groomsmen. The suit was light, with blue accents. I never really thought about the colour scheme so I was really thankful that it turned out okay!

Finally, tell us about your big day .. What was the feel/vibe of the day? Do you have a favourite moment?

It really was the best day of our lives – everyone says it but honestly, it’s so true. Everyone you love is under one roof and it is full of your favourite things. My favourite part was entering the ceremony. I was so overwhelmed I actually cried all the way down the aisle but seeing everyone and my groom for the first time will always be a favourite memory. I also loved the moments when our photographers whisked us a way for a few moments so we could actually talk to one another. Then it would have to be the party. I really wanted everyone to have a laugh, party and have a good time and everyone did.

The overall feel for the day was very relaxed and informal which is exactly what we wanted. A lot of people had never been to an outdoor wedding before, especially with a field of sheep next door so this was an enjoyable experience for them too.