The Special Couple: Monique + Ivan 

THE FIRST SIGHT 

We first met at our local bus stop when we were only children in 2003. Each morning, we would see each other at the bus stop while waiting for our buses to go to school. I remember being drawn to Ivan in a way I could not articulate. I remember his long, bouncy, brown, curly hair and blue/green eyes! He always had a smile and good energy. We lived in the same suburb, about 750 meters apart. As we grew up, I often asked his father about Ivan, and he'd provide me with updates. We saw each other out a few times, and I always sensed a connection to Ivan. Fast forward to Covid Sydney Lockdown 3.0 in 2021. Ivan private messaged me on Instagram following a post on my story. We got chatting, and things moved quickly. We organised a walk in the bush that night and haven't spent a night apart since, except for when he goes fishing.

THE PROPOSAL 

Interestingly, I had a dream about a ring the night before he proposed. At 7 AM on 9^th December 2022, Ivan invited me to go fishing. He is a very talented fisherman and it's what he loves to do. So, I met him at the Roseville Marina in NSW, and he drove our boat named 'Honey Sickle', and anchored at Bantry Bay. Although I was confused because the fish didn't seem to be biting at Bantry Bay, I thought to myself, why has he brought me to a spot where there is no fish? Ivan said "Just do a couple more casts..." and so I did. I threw the fishing line out a few more times. I was standing on the bow of the boat and then Ivan began talking to me and proposed. Our beautiful puppy Larry was also on the boat with us and shared the moment. We then drove the boat to shore where our family met us with Champagne and a 'She Said YES' sign! That was really a memorable moment for me. Ivan had put so much love and thought into the proposal. And there's more. That night Ivan threw an incredible surprise engagement party with over 90 people! I had no idea; I was completely overcome with love and gratitude. So many close friends and family celebrated our love that night. Still, to this day, I haven't gotten over all the deep thought and support shown by my husband and those around us who enjoyed our engagement.

THE INSPIRATION, THE BRIDAL LOOK & VENUE 

I was inspired by the classic white and greenery theme. All I wanted was white flowers and an Italian Ruscus. I wanted lots of Greenery because it signified where we grew up, near the bush. For my bridal look, I looked back at my mother’s wedding photos; she wore a wedding dress with sleeves. I was drawn to sleeves for my dress and was adamant that the wedding dress needed to have a low back!

SAYING "YES" TO THE DRESS 

I tried on 7 gowns and could not stop thinking about the Alexa wedding dress. I remember trying Alexa on for the first time and feeling different in the dress compared to the others I'd tried on. You just get a feeling. I could not get her out of my mind when I left the store. I knew then that Alexa was the dress. It was everything I wanted in one dress: tight, floral, translucent sparkle, low back, strapless, sleeves. I mean it was a dream! I cried! I was with close family and friends, and we all teared up. A very special experience.

THE HIGHLIGHT 

The highlight was the ceremony, where my father and stepfather walked me down the aisle. I'd dreamt about that moment ever since I was a child. Also, the weather was perfect—we had an outdoor wedding in Winter. I cannot believe how good God was to us on our Wedding Day! The weather was 26 degrees with the most gorgeous sunset. There was not a drop of rain and perfect blue skies with white fluffy clouds.

MONIQUE'S ADVICE 

Take longer to plan the wedding! I planned the wedding and got married within 7 months of being engaged.

Monique wore Alexa wedding dress from Love by Enzoani. See more gowns from Enzoani Collection here. 

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