The Special Couple: Tida + Darong

THE FIRST SIGHT

Darong and I met at a mutual friend's birthday party almost ten years ago. We always said fate brought us together, as we were not going to attend the party for different reasons, but we decided to go anyway and connected. Ever since then, we've been inseparable!

THE PROPOSAL 

Darong proposed to me on our 7th anniversary in Maui, Hawaii. We were on holiday with our group of friends, they all knew he was planning to propose, and they managed to keep it a secret from me. Darong had organised for us to do a hike during the day while the others rested back at the resort. Little did I know, they were setting up the proposal area. Once we returned to the resort, Darong told me to prepare for our group dinner. Once I was ready, he blindfolded me and took me into the resort garden, which overlooked the beach. He timed the proposal perfectly so that the sun was setting in the background, rose petals were scattered everywhere, and our favourite song, Kina Grannis - Can't Help Falling In Love, played in the background. Our friends hid behind the bushes to film and capture the special moment. It was so beautiful and perfect. A dream come true!

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

We didn't have a theme as such. Darong and I both have the same aesthetic. We wanted our wedding to feel romantic, elegant, fun and memorable for all our family and friends. The bridal party were all in navy, and we had beautiful florals to compliment the entire look. The bouquets and buttonholes were a mixture of white, soft, blush roses with lots of greenery. Everything turned out just how we wanted it to; the look was timeless.

THE BRIDAL LOOK & SAYING 'YES' TO THE DRESS

I wanted something elegant and timeless, I had looked at a few dresses online and wasn't sure what would suit my body shape, but I'm so happy with what I picked out. I tried around six dresses. The first time I went to Eternal Bridal, I was with my Mum and bridal party, and she had picked out Lena by Enzoani, a style I didn't think I would suit. Everyone loved it, but I was still unsure of it. Unfortunately, my dear Mum had passed by my next bridal dress styling appointment, and I wanted to pick Lena because she chose the dress, but I was still unsure. My Eternal Bridal stylist Brooke told me there was a newer version of the Lena and that it was called Martha. I tried it on, and it fit perfectly (mind you, I was 20 weeks pregnant at the time). I was so emotional, and so were my bridal party. That's when we all knew it was "the one".

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY 

I can't pick one particular highlight. The entire day was so special. I loved Darong's reaction as I walked down the aisle. I surprised him by walking to the instrumental version of Turning Page, Sleeping at Last, a song we love. I also loved that our son could be part of our special day. He walked down the aisle with my brother, who was my Man of Honour. Our videographer Two Peaches Photography, also put together our beautiful same-day edit video, which was shown at the reception. The footage captured the ceremony and incorporated my late Mum. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Our friends and family loved the video, and it was so special that we were able to include her throughout our wedding.

TIDA'S ADVICE 

Enjoy every single moment and try to soak it all in. Everything goes by quickly, so take the time to step aside and take it all in with your partner. Also, make sure you have someone you can trust to be a contact for any vendors and someone to oversee your run sheet, as you will be too busy with all your guests and other formalities.

Tida wore Martha wedding gown from bridal designer Enzoani. See more wedding dresses from Blue by Enzoani Collection here.

VENDORS