On the 18th May, Uni-sweethearts Emma and Will tied the knot in the heart of Melbourne CBD. We spoke with EB real bride, Emma to learn all about her Valentine’s Day proposal, how she styled her timeless and modern wedding, and that light-bulb moment that made her say ‘yes’ to her dream wedding dress. 

Let’s go back to where it all began. When and how did you meet your significant other? 

We met while working at the same cafe during our uni days. Just two broke students trying to make ends meet.

Hit us in the heart strings and tell us all about the proposal!

Will proposed on Valentine’s Day last year! It was just a normal day for us, we don’t usually celebrate it. He had been planning to propose for a while but a few things got in the way so some of his colleagues gave him the idea to do it on Valentine’s Day because it would catch me off guard.

As I was taking a shower, he set up a path of candles in our hallway leading up to our lounge room. When I came out of the room, I was really confused. I wasn’t sure if it was a romantic Valentine’s Day set up or if he was proposing (thinking he would never propose on Valentine’s Day). As I got to the end of the path and turned around, he was on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so shocked I started crying and asked “are you serious?” I nodded to say yes but Will claims he didn’t see it and thought I didn’t respond. Of course the answer was yes and after over a year of planning, we’re now married!

Was there a theme for your wedding? What inspired you while styling your dream day? 

We wanted a modern and timeless look for our wedding. We had the same colour schemes running throughout our day to keep it cohesive. With the help of Instagram and Pinterest, I found lots of pictures with the modern look I was after which helped me visualise how our styling would all come together.

What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

I wanted to look and feel like a million bucks but still look like myself. I knew this would be my one chance to wear the dress of my dreams and again wanted to keep the modern, timeless look so I kept this in mind when choosing my dress and accessories.

Describe your ‘yes to the dress’ moment. How did you feel and what made you say ‘yes’?

I didn’t have a “this is the dress” moment straight away but it was the dress I kept going back to and thinking about. I left my first appointment and knew it was my favourite dress of all the dresses I’d tried on so far but at the same time wasn’t sure if I should try on other dresses to make sure it was the dress for me.

I went home that day and decided to look at my ‘saved’ folder on Instagram and saw that I had saved this exact dress! I knew then that it was the dress for me.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?

I had an amazing experience at Eternal Bridal. Everyone was so friendly but the biggest shoutout would have to go to Ferani who assisted me at my appointments. She was so patient and was able to help with recommendations to bring the look together.

What was the highlight of your special day?

The highlight of the day was right before our first dance. My husband and I were waiting to start the dance. We had a moment to stand there and look around at all our guests. We were filled with gratitude and really felt the love as we realised everyone in that room was there to celebrate us.

If you could go back in time and give your newly-engaged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I think it would be to enjoy every moment of every stage, from being engaged to planning, to the big day. Things don’t always go to plan but at the end of the day it’s about doing what makes you and your partner happy.

Emma and Will’s Vendors: 

Wedding dress: Arleigh by @penlivbridal via @eternalbridal

Photographer: @quint.photography 

Venue: @aerialsouthwharf

Videographer @momento_films

Shoes: @jimmychoo

MUA: @jeniferin_

Hair: @harlen_hair

Cake: @jntreats

DJ: @djdavywong

Music: @adornstrings

Celebrant: @celebrantmike

Tux: @institchu

Bouquets: @moodiestudios

Florals: @floralempiremelbourne

Pyro: @sparked.events

Signage: @event.signs