The Special Couple: Emma + Jarryd

THE FIRST SIGHT & PROPOSAL
We met at a basketball game through mutual friends over seven years ago. My husband wanted the proposal to be completely unknown to me, so he surprised me by coming home from work one night in the middle of the lengthy Victorian COVID lockdown. He filled the living room with rose petals, candles and music and proposed to me in front of the fireplace. It was completely unexpected and the most romantic proposal I could have asked for.

I wanted our wedding to feel rustic yet sophisticated at the same time. We are both pretty laid-back people, so we wanted our wedding to reflect that, but with an added touch of elegance and romance. I was inspired mainly by Pinterest and then found Rick Liston and Sassafras Weddings on Instagram and loved how exquisite and picturesque their photos and flowers were. Looking through both their profiles gave me a lot of inspiration.

THE BRIDAL LOOK

I wanted a dress that was quite unique and not something I had seen worn before and loved the idea of having a large train and low back. I also wanted to make sure my bridal look would fit well into the winery setting at Immerse, so I decided to keep my jewellery minimal and let the dress and beautiful vineyards feature in the photos.

SAYING 'YES' TO THE DRESS

I knew my gown was the one when I tried it on because I felt like the most beautiful version of myself and could instantly see myself walking down the aisle in that dress. I loved that I hadn't seen a dress like it before, particularly the skirt. I also loved the fitted bodice and knew it suited my body type well.

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY

My highlight would have to be getting photos in the rain at the end of the evening with lightning flashing all around us. It was a very special moment for the two of us to take in the whole day and enjoy each other's company. It gave us the opportunity to reflect on how beautiful our wedding had been and how fortunate we were with the weather (24 degrees and sunny during our ceremony in May followed by heavy rain during the reception).

EMMA'S ADVICE

Don't be too stressed, but rather enjoy the process of seeing your dream wedding come to life. Remember that your wedding day is actually about getting married to your best friend, and in the end, that's all that really matters. And don't buy such tall heels! The pain isn't worth it!

Emma wore Juliette from Élysée. See more gowns from Élysée Collection here.