The Special Couple: Kelly + Matthew 

THE FIRST SIGHT

Matt and I met in the most unconventional of circumstances. We were both in unusual stages of our lives and met through a 'mutual friend'. We became best friends, knew all the good and bad parts of each other and were completely inseparable. It wasn't long before I realised there were feelings stronger than friendship and decided to pursue Matt. It turns out Matt had those stronger feelings all along.

THE PROPOSAL

Matt took me on a trip to Paris. On New Year's Eve, he proposed on the balcony of our luxury hotel that had the most fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. Being completely jet-lagged, I was tired, and following dinner wanted to do nothing but go back to the hotel and relax. Unbeknownst to me, I was ruining all his plans. We got back to the hotel, and he managed to get me out on the balcony and started with the words, "You know I love you, right?!" I burst out laughing, and the next minute he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand. He later said he had a big speech planned but forgot everything as he was so nervous at the time - I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was a magical night.

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

'Enchanted forest' was the main inspiration. The theme wasn't hard to achieve as our venue was absolutely stunning and already had an enchanted feel. Pinterest was my best friend leading up to the wedding and provided so much inspiration for fairy tale touches. We decorated the reception with fairy lights everywhere you could see and brought the forest inside.

THE BRIDAL LOOK

It may sound unoriginal, but the groom inspired my bridal look. I wanted something elegant that accentuated all the curves and 'assets.' I kept accessories to a minimum as the dress was the main feature and opted for subtle, sultry makeup. 

SAYING 'YES' TO THE DRESS

I was so nervous about dress shopping, it is such a big decision choosing your wedding dress, and I didn't know what to expect. Eternal Bridal was the first bridal store we visited. I think I tried on around five or six wedding gowns. I always knew I wanted something fitted and low back, the dress I originally went in to try on didn't look how I imagined it would. My lovely stylist at Eternal Bridal, now knowing what style I was after, said they had something similar, and when I put the dress on, I felt like an absolute princess. The lace detail was so pretty, and the dress hugged in all the right places.

Then I tried the Lena on with the veil, and my Mum teared up - that's when I knew we had found a winner. It felt so strange that I had been lucky to find 'the' dress on my first visit. I didn't know if I was rushing into things. The Eternal Bridal staff were amazing, and I am beyond grateful for their help and their no-pressure approach.

THE BEST THING ABOUT OUR DAY

It is incredibly tough to pick just one highlight. Our entire day was magical, from the nervous limo ride to the ceremony and feeling like I was going to faint to turning the corner to face the aisle and seeing Matt and having all those nerves and butterflies instantly disappear. If I had to choose, the speeches were one of the best memories from the day. I remember it was one of the moments Matt and I were able to sit back and take in our wedding. I could not stop smiling at him, and he couldn't stop holding my hand. As we sat back and listened and laughed at what our family and friends had prepared, we felt so lucky and loved to have found each other and to have these amazing people with us.

KELLY'S ADVICE

Don't let the stress of the details get to you - relax, and have fun! Regardless of what happens, you will always look back on your wedding day as one of the best days of your life where you felt like a princess who has finally found her prince. Enjoy it.

Kelly wore Lena wedding gown from bridal designer Enozani. See more wedding dresses from Blue by Enzoani Collection here.

VENDORS