The Special Couple: Kelly + Nathan
Wedding Date: 5th May 2018
How did you meet your now husband?
Nathan and I are both lawyers and we met through mutual friends at a restaurant called Cha Cha Chars in Brisbane, where we have since shared many special dates and even held our rehearsal dinner there
Do you have a proposal story?
I may be biased but I have never seen a proposal like mine! Whilst Nate and I both live in Brisbane together, our families live on the Gold Coast and we both love staying at Palazzo Versace. During one of our Saturday nights there after dating for just over a year, we returned to our room from dinner along the marina and Nate led me out onto our balcony and I looked down to the beach where “MARRY ME” was twinkling up at me from across the lagoon in candlelight. He then got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together! It was the most incredible moment.
The story surrounding my engagement ring is just as beautiful. I am South African and on a recent trip, Nate arranged for one of my friends who I went to school with and is an amazing jeweler, to design my engagement ring. She hand picked the stones from my home country and set the ring for me which, of course, has such sentimental value. We then had her make the wedding bands for the two of us and my parents brought them back over for us just before the wedding on a recent trips of theirs.
What was the wedding theme?
Our theme for our beautiful day were gold and cream colours. Our reception venue was Brisbane City Hall so it easily enveloped that very classic, luxe feel.
What was the inspiration?
I have always been obsessed with Morgan Stewart (back from when she was still Boobs and Loubs) and very much drew inspiration from her wedding, on a much smaller scale of course. The soft golds and creams really added to the warmth throughout the venue and made for a super romantic vibe. I recall stealing a moment in our reception room before our guests entered with my new husband and I literally had tears because the room was just so beautiful. It was everything I had envisioned and more! Our stylists and coordinator are so obscenely talented it’s ridiculous.
What was the highlight of your special day?
I must say, without a doubt, the highlight of our wedding day was walking down the aisle with my Father towards my beautiful husband. Nate was so overcome with emotion at seeing me in all of my Galia glory! I really did feel all of the love in the Cathedral the moment we placed each others’ hands on the other at the end of the aisle and then everyone else just became a blur and Nate could not stop telling me how beautiful I looked! The ceremony seemed to fly by and I remember walking back down the aisle with such elation being officially married!
What was your Galia Lahav Trunk Show experience like?
When I registered for the Galia Lahav trunk show a few months after our engagement and was advised the trunk show would be taking place at Palazzo Versace, I knew it would be something very special. After celebrating my 21st birthday at the hotel as well as an engagement plus countless other amazing moments with Nate, the anticipation before the trunk show was literally killing me! I couldn’t even sleep properly the night before the trunk show, I was that excited.
I remember walking out of that trunk show being on top of the world and never ever did I second guess my choice. And now looking back at the photographs from our day, know that I could not have done any better. So as you can see, Palazzo Versace is a very special place for us. It truly was all meant to be!
How many gowns did you try on and what made it so special ?
I tried on two gowns before Pricilla stole my heart. I had never tried on a Galia Lahav before, I was blown away by both Ms Elle and Bella but I had heart palpitations once Priscilla was on. The embellishment and detail on the gown was next level. I have, and still haven’t ever, seen anything like it. From the beading to the pearls to that beautiful backless silhouette, the gown fitted me like a glove and what was most surprising to me was how comfortable it was! It's exactly what had been explained to me before I tried on my first Galia Lahav. All the other dresses I had tried on before had some level of boning and as a result, were sometimes uncomfortable. Priscilla was fluid, it moulded to every curve and enhanced features I hadn’t even realised I had. A true dream come true! The colour of the gown itself really complemented my skin tone, being more of a blush/nude rather than white. And the four different types of fabric gave the gown depth and the train was really spectacular.
Describe the moment you found your dress.
I really knew it was the dress when my Mother uttered how amazingly beautiful I looked and of course my mother and sister-in-law were in complete agreement. There was no question about it! It was my ''yes'' to the dress moment and I could not have been happier.
If you could give your newly engaged self one piece of advise, what would it be?
My advice to my newly engaged self would be to take everything in one bit at a time because it all goes by so quickly! We were engaged for 2 years and it went by in a heartbeat! Go with your first instincts and don’t worry about being too extra because it’s so worth it at the end of the day. It’s about you! So do everything that makes you happy! Nate and I were on such a high when we were finally alone at the end of our reception night but what we both agreed upon is that we wouldn’t change a thing and would do it all again in a second, and that’s exactly the way you want to feel the night of your wedding!
Kelly wore ‘Priscilla’ from Galia Lahav Haute Couture. See more gowns from Galia Lahav Haute Couture here
How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?
The process behind my made to measure gown was an absolute breeze (for me at least). Based in Brisbane, Eternal Bridal got me down to Sydney for my final measurements about a year out from our wedding and of course I welcomed any excuse for a trip with the girls. I must say, the boutique was super accommodating with our big bridal party. The girls always made room for my numerous bridesmaids and nothing was ever too much trouble. Me being me, also called and emailed the boutique countless times with ridiculous questions and never did the girls grow tired (or show that they did) with me. The boutique kept me updated every step of the way and was super organised when it came to my fittings with me having to fly interstate. My first fitting was beyond perfect. The gown was like a second skin. No alterations were required apart from the hem which needed to be measured against my heels for the day. I was over the moon! My second fitting was also collection day and I can honestly say the boutique could not have done a better job. All of the girls were such professionals and I really felt as if they shared my excitement. I cannot fault the boutique or the designer. What an amazing journey!
VENDOR
Bridal gown: Galia Lahav from Eternal Bridal
Bridesmaid Outfit: Carla Zampatti
Groom’s & Groomsmen suit: Ryan at Black Jacket Suiting
Flowers: The Little Flower Market
Photographer: Luke Middlemiss Photography
Videographer: Mitch Lally from Evernew Studio
