On the 6th April 2024, high school sweethearts Louise and Dylan said "I do" on the alter at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, then made their way to Linseed House to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends.

We interviewed EB Real Bride, Louise to learn all about her not-so-surprising proposal, how her husband spent a year drawing each individual wedding favour, and her heartwarming 'yes' to the dress moment with her childhood best friend.

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

Dylan and I are high school sweethearts. We got briefly introduced at a few parties in Year 10, and it wasn’t until he invited me to his 17th birthday and I messaged to say thank you that we started to talk (on Snapchat!). Our first date was at Grill’d where he paid for my burger which was a HUGE deal to me as a 16-year-old. We’ve grown up together over the years; celebrating every birthday together as September babies, studying together for the HSC, and meeting up for lunch during Uni breaks. I remember asking Dylan on a late night phone call when we were 16, “Where do you see our relationship going?” And he said “Honestly… I see us getting married”. And here we are now!

How did your now-husband propose?

Dylan booked a Tiny Home in the Southern Highlands where he dropped to one knee at sunset. My Mum had accidentally told me it was happening because she didn’t realise that proposals were meant to be a surprise! I honestly didn’t mind knowing though as it meant I could pick an outfit, and get my nails done exactly how I wanted them. 

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

We wanted our day to be fun, fresh, youthful and modern. We’re the first in our high school friend group to get married so wanted to kickstart it with a bang! Our florist, Mrs Gibbons, did an incredible job of bringing this vision to life. Dylan’s also an Architect so he did all the stationary for us. He spent a year drawing each of our guests to give to them as a wedding favour, and designed all the place cards, menus, welcome signs, etc! I love how creative he is.  

 What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

I knew I wanted an a-line silhouette and a long train because when else in my life would I have an excuse to wear a big and dramatic dress! 

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

I went back to Eternal Bridal for a second fitting ready to buy the “Rosette” dress by Enzoani - I loved (and thought I wanted) the clean, modern satin look. But the amazing Fusae who was helping me that day asked me if I wanted to try on a new dress that had just arrived. I had time so thought, why not?

I put on the “Bergenia” dress by Le Lee Studio and immediately felt like my eyes were twinkling. The dress sparkled and I loved the deep V on myself. I had doubts though as it was just so different to what I originally had in mind. It wasn’t until I brought in my childhood best friend and she convinced me saying that the lace and sparkles is exactly what 5-year-old Louise would’ve said 'yes' to.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?

I went to about 6 other bridal stores before my appointment at Eternal Bridal came around. Eternal Bridal was the first place I felt like I wasn’t being “sold” a dress but the assistant was truly trying to help me make sure I felt and looked my best on the biggest day of my life. Thank you so much to both Fusae and Lauren for their help!

What was the highlight of your special day? 

Our sweetheart table! I’m so glad we decided to have a sweetheart table. It felt like we were having our first date night as husband and wife and we got a chance to debrief on the day so far. It was also very heart-warming just looking out at our guests together, seeing all our loved ones in the same room.  

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

This sounds so silly and small but I really wish I held my bouquet lower when walking down the aisle so that I showed off my dress more. They’re not joking when they say to hold your bouquet at hip level! 

Louise and Dylan's wedding vendors: 

Wedding dress: 'Bergenia' by Le Lee Studio via Eternal Bridal

Photographer: Tealily Photography

Video: Soulmande stories 

Venue: St Thomas’ Anglican Church / Linseed House (The Grounds of Alexandria) 

HMU: Amy Chan Hair and Make up 

Bridesmaid dresses: Shona Joy

Florals: Mrs Gibbons

Signage: By the groom himself! 

Gelato: Mapo Gelato 

DJ: Scotch n Soda

String Quartet: Hugo Hui 

Limousine: A1 Limousines