The Special Couple: Mandy + Harrison

Wedding Date: 15th September 2019

THE FIRST SIGHT

We met when we were in high school through some friends at a party - we didn't go to the same school. I was intrigued, and offended, that he wanted nothing to do with me at this party, so in the weeks after I made it my goal to reel him in!

THE PROPOSAL

After 7 years of dating and Harrison's endless jokes about having to wait 7 more before he proposed, I was quite convinced that getting engaged wasn't on the cards for our upcoming trip to Europe. You can imagine my surprise when he proposed on our balcony in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast! Although we were both red and sweaty from climbing almost vertical hills in 35 degree heat to source a bottle of prosecco, it was so special and picturesque.

THE INSPIRATION & VENUE

Our wedding didn't have a particular theme, but I was extremely adamant that I wanted a formal, outdoor affair with modern styling. Often outdoor weddings are associated with rustic themes, but I was aiming for an almost black tie style event amongst manicured gardens. I was very lucky to find a stunning estate who helped me bring my vision to life by their lakeside.

When I found my dress I was using the image of it in champagne as my inspiration for my whole wedding.

THE DRESS

I had always been drawn to very clean, classic styles and imagined myself in some form of bonded silk fitted gown. However, I am a dancer and as all dancers can attest to, there is no such thing as too much when it comes to sparkle. So when I laid eyes on my Lazaro dress, which was the perfect balance of classic cut and modern sparkle, I knew that imagine would be my inspiration for the entire day.

I didn't know that any boutiques stocked Lazaro in Australia. It was by fate that I scrolled through Instagram one Thursday evening to find Eternal Bridal doing a last minute advertisement of their Lazaro Trunk Show. I was elated at the chance I might be able to try on the dress I assumed was only for my inspiration board. I called the next morning to secure the very last appointment, and when I arrived, I realized my gown was part of the Trunk Show. I tried the my dress on first, followed by three other styles.When I tried my dress on for the second time, and I was given a veil and a bouquet, I was very emotional because suddenly everything felt real. The shine was almost blinding, my mum cried, then I cried - what more can you ask for?!

THE HIGHLIGHT

The highlight of the day for me was our ceremony. We had a Catholic marriage in a lovely church that is more than 100 years old. It was so emotional and surreal, and I could feel the happiness radiating from our families which was so beautiful. I feel like I had tunnel vision and couldn't really focus on anything except what was happening on the alter. So when we got to see the photos and saw other people crying too, it made it all the more special.

MANDY'S ADVICE

Don't worry about the negativity that weddings can sometimes stir up amongst people around you. Focus on what makes you and your partner happy and what you see value in.

Mandy wore ‘Diamond’ from Lazaro. See more gowns from Lazaro here

MANDY'S ETERNAL BRIDAL EXPERIENCE

When I placed the Diamond gown on for the second time, and I was given a veil and a bouquet, I was very emotional because suddenly everything felt real. Not only was I so overwhelmed by how exceptional I felt in the dress, but the excitement of marrying Harrison and the sadness of moving away from my parents weighed on me all at once. My mum was a little confused by my crying and said 'Do you not like the veil?' before she started crying too. It was very special time, and Eternal Bridal made it a really personal experience.