REAL BRIDE MELISSA MARRIES IN LE LEE STUDIO
Posted by Eternal Bridal on
On the 22nd of June, Melissa and Laurence exchanged vows in the sweetest Hunter Valley cottage; Circa 1876. We sat down with Melissa to learn all about her rom-com worthy 'meet cute' and proposal story, how she came about saying 'yes' to the Sage gown, and her simple advice for newly engaged couples.
Let’s go back to where it all began. When and how did you meet your significant other?
We met 9-ish years ago. Laurence was a barista at the café that my friend and I frequented after our morning workout together. I was very shy, so I always left my money with my friend and I would shoot off to work. One day my friend texted me after breakfast whilst I was at work and she said “I have just given the barista your number. He is very nice and he thinks you're cute.” That afternoon I received a text from him wanting to hang out and the rest is history!
How did your now-husband propose?
He came home early one day from work on a Summer's afternoon. We headed down to the beach with our 2 gorgeous girls. I took our eldest for a swim in the waves and he eventually came over with our littlest one. I turned around to see our little one sitting on his knee with Laurence asking me if I would marry him. I, of course, said yes.
Was there a theme for your wedding? What inspired you while styling your dream day?
‘Magical fairytale’ was the theme as our venue was this stunning cottage called ‘Circa 1876 Restaurant and The Convent in the Hunter Valley. I just loved the idea of creating a magical fairytale in this vintage venue with their lush gardens.
What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?
I’ve always been obsessed with the stunning 3D flower detailing, so I was looking for a gown that could bring this to life. I also love a bit of a sheer moment, so the semi-sheer skirt on Sage caught my attention. When my Eternal Bridal stylist helped me add a couple of extra details to the dress, it just made the whole look and made me feel like I was in a fairy garden.
Describe your ‘yes to the dress’ moment. How did you feel and what made you say ‘yes’?
I actually didn’t originally pick this dress off the rack at my appointment. During my appointment, I had a little more time to try on one more dress so my stylist, Brooke, selected Sage for me. When I tried it on I thought ‘wow this is stunning’. The details were incredible.
I ended up actually going away to think about it and found another dress that I also loved. It ended up becoming a competition between the two dresses. But when I asked for the photos to compare, there was just no comparing the Sage dress. She was the one. It just felt more me.
What was the highlight of your special day?
Seeing my girls walk down the aisle with my brother and sister and to see their dad in tears was very special.
If you could go back in time and give your newly-engaged self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make yourself happy instead of worrying about if everyone else is.
Melissa and Laurence's Vendors:
Wedding dress: Sage by Le Lee Studio via Eternal Bridal
Venue: Circa 1876/The Convent
Planner/coordinator: Circa 1876
Caterer: Circa 1876
Signage/stationary/Decor: Designs to Adore
Photographer: Sera Luna Co
Florist: Hunter Valley Bouquets
Celebrant/MC: That Altar Guy
DJ: Advantage DJs
Makeup/hair: ChicArtistry
Cake: Butter Bakery
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Suit: Gentlemens Outfitters