On May 18th, Shannon met Ivan at the church altar where they exchanged vows to one another, then celebrated the night away surrounded by their loved ones. We sat down and spoke with Melbourne EB real bride, Shannon about bringing her Galia Lahav dreams to life for her traditional wedding, how her now-husband set up the most romantic proposal in their new home, and more.

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

I met Ivan in Mykonos on a holiday with my best friend/maid of honour. He was flying out 48 hours after we met at the same hotel and we returned to this hotel on our honeymoon. We met across balconies and only lived 40 minutes from each other in Melbourne. Our best man and maid of honour who were with us are getting married in November.

How did your now-husband propose? 

We bought our dream home together that was settled 1st March 2023. As I am a lawyer I was handling the settlement of our home and asked Ivan to go and pick up the keys from the agent so that I could ensure everything ran smoothly. Little did I know he asked for early access to the property to set up the most beautiful proposal. When I arrived at our new home he had set up the hallway with roses and had a sign in our new living room asking him to marry him. It was perfect. We had champagne in our forever home celebrating both settling on our home and me saying yes to forever.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding styling and bridal look? 

All I wanted was traditional, clean black and white with some hints of colour and elegance. I dreamed of having a traditional gown with some intricate beading around a tight-fitted corset.

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

I looked at my mum. She wasn’t convinced of all the other gowns I tried on and she isn’t a crier. When I put on my dress and mum teared up I knew it was it. My best friend of 25 years was the same.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal? 

Amazing. The help I received to pick my perfect dress was next to none.

What was the highlight of your special day? 

Walking down the aisle and finally seeing my now-husband. As soon as I saw his smile I immediately calmed down.

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

Don’t stress about the details. It will always work out.

Shannon and Ivan’s vendors:

Wedding dress: Gia by @galialahav via @eternalbridal

Photographer: @lostinlove_photography

Videographer: @moonandbackco

Hair: @a_sbridalhair

Makeup: @spmakeup_

Venue: @carouselalbertpark

Church: Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church