Rebekah + Sam
How did you and your husband meet?
We met way back in 2013, 9 years ago! I was working behind the bar at a local sports club with his brother, eventually, he also started working there, at the time I was only 19 so it took a good six months before I truly realized what was happening.
How did he propose?
Sam had been planning a trip for my birthday, a little getaway to the Hunter Valley so I really thought nothing of it. As we arrived, I did notice his constant focus on the weather forecast and ensuring I was dressed "nicely" which was unlike him. We went to Binbadgen Winery where he had booked a picnic on the hill, this is when I started to notice his nerves, as he wouldn't let me sit down until he could blurt out his prepared speech and propose to me, still to this day I can't remember what he said as it was all such a blur! Five minutes later, it started pouring rain and everything started to make sense as to why he was acting so strange. We then went on to the Hunter Valley Zoo to have a play date with the Meerkats, to finally driving back home to a packed house full of family and friends to surprise me.
Tell us about your wedding gown shopping experience.
I had a style in mind and really wanted to find something "different" and not your typical gown, this is probably why I struggled to find one. In the beginning, I had probably been to five or more stores and likely driven my family crazy before I was about to give up and try to have the dress made, then I found Blanche Bridal! I was so happy to finally find a place willing to fulfill my ostrich feather dreams and not blow the budget.
Which Blanche design did you choose and how did you know it was the one?
I choose the Estelle gown, I knew it was the one when Helen told me I could add ostrich feathers to the bottom of the gown, it matched the pattern of the train so well and I was so excited to see how it would turn out, in the end it was everything I ever wanted.
Tell us about the accessories and H&MU you wore on the day.
I chose earrings from the bridal boutique, something very simple, then my family gave me a lovely Swarovski tennis bracelet. My hair was pinned to the side with big Hollywood waves, my makeup was very simple, I wanted to feel and look like myself but still be that little bit elevated.
How did you feel wearing your gown on your wedding day?
I was very nervous leading up to the day wondering how it would look and all come together, but when you finally put the dress on after waiting so long it all makes sense, then hearing so many wonderful comments from my guest about how unique and beautiful my dress was made me feel amazing.
Tell us about the venue and theme of the wedding!
My Venue was Pasadena Sydney, it is an amazing boutique-style venue that is located in the Northern Beaches at Church Point, it’s far enough out of Sydney to make you feel like you're on a tropical holiday. It's right on the waterfront surrounded by palm trees and amazing views, it was the perfect relaxed vibe we were looking for, plus it included accommodation!
The Theme I took on was neutral/coastal elegance, I loved the look of all white florals and styling, it matched the venue so well.
Any funny stories about the wedding day you’d like to share?
Probably one of the funniest moments from the day would have to be Sam's father’s speech. To put it in context Sam is quite a loud and energetic person who can usually be heard from a mile away, so to conclude his speech, he gifted me with industrial earmuffs!
Was your wedding experience everything you dreamt of?
I think we put so much pressure on it being everything we ever wanted, for sure things didn't go right but so many things did! I wouldn't change anything, maybe to just do it all over again! Haha! But my husband might have something to say about that.
What advice would you give to other Blanche brides?
So many people in your life are going to have opinions and ideas about their "perfect wedding" the dress, the styling, even how much you spend! You have to understand not everyone is going to make the same choices you would and just enjoy it while it last, as it passes by so quickly!