EMMA IN PARIS

From “love at first sight” on their very first date to a romantic proposal in Beechmont, Emma and Harry’s story has always been filled with laughter, warmth, and a shared love of life’s simple pleasures. Their wedding at Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads captured that spirit perfectly — a relaxed, joyful coastal celebration with champagne flowing, friends cheering, and the ocean as their backdrop.

For her gown, Emma chose the Paris, custom-designed with a lowered back and embroidered with her initials and wedding date in soft baby blue — her something blue. “It was love at first sight. The Paris gown is the perfect mix of romance and modern bridal. I felt so beautiful, like a princess — it really is a once in a lifetime dress.”

Below, Emma shares her story in her own words.

EMMA AND HARRY - THE LOVE STORY

Was there a moment you knew they were “the one”?

I think we both knew early on this was ‘the one’. Dating never felt too serious or hard; we had a lot of fun and were very much on the same page about what we wanted from a relationship. Harry says it was ‘love at first sight’, but I think the great dress I wore on our first day and the several glasses of wine we had helped!

Can you share a little about your proposal?

We got engaged during a weekend away in Beachmont. After sharing a few glasses of wine, we were outside enjoying the view when he got down on one knee! It was very romantic and there were lots of ugly/happy tears!

The Wedding

How would you describe the feeling or atmosphere you wanted for your wedding day?

Relaxed and joyful. We didn’t want a stuff long ceremony, we wanted a great party and to enjoy the day with our favourite people, great food and lots of champagne!

Did you have any particular inspiration, theme, or vision in mind?

Our venue was the first thing we locked in, and we really wanted to focus on making the most of the space/view. Our ‘theme’ was coastal elegance and we wanted a simple colour palette that tied in with the coastal landscape.

What drew you to Ella Moda?

A friend had recommended I visit Ella Moda aftter she purchased her gown. I had no clue what style I was after or what would suit me so I wanted to go with a designer that had a huge range of styles and offered the flexibility to change bits and pieces of a dress.

Can you describe the moment you first tried on your gown?

It really was love at first sight! I tried it on and both my mum and maid of honour cried. I felt like a real bride and was so beautiful. It was instantaneously the one!

Were there any custom touches or special details that felt especially personal?

I wanted to lower the back of the dress, which Ella Moda fully supported! I also had our initials and wedding date embroidered into the dress in baby blue as my ‘something blue’.

What was the most emotional moment for you on the day?

Walking down the aisle. We knew we wanted our ceremony to be romantic but relaxed, our friends ‘woo’d’ and cheered as I came down the aisle. Seeing my husband at the end of the aisle, plus all our loved ones, was very emotional. Core memory for sure!

What was the reaction when everyone say you in your gown?

Everyone loved it! I know everyone tells the bride they look beautiful, but I received so many comments about how amazing the dress was and how they hadn’t seen anything quite like it.

If you could relive one moment, what would it be?

Walking down the aisle! I replay that moment over in my head so often. I think it will be one of my favorite memories for as long as I live.

Was there an unexpected detail that ended up being one of your favourites?

It rained the morning of our wedding, which was slightly problematic as we were having the ceremony outside. But the rains parted and the sun shone for the ceremony. The lighting with a few clouds ultimately made for the most amazing photos. We were so lucky!

In one word, how did you feel walking down the aisle?

Joyfull!

How did your gown make you feel throughout the day?

Without being too corny, like a princess! I felt so beautiful and bridal. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime dress, and I wish I could wear it all the time haha!

What advice would you give brides just beginning their gown journey?

Try lots and lots of different styles. When I started looking for a dress I thought I knew exactly what I wanted… until I tried that on and realised that was not the style for me. I never imagined I would wear a dress like Paris, but when I tried it on it was game over! Plus, trying on lots of different gowns is so much fun!