NICCI IN VESPER

High school sweethearts with a love for travel, Nicci and Harry dreamt of a wedding that felt more like a holiday than a single day. They created a four-day celebration in the Hunter Valley that captured the warmth and la dolce vita spirit of Italy, surrounded by their closest friends and family.

For Nicci, finding her gown was about timelessness and confidence. The Vesper gown was love at first sight — a gown that made her feel beautiful, elegant, and completely herself.

Below, Nicci shares her story in her own words.

NICOLA AND HARRY - THE LOVE STORY

HOW DID YOU AND YOUR PARTNER MEET?

Harry and I met in high school.

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

We started dating so young that it just naturally became long term. There was never a big realisation it was just a steady kind of certainty that never needed explaining.

Can you share a little about your proposal?

Harry proposed the day we got the keys to our first home. He’d set up candles, rose petals, and champagne. The ring he proposed with was made using my grandma’s diamond, which made it feel really personal. After I said yes, we both kind of panicked about the candle wax melting onto our brand new floors.

The Wedding

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

We’ve always had a love for travel, and getting married in Italy was our dream from the start. When we realised it wasn’t practical for everyone to travel so far, we began searching for something that could still give us that feeling like we were tucked away in a Tuscan villa. Redleaf Wollombi was exactly that. We wanted the day to feel like a holiday: relaxed, full of good food and wine, and surrounded by the people we love.

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

We wanted the weekend to feel like a holiday not just for us, but for everyone who came. The Hunter Valley gave us the perfect setting to build a four-day celebration. Day one was a wine tour followed by the grand final football. Day two offered yoga for the ladies, golf for the men, and an Italian cooking class that brought everyone together. Day three was the wedding, and day four was recovery by the pool. By the time we got married, everyone already knew each other. That was the vision: something slow, warm, and shared. A long weekend that felt like dolce vita, not just one day that came and went too quickly.

What drew you to Ella Moda?

I loved that Ella Moda was based in Brisbane and that each gown was custom made to your measurements. That personal, tailored approach made the whole experience even more meaningful.

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

I first saw the Vesper gown on Instagram and kept coming back to it. It had that perfect mix of classic and timelessness, but the lace detailing added a subtle uniqueness that made it stand out.

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

At the start of the reception, Harry’s uncle introduced a sweet little tradition. Anytime someone clinked their glass, it meant Harry and I had to find each other and share a kiss. It kept us close, grounded in the moment, and reminded us to pause and soak it all in together.

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

My grandma passed away before the wedding, and that was hard. While I was getting ready, a little bird tapped on the window and later, the same bird was waiting for me at the end of the aisle. In that moment, I just felt her there with me as I walked down the aisle.

How did your partner react when they first saw you in your gown?

The morning was such a rush, everything moved so quickly, and there wasn’t a lot of time to pause and get sentimental. But we planned a first look with Harry before the ceremony just the two of us and that moment slowed everything down. I knew he’d love the dress, but seeing his reaction made me so happy. It was a quiet, special moment before the rest of the day unfolded.

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

For me, it would be the reception sitting down with our favourite people, eating beautiful food, drinking good wine, and just soaking it all in. For Harry, it was when we were announced husband and wife and everyone threw confetti.

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

Definitely my brother’s backflip attempt on the dance floor. The floor was wet, he slipped mid-air, and landed flat on his nose bloody, bruised, but thankfully okay. It wasn’t exactly graceful, but it was hilarious, and somehow became one of those moments we keep coming back to. Every time someone brings it up, we end up in fits of laughter all over again.

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

Calm and excited, which surprised me. I’m not usually one for being the centre of attention, but in that moment, it just felt right.

How did your gown make you feel throughout the day?

I didn’t want to take it off. It made me feel beautiful and confident in a way I don’t often feel. It was a cold night but there was no way I was going to cover up such a beautiful gown.

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

Don’t chase trends. Pick something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Comfortable, confident, and able to enjoy the day without overthinking it.