RILEY IN BAMBI
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RILEY AND MITCHES - THE LOVE STORY
HOW DID YOU AND YOUR PARTNER MEET?
We met at school! Though we didn’t start dating until about a year after school finished – we had always been close friends and reconnected at a mutual friend’s 18th birthday.
Was there a moment you knew they were “the one”?
We actually agreed very early on when we were dating that we didn’t want anything serious… 12 years later, Mitch brought this up in his vows haha.
Can you share a little about your proposal?
Our proposal was perfectly “us” – funny, chaotic, and unexpected. We have a spot at our local beach that we love to go to for a drink and picnic, and that’s what Mitch had planned. Though he didn’t count on there being a huge python in the tree above us and me spotting it and running away before he popped the question. We had to relocate and reset but we got there in the end.
The Wedding
How would you describe the feeling or atmosphere you wanted for your wedding day?
We wanted a fun day full of love, laughs, good food, drinks, and music, and colour.
Did you have any particular inspiration, theme, or vision in mind?
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What drew you to Ella Moda?
I’d been following Ella Moda for a while and always admired how timeless and classic the gowns were. I love a classic but stylish look.
Can you describe the moment you first tried on your gown?
I walked in with the decision basically already made – I knew the Bambi gown was my gown. Dharma convinced me to try on a few styles, and I loved them all in different ways – some more than I thought I would honestly, but as soon as I tried on Bambi, I knew.
Were there any custom touches or special details that felt especially personal?
I had R+M and our wedding date embroidered onto the veil which was so lovely and made for some really beautiful photos. I’ll treasure that forever.
What was the most emotional moment for you on the day?
The moment after we got back from our portraits and before our first dance at sunset. Everyone had told me to take some time together to pause and process the day – so we did, and every emotion hit me at once! It felt so overwhelming but incredibly lovely to have our closest family and friends all there, having such a great time celebrating us. A few tears were shed.
How did your partner react when they first saw you in your gown?
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If you could relive one moment, what would it be?
The end of the night, dancing by the bonfire with everyone.
Was there an unexpected detail that ended up being one of your favourites?
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In one word, how did you feel walking down the aisle?
Beautiful.
How did your gown make you feel throughout the day?
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What advice would you give brides just beginning their gown journey?
Visit Ella Moda and be open to trying a few styles out. I’d been to a couple of studios but from the moment we walked into Ella Moda, Dharma was so wonderful and accommodating. I don’t typically fit sample sizes and yet there was absolutely no barrier to trying on any gowns. I felt welcomed, celebrated, and part of the community from the moment we walked in.
THE VENDORS
Venue: Bramblewood Farm
Photographer: Luxe Elopements Byron Bay
Videographer: Yellowbull Weddings
Florist: Seven Blooms Casuarina
Hair & makeup: Goddess Makeup Design
Shoes: Wittner
Jewellery: Family jewellery
Celebrant/planner/stylist (if applicable): Leisa Ottley Celebrant
Anyone other suppliers that contributed to your day: Weddings by Samir (musician), the Whole Bride (accessories), Sir & Shake mobile bar, Fire n Dough woodfired pizzas