WFML Real Bride Christie
Our bride Christie had an unforgettable destination wedding. Read how the big day went and how she found her WFML dream wedding gown.
So Christie, please tell us – with months (or even years!) of planning, did the Big Day run smoothly?
Brett proposed in March 2017 on Gili Trawangan Island – an island off Bali. The very next day we had made the decision to have a destination wedding and we set the date for 14 months later, which was on our 6-year anniversary. We had our venue booked within weeks – knowing this tropical island was ever so popular! Little did we know – I was 2 months pregnant at this time, so now we were planning a wedding as well as expecting!
The big day – yes it did, well mostly! We were married on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday’s and woke to blue skies, with mansions to get ready in, unlimited alcohol, incredible food, fireworks, a rocking band and 80 odd amazing guests to enjoy it all with! There was one mishap the morning of the wedding; my husband had a phone call from one of his groomsmen advising he wouldn’t make it… My husband’s younger sister – who’s original part in the wedding was junior bridesmaid to assist our 4 flower girls walk down the aisle was now also taking the role of a grooms woman! Luckily, she had the same colour and a slightly different style dress to my other 4 bridesmaids! It worked perfectly.
Was your wedding themed? Did you and your hubby go for a traditional feel or more contemporary style?
Our wedding was classic and traditional with a contemporary twist! We had all the formalities that a traditional wedding would have, such as a sit-down dinner and speeches. Our ceremony was on the beach, which had quite a laid back relaxed feel with the serene backdrop of the ocean! The classic comes into it with my wedding gown; we had modern invitations and classy decorations.
How did The Dress fit into your theme? Did you have an idea of which style you wanted before beginning the search for your Bridal Gown? And did this change much after you saw the girls at WFML?
My dress was first on the list, everything else came next. It’s crazy really, before I had walked into my first bridal store I had an image and style in mind of what I wanted and that was a full lace white dress. After many days of bridal shopping, I had changed my mind completely. There were many gowns I had seen that I liked certain elements of, but the gown as a whole was not doing it for me. I would have needed significant alterations. I was now in search for a more modern classic gown and actually thinking of going down the path of having it made (which I really didn’t want to do) as I didn’t like the thought of not being able to ‘try before I buy’.
When I walked into when Freddie met Lilly, I knew I was not only in the right place but in the right hands. The variety and style of gowns was exactly what I was looking for. If I remember correctly, within half an hour I had found my wedding dress! I absolutely loved that I could add, change or chop elements before it was made.
Did your man choose his Suit? Or with some guidance did you help him? Did his suit compliment your gown? (or was it the other way around?).
My husband choose his suit, with my approval! I think we complimented each other. He wore a light grey suit with a crisp white shirt and an ivory tie.
How many dresses did you try on before you knew it was the one? 5? 10? 15+?
I think it would have been over 20!
How did your gown make you feel on your very Special Day?
Glamorous!
Were the girls from When Freddie met Lilly helpful in what can be quite a busy and time consuming process when find The Dress?
Vanessa and Stephanie were fantastic! Nothing was ever too much and I always had great communication with updates on my dress.
Any tips for our future Brides choosing a gown that makes the day complete?
From my experience, don’t be set on a style you want before beginning your shopping. Go in open-minded and do yourself a favour – make when Freddie met lily your first bridal stop!
If there is anything you would like to add – about your wedding? Your experience? – Absolutely anything you would like to comment on that I haven’t asked please feel free to! We love to use quotes from our brides, as it is the most real reflection of the service we offer.
I can’t wait to do a trash the dress photo shoot just so I can where my dress again!
Who were your vendors and their Instagram @handles?
We got married on Hamilton Island and everything was through them – Hamilton Island photography, Hamilton Island hair & beauty, our ceremony was on the beach and our venue was a marquee style called the outrigger. So I think you just use the one
@hiweddings
Styling – I do events, @idoeventswhitsundays
Shoes – Alan Pinkus, @alanpinkus
Jewellery – Fletcher & Grace, @fletcherandgrace
Wedding rings – Michael Hill, @michaelhillj
Boys suits – YD & Tarocash, @tarocash, @ydaustralia
Floral gowns – Bridetribe
Bridesmaid dresses – Adrianna Papell, @adriannapapell
Flowers – flowers for eternity, @flowersforeternity