As they say, you meet the love of your life when you least expect it. This was the case for Joel and I, we were both very busy with our careers, myself had recently undergone a breast lumpectomy so you could say that life was a roller coaster at that stage, we met at a very interesting time having been friends first which then turned into something more. Quickly becoming each other's best friends, lovers and fur parents, we got our own place together and on my 25th Birthday Joel asked me to marry him. I initially thought that he was having a heart attack as he went very clammy, grey and shaky. Little did I know, he was actually proposing lol, of course I said YES!
2 years go by planning our big day, I had planned to goto another bridal boutique in Auckland but I didn't feel that welcome so I took to google and found Bridal Brilliance, I did what any nervous curvy bride does and called them, I asked about sizes, fittings and if they have many curvy brides in. From the moment they answered my call, they were kind, welcoming and reassuring. I was booked in for a try on and was met with Lizzie, she was just amazing, asked me a few questions and selected a few gowns of her choice, then asked me to do the same and even extended the offer to my mum, sister and nana. I love how inclusive Lizzie was with this process. She even got me out of my comfort zone and into some gowns I hadn't thought about. We had a clear winner (Kelly Lin - Elizabeth), although I did not fit the dress, Lizzie made sure I could envision what it would like if it had. We went away for lunch and made the call to come back that same day which the ladies at Bridal Brilliance were so accommodating with, they even let me back in the dress with my own veil for more pictures. The daunting part of measurements was made easy with Lizzie, it was quick and easy and before I knew it my dress was ordered in my size!
Fast forward 6 months and we get some tough news regarding my health. Turns out I need an extensive operation which would inhibit us from having our day on our original set date or any time after that. We took some time to think about us, our future and all the time/money spent on vendors thus far. One thing was certain, we still wanted to say 'I DO' before I wasn't able to. It was coming up to our 3 year anniversary and we thought let's ELOPE. I have the gown of my dreams, man of my dreams and that is all I needed. We unfortunately lost some money from vendor deposits being non refundable or changeable however in the space of 5 weeks we planned a stunning elopement with our closest immediate family.
My whole vision for this elopement was the same as the original idea for the bigger wedding... simple, elegant, timeless.
Through our incredible vendors below, we were able to achieve this. I cannot thank them enough for making this a special time for us under the circumstances, our day was perfect!
Suit: Hallensteins
Signage/Bar: DIY
Looking back at our photos brings tears to both our eyes as it was everything we wanted and more! Now we are on cloud nine from our intimate wedding and I hope by sharing this, brides can take the leap and just ELOPE. Also curvy brides, you are STUNNING and Bridal Brilliance will ensure you are reminded of that with their kind staff and stunning gown selection.
Mr + Mrs Edwards (hehe)
