Alexandra + Trent

How did you meet?

Trent and I knew ‘of’ each other growing up. Dating people in the same scenes, socialising in the same crowds and venues; but just never actually MET. We both married, had children and I even moved to multiple other states before returning to my home town after separating from my husband. And little did I know, Trent was going through separation as well. We both had each other on socials from 10 years prior and over time worked out that each other were single, and Trent slid into my DM’s!!!
We chit chatted about life and single parenting, and how we hated marriage and vowed to be single forever for the rest of eternity. One day Trent was taking his kids to the park and suggested I bring my kids too.. I decided “what’s the worst that could happen? I’ll use my kids as an escape if I need too” and went along. Turns out, he was doing the same. We didn’t need to use our kids as a decoy.. it sounds cliche; but it was love at first sight!

When did you know they were the one?

Immediately. We both had vowed that relationships and marriage were a waste of time prior to meeting, but the moment I saw him; I thought “I’m screwed!!!”. I had butterflies, I couldn’t stop smiling at him and it is just something I can’t explain. Trent left the park and told his mate “I’m in big trouble here!!”. It was like we had known each other a lifetime.
We had so many sliding doors moments looking back. We were in the same places, at the same time in so many moments growing up – we both feel annoyed at fate for not having us meet earlier!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His endless kindness towards others – always considering other people in his life.
His good looks – his eyes and smile literally give me all the feels.
His ‘Daddy-ing skills’ – we have four kids between the two of us, all close in age, and he handles it like a boss. Always making them laugh, being so hands on with dad-duties and never misses a single thing they have on.

Who proposed and how?

Trent proposed to me. Six months after meeting; on the block of land we had purchased to build our dream home (things move quickly in our relationship! When you know, you know).
He said we were going out to measure up a few things. He asked me to work out where the centre of our house is (which is now where our family room stands), and when I worked it out, I turned around to find all the kids around me and Trent on one knee with a ring in hand. As our house was getting built, Trent went and spray painted a love heart on the inside of the wall in the exact spot where he proposed – and is now also the wall we use to hang our family photos!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

Well.. it all started with your Max gown. I was in love. I had to have it – she was the dress of my dreams. I drove 7 hours to your Sydney boutique to try it on and take her home.. but it seemed she wasn’t for me. So, I decided while I was heartbroken – I decided to try on other gowns & it was a toss up between the Jordann and Archie. Not being sure, I left with intention of deciding later. I still couldn’t decide and went on to then purchase two Chosen by One Day gowns which I continuously compared to Archie every time I tried them on.. So after a COVID set back of our wedding for the second time and more time before our new date; I knew that I had to get married in the dress I couldn’t stop Pinterest and Insta stalking – ARCHIE!! And I could not be happier. It is simple, yet has stunning details in the cowl and buttons and oozes elegance.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

FINALLY getting to be the Mrs to my Mr Castles. We had so many set backs with covid and worries that our guests wouldn’t be able to make it; so to finally get to stand in front of all of our favourite humans on the planet and children by our side as we got married was something I will cherish forever!

What were your favourite details?

The stress free day we planned. Having both been married before, with formal weddings, sit down meals, timelined days and the idea of ‘perfection’.. we ditched it all.
We had incredible canape food and grazing tables all day long, a never ending gelato cart, buckets and buckets of prosecco & espresso martinis, a dancefloor under the starts, picnic rugs and a surprise fireworks display. It was realistically an EPIC PARTY.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Don’t sweat the small stuff on the day – whatever doesn’t go to plan, no one will know.
Be super organised and have everything done and ticked off the week before your wedding (especially the small things) so the lead up is FUN!
Enjoy every moment because it does go so fast!
Oh and do invest in a videographer because those guys; they are worth every penny!

Any standout vendors?

Ash Henderson Photography. I cannot even begin to explain how fabulous she is, both as a photographer and as someone you will cherish at your wedding. She has magic pockets – there is nothing she didn’t have in those moments you cant predict: like endless supplies of napkins, somehow always having a glass of prosecco on hand for you, and always fixing your dress or hair. It goes to show how passionate she is about her job, but also how much she cares about her clients.

Steve Bowen. Our DJ & MC. Simply the best!

Alaura Jade Make Up – A magician!

Benjamin Christie – Videographer. Our 50 second snapshot is insanely fabulous. I cannot wait for the main event!