Anna + Matt

How did you meet?

Matt and I met out one night. He was sitting with a girl at a bar and I (with a lot of liquid courage) decided to go and sit at their table for a chat. Lucky for me, although they looked like a happy couple, it was his housemate. We exchanged numbers and he spent the rest of the night searching for me again in bars and clubs. He did manage to find me, but I didn’t show any further interest. He messaged me the next day though, and we kept messaging until he asked me out on a date – and the rest is history!

When did you know they were the one?

On the first date we enjoyed a beautiful meal, wine and great chat. During the dinner I actually went to the bathroom and texted my Mum saying ‘I am in love’. We proceeded to head out for a few more drinks after dinner and told each other that night that we liked each other. I could see my entire future with Matt on that very night.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. His work ethic – Whether personally or professionally, Matt always works hard at what he does and is the opposite to lazy! It is really attractive to me.
2. His sense of adventure – We have been together for 9 years and achieved so much. He is always willing to give anything a go and he encourages me to do the same.
3. The way he makes me feel like I am so loved, protected and cared for.

Who proposed and how?

Matt chose the ring while we were living in London, however, at the time, decided the money would be best spent on our travels. He always knew it was the perfect ring, so when we had moved back to Australia he had the ring made and sent here from London.

I was suspicious a proposal was looming, so he decided to catch me off guard while cooking dinner… He flew around the corner on one knee and said “Anna Donaldson, would you do me the honour of marrying me!” It was absolutely perfect!

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

I had the Harlow dress saved in my phone before we were even engaged! I was obsessed with the low back and long train. I sought out a Made with Love stockist here in Adelaide and tried her on. I also tried different styles on and found I loved a plunging neckline too. It wasn’t love at first sight for me as I had to imagine the change in neckline (I decided to go with Harlow V2) and it fitting me perfectly, but I had a good image of what it might look like in my head. I was very nervous when I walked in to try her on for the first time – But the moment I stepped into it, I couldn’t believe how perfect it was!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding? 

The most emotional time was when we went to sign the paperwork – It was the first time I got to talk to Matt properly and we were just so happy. We also had another moment with the bridal party after photos and before we entered the reception where we had a drink and something to eat together. It was just so surreal having our closest friends together for a quiet moment. We were all on cloud 9!

What were your favourite details? 

Obviously the dress! Haha
Our florals were another detail that were just executed so perfectly. Shout out to Georgia from Ethereal Botanica – She is just divine!
The venue had stone walls everywhere as well, which made for the perfect setting and backdrop. The ‘Open Air Chapel’ is so unique and beautiful.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Do the rounds with your guests. I got so swept up in the moment I didn’t spend time with everyone and I ended up feeling bad (not that anyone actually cared).
Just set aside half an hour with your husband or wife to do quick hellos and thank you’s.. It might save your future self some guilt.

Any standout vendors?

Our videographer Curtis Brownjohn and photographer Blake Heywood Sanders were unbelievable!
The work that goes into capturing the day is something else and we will be forever grateful for their professional work and dedication – The outcome speaks for itself.

MWL DESIGN:

Harlow V2

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Blake Heywood Sanders

RETAILER:

Adelaide Bridal Collective