Belle + Ollie

How did you meet?

A work colleague asked if she could set me up with her friend, after nonchalantly agreeing thinking nothing would come of it, a persistent Ollie eventually convinced me to go for a drink. Which turned into dinner. Then a second date. And now we’re married!

When did you know they were the one?

I had a flight booked to move back to Australia when I met Ollie, and in the first few months of dating I made my one way plane ticket a return. He was so easy to be around and such a genuine person the decision was easy, I knew I wouldn’t regret it.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

– His incredible thoughtfulness and genuineness.
– The eternal problem solver in him, manifesting in a penchant for researching, till there is nothing left to know. I love his need to make sure he has chosen the perfect thing or learnt something so thoroughly he can fix it, discuss it and respect it.
– An ever present appreciation of me, coupled with his encouragement, belief and faith in me to do whatever I might want to, no matter how lofty my goals.

Who proposed and how?

Ollie proposed to me at sunset on an African safari, on a trip planned last minute in a small window of opportunity in 2020. He did a great job keeping the proposal itself a secret!

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

I first saw ‘Harry’ on Instagram just after the style was released. We booked our wedding with less than 6 months till the day so dress shopping had been a stressful and unenjoyable experience. I was close to just picking something I had tried when chatting with a friend in Australia who mentioned the Harry dress. It was the push I needed to go and try it in the London showroom where I straightaway knew Harry was an absolute frontrunner. A few weeks later visiting Australia my Mum came along to see it and the decision was made! Simple, comfortable and elegant, with a statement element. All the things I was looking for, Harry was a match!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

We loved our ceremony! In the ruins of a 18th century chapel in France, in the sunshine, looking out at all our closest people there to celebrate and support us.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Cliché but don’t sweat the small stuff!! Focus on how the day will make you and your guests feel, but most of all, what will make you have most fun. That’s what you and your nearest and dearest will remember. Try and have some time to revel in the excitement with just the two of you, carve it into your timetable if you can!

Any standout vendors?

Our talented photographer & videographer team – Utopic Lovers
The incredible Sandi Smith (UK celebrant in France).
Amie Brennan (The__botanical) our florist who took our brief and made it exceptional.
Our planner – French Bague-ette who made everything calm and the day run so smoothly.
Our wonderful Musicians – Cuarteto Moon and High Jinx Band who were even better than we imagined!