Karina + Daniel

How did you meet?

Daniel and I met 8 years ago now, and it was genuinely “would marry” at first sight for both of us. I was working in a health food store that was owned by one of Daniel’s friends. Dan came in to visit his mate but instead, found me standing behind the register. The rest is history and we have been inseparable since!

When did you know they were the one?

Genuinely it felt like we both knew this as soon as we met!!! But sparks and chemistry aside, it was over the coming months and early years that I quickly learnt Dan would be there for me, making me laugh, holding my hand, and supporting me through all of the ups and the downs. After living and travelling together when I was in my early 20’s, we experienced so many different adventures as well as challenges together, and I knew he was the one.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?-

His huge, loud belly laugh, and the way he makes me smile. His dedication to his family and friends. How passionate he is… about life, his career, his morals, and our dog (haha).

Who proposed and how?

Dan proposed to me on a beautiful beach up in the Gold Coast near Miami Heads. It was actually super romantic (which isn’t Dan’s usual style) and we had the beach to ourselves (as it was actually closed due to previous storms, which we didn’t realise!). He held my hand and told me how much I meant to him, how much he loved me and our lives together, and after reminding me that he knew I was the one from the day he walked into that health food store, he got down on one knee and I was a blubbering mess!

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

I had seen some of the beautiful MWL pieces up on the Gold Coast boutique when shopping for my friends wedding gown a couple of years prior to my engagement. I fell in love and was following you on Instagram as I knew one day I would return for my own special dress!! I was so excited when the Melbourne store opened (although I would have travelled to QLD anyway hehe), and booked in to try on some dresses about 12 months before my wedding day.

I absolutely loved quite a few gowns, particularly Penny and Tommy, but THEN I found the beautiful Arlo. The stunning lace, show stopping train, plunging neck line and low cut back were all high on my list, so it was a dream to find! She was a stunner and I still remember how I felt standing on the podium with her flattering all the right places. Paired with my Holly Veil and it was just the full package. The gorgeous ladies in the Melbourne store were so helpful, and I still remember the excitement when I knew I had found the dress!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

This is hard!! Standing by my partners side during the ceremony and looking out to see all our friends and family smiling, laughing, and crying – that was pretty special. Also doing first look photo’s with Dan, where he got to see me and we had some photo’s in a more intimate setting before the ceremony was also amazing. It gave us time to take it all in, just the two of us.

What were your favourite details?

The lace of my gown, my partners vows, getting ready with my best girlfriends, dancing the night away, walking down the aisle with my gorgeous Holly Veil in and Dad holding my arm.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Start early when looking for your wedding dress if you can! Enjoy the process. And on your wedding day, try to slow down, stop and take it all in, and remember to feel grateful for the once in a lifetime moments.