Alana's Santorini wedding was the perfect mix of sun, relaxation and white wine! Her Eleganza stylist picked out the off-shoulder dress of her dreams that fit her like a glove...
How would you describe your Eleganza Experience?
I had the most special experience with just my sister and the lovely Lisa from Eleganza. I hadn't found a dress I loved as yet after trying on a couple from the Love List I had created. Lisa asked me to try on a dress that I hadn't picked myself and it turned out to be the one!
Tell us all about your Essence of Australia dress!
I really wanted something off the shoulder but felt there wasn't a lot of options. I don't remember seeing my dress on the Eleganza website. When Lisa put me in the dress and then turned me around to the mirror I was so, so delighted. It was off the shoulder, fitted to the waist and then flared out into an amazing train. The button detail on the back was just beautiful. We added a little bit of sparkle with a belt that we had sewn on. I felt amazing on the day and I'm so sad I won't get to wear my dress again!
Tell us about your fiancé and how he proposed!
My other half Chris and I had known each other since we were around 18 but hadn't seen each other in years. We bumped into each other at the airport, we were both going on holiday with our friends to Las Vegas and ended up having our first two dates out there. We went back to Vegas a couple of years later when flying home from Australia (total detour!) and he proposed on the balcony of our hotel over-looking the Bellagio fountains.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding?
We decided on an abroad wedding pretty quickly and settled on Santorini as it looked so picturesque. We didn't have a theme as such - It was all very white and blue due to the background and scenery. We had white roses and greenery, candles, floaty drapes, fairy lights etc. to make everything really romantic.
What was your favourite part of wedding planning?
Having the excuse to day-drink wine often!
How was your big day?!
It was just incredible. We had a later ceremony at 4pm so it wasn't too hot on the day! The morning was really relaxed. I spent it getting ready with my girls at the wedding venue. We did things a little differently - the wedding car picked up the groom and his best man! Our photographer took us away to a remote part of the island for some pictures on our own and it was great to get an hour just Chris and I on the day. The party was in full swing when we arrived back at the villa, our guests were already dancing to the band and having the best day. The food was amazing, the wine was even better. We had a firework display and danced under the fairy lights ’til the early hours. We even managed to avoid any of our guests jumping in the pool at the end of the night! We had the best day of our lives.
What was the most memorable moment?
How do you pick just one?! I think walking down the aisle and seeing Christopher waiting in his Tux was pretty special. Dancing under the fireworks with all our closest friends and family is something we'll never forget.
How did you celebrate your honeymoon?
We flew to Naples from our wedding in Santorini and spent 5 days in the Amalfi coast, a couple of days in Sardinia, and then finished up with 4 nights in Rome.
Finally, what advice to you have for future brides visiting Eleganza?
Trust the girls and go with the one that makes you feel like a Queen!
Photographer: Trifonas Trifonopoulos Florist: Betty Flowers Santorini Venue: Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa Makeup: Ashley Harris Shoes: Alexandre Birman Cake: Petranart Santorini Caterer: Spicy Bites Catering Wedding Planner: LovWed