Carly and Adrian's Wedding At Provenance Wines | Romance in Torquay

Carly and Adrian met on their first day as new teachers at the same high school. Both nervous yet excited, they quickly found common ground, sharing not only a start date but also many of the same students and classrooms. Their paths crossed often—during staff meetings, in the teacher’s lounge, and while collaborating on lesson plans. Over time, casual conversations about schoolwork turned into deeper connections. They bonded over their love for teaching and shared experiences in the classroom. What started as colleagues supporting each other quickly blossomed into a relationship built on friendship, respect, and love.

THE WEDDING VENUE

Carly and Adrian knew their wedding needed to reflect both their unique backgrounds and the loved ones who shaped their lives. They chose to have a three-part celebration, each location carefully selected for its significance.

The ceremony took place in a hall in Torquay, just 200 meters from St. Luke’s Anglican Church. For Carly, getting married in Torquay was a way to honor her late father and grandmother, both of whom had their funerals at St. Luke’s. The church held deep sentimental value, and including it in the wedding was essential for Carly to feel connected to her family’s legacy.

However, the ceremony itself was held in the hall to accommodate Adrian’s Jewish faith. A multi-faith wedding was important to them, and the hall provided the perfect neutral ground for both traditions to be honored.

After the ceremony, they hosted a charming afternoon tea at St. Luke’s, inviting Carly’s church family to be a part of their special day. The celebration concluded with a beautiful reception at Provenance Wines in Geelong, where they could relax and enjoy the evening with family and friends, celebrating their union in a way that perfectly blended their faiths and histories.

WEDDING PREPARATION AND FINDING THE DREAM WEDDING GOWN

Carly and Adrian's journey to the altar began with a special engagement in February 2022, followed by wedding planning in July that same year. They were eager to ensure Adrian's grandmother, who was in her 90s, could be part of the festivities, even visiting the venue before their engagement party. Her presence at their wedding made the day even more meaningful.

Carly’s wedding dress search had an interesting twist. In March 2022, she found her first dress, which would later become her reception gown. It wasn’t until April 2023 that she went shopping for her ceremony dress. She discovered Bella E La Bestia Bridal through Instagram and Google, falling in love with the beautiful gowns she saw online.

Before starting her search, Carly wasn’t entirely sure if she’d even end up with a ceremony dress. She had a few ideas in mind, leaning towards a blush-colored dress with a v-neck or square neckline, an A-line silhouette, and lace detailing. She also wanted something lightweight and comfortable, different from her red reception dress but complementary in style and feel.

At Bella E La Bestia Bridal, Carly found a gown that perfectly tied together her vision of elegance and comfort for her special day.

BRIDAL GOWN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH BELLA E LA BESTIA BRIDAL

Carly’s wedding dress shopping journey began at BELB, the first stop on a weekend of searching for the perfect gown. From the moment she walked in, she felt comfortable and seen. The welcoming atmosphere, the thoughtful layout of the store, and the carefully chosen dresses made the experience truly enjoyable. Carly appreciated the attention to detail, especially the way accessories were paired with each dress, adding a special touch.

Although she didn’t make a purchase on her first visit, something about BELB stayed with her. She returned a second time, this time with just her now-husband, Adrian. The intimate, stress-free atmosphere made the day even more special. Carly loved how the staff offered advice on customizing dresses to fit her vision, and she appreciated that Adrian felt welcomed too.

They spent the day exploring options, never feeling rushed or pressured, which made the experience all the more magical. Carly left BELB knowing she had found not only a gown but a place that truly valued her and her journey. It wasn’t just dress shopping; it was a beautiful moment they shared together.

Carly chose the Emma dress because it perfectly embodied the romantic feel she wanted, even though it was white. She loved the sweetheart neckline and decided to alter it to an off-the-shoulder style using lace from the skirt—something she hadn’t initially considered but ended up adoring. The dress was lined for comfort but kept slightly sheer to highlight the intricate lace, which she didn’t think she’d want but found stunning. The addition of a slit added a modern touch she loved. Overall, the Emma dress was a blend of romance and elegance, making it the perfect choice for her special day.

THE FAVOURITE MOMENT

Carly’s favorite moment on her wedding day was seeing her husband, Adrian, and hearing his heartfelt speech and vows. It was a deeply emotional moment for her, made even more special by the joy radiating from their guests. Watching everyone share in their happiness was one of the highlights of the day.

When it came to her wedding dress, Carly couldn’t have felt better. She describes feeling comfortable above all, which was exactly what she had hoped for. The dress was light, easy to wear, and felt like a true reflection of herself. She felt beautiful, confident, and radiant—truly “shiny” in her dream gown.

dress shopping tips that Carly would like to share with other brides-to-be

Carly’s shopping tips emphasize trusting your instincts and making choices that truly resonate with you. When searching for your wedding dress, go shopping with different people to gather various perspectives, but ultimately choose the dress that you love the most. Don’t shy away from bringing your fiancé along; it can be a special experience for both of you.

Remember to bring your wedding shoes to appointments, as they help with fitting and getting a complete picture of the dress. Take your time with the decision—if a dress lingers in your thoughts a week later, it’s a strong sign. Be selective and communicate your preferences clearly. Carly initially loved the Elsa style but realized the lace wasn’t right for her. By discussing her vision with the team, she found the Emma dress, which had the perfect lace and fit her dream perfectly.

Carly has no regrets about her wedding. She’s glad she took over two years to plan, which allowed for thoughtful decisions. Booking early proved beneficial, as securing quotes and invoices in advance made everything more affordable. The extra time ensured a smooth and enjoyable wedding experience.

WE’D LOVE TO THROW YOU SOME IDEAS

Are you shopping for your dream wedding dress? Or just looking for tips and inspirations for the perfect wedding gown? We would love to throw you some ideas, contact us to book a free appointment, our Melbourne wedding dress is just located 15 minutes away from Melbourne CBD in Maribyrnong. Our friendly team at Bella E La Bestia Bridal look forward to your next visit.