A modern wedding for bride Mandy and groom Drew which is just like a fun party.

Mandy & Drew wanted a fun filled wedding with lots of positive energy, dancing and laughter – and that’s exactly what they got!

Mandy’s heart was set on the Dance of the Fairies wedding dress from our Diva Collection when she first she saw it online. Feminine and romantic, this Australian designed wedding dress features a wide off the shoulder portrait neckline that beautifully frames the shoulders and collar bones along with a scattering of delicate botanical lace. This dress matched Mandy’s personality and wedding style perfectly, and she looked like a true princess.

Mandy and Drew wanted a wedding venue with a difference, and Wollongong Art Gallery proved to be just that, surrounded by a range of artworks from the Gallery’s exhibition program, as well as period furniture forming the perfect backdrop. The reception followed at Lucia’s by the Sea, which offers beautiful reception rooms with uninterrupted panoramic ocean views.

We asked Mandy a few questions about her bridal experience.

1. How did you meet your partner and how did they propose to you?

We met on the dating app, Hinge during lockdown in 2020. It was when you couldn’t mingle and most places were still closed, so we both decided to give online dating a go and it actually worked out! Drew proposed in 2022 at our home. We had discussed engagement and designed a ring together, but I didn’t know when it would be ready or when he would actually propose. We had plans to go out for dinner and he was acting weird all day. As I was getting ready, he called me into another room and he had a ring! I was completely surprised!

2. What was your favourite part of your wedding day?

The whole day & night was absolutely amazing! It was better than I could have ever imagined and our vendors brought every vision to life perfectly! My favourite part was the entrance to our reception. We danced in with giant glow sticks and the energy was so high! It really set the tone for the rest of the night. Everyone said the night was just one big, fun party and that’s what we wanted!

3. Did you have a theme or concept for your wedding day? What was your inspiration?

We didn’t really have a specific theme. I wanted something classic, but also with our own personality. We had very subtle Disney & Marvel references throughout the day. For example, quotes on our table numbers and the piano music at our wedding ceremony. The overall style was minimal and modern using black, white and dusty pinks.

4. How did you find the experience of shopping for a wedding gown?

The experience was so surreal! I thought it would take me so long to find something. I had looked at the Dance of the Fairies dress online and went into the boutique to specifically try that one on. Kajsa, at Peter Trends Bridal studio in Roseville, was so helpful in showing me a few other styles and I narrowed it down to 2 (one still being the Dance of the Fairies dress). Our Australian wedding dress designer sisters, Paulein and Monique designed the gown with a softly draped tulle bodice and multi layered tulle a line skirt. After my first appointment, I cancelled all other bookings that I had with other bridal stores and ended up picking the first dress I tried on! It was perfect! Everyone loved it, especially my husband! On the day he said he always saw me as a princess, but now I had the dress to match!

Mandy & Drew, we are truly inspired by your fun wedding with all the little personal details – and wish you all the best for the future. May your life together continue as a big, fun, happily ever after party.