MIKAYLA & RODRIGO
PHOTOS BY: Liz Barnes Photo
Mikayla wears our Eyes On You gown.
HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR PARTNER?
Rodrigo and I actually met through the wonderful world of tinder. Both of us were
surprisingly looking for a serious relationship. Unfortunately, at the time we first swiped
right on each other I was midway through some very important university exams so
politely declined his first offer at a date. However, once my exams were done I managed
to track him down through social media and asked him if he was still keen on that date.
He obviously said yes.
HOW DID THE PROPOSAL GO DOWN?
After several years of nagging and threats of him going bald before our wedding day, on
our 5 year anniversary he finally popped the question. Completely out of character,
Rodrigo insisted on planning our celebrations for our 5 year anniversary, organising a
winery day out for us and Hugo (our gorgeous pooch). Despite being well known as a
control freak, I decided to hand over the reins for the day. Rodrigo had arranged for us
to go to two wineries, and at the last winery, after sharing a few glasses of wine and
cheese he decided we needed to take Hugo for a walk around the vineyard before we
left. It was on this little walk that he told me he had gotten a gift for me (despite us
agreeing on no gifts as we had just bought our first house together). He then told me I
had to turn around and close my eyes. When I opened them he said “Hugo has your
gift” I looked down to see Hugo with a jewellery box attached to his collar. I reached
down and grabbed it, opening it to find a note that said “will you marry me”. I turned
around to find him on one knee! After quickly saying yes we returned home where he
had arranged for our nearest and dearest to surprise us by hiding in our kitchen. Safe to
say, he did an excellent job at planning this celebration.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING?
Dress shopping was a really exciting and fun component of the wedding planning. A
break from excel spreadsheets and vision boards to enjoy getting dressed up with my
closest friends and family. Before visiting Kim at Riva, I had visited 3 other dress stores
where I was fortunate enough to have mostly great experiences. However, I had not yet
“found the one”. From the second I walked into Riva I knew I would be leaving with
something incredible. With the support and guidance from Kim I very quickly found my
dream dress, without even picking it for myself.
HOW DID YOU KNOW YOUR GOWN WAS THE ONE?
The “Eyes On You” dress was not a dress I had even considered prior to my
appointment. Only after trying on a few dresses of a similar cut and discussing styles, it
was Kim who suggested I try on this dress. As soon as I had it half on in the change
room I already knew I loved it. Once it was on properly I knew it was absolutely the one.
I then exited the change room where I could show my mum and sister who both also
knew it was the one. Kims knowledge and attention to detail is second to none and I am
so thankful for her insights, as without this I likely never would have found this dress.
WHAT WAS YOUR WEDDING STYLE AND INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
As our wedding was held at a rustic winery in the Mornington Peninsula in Autumn we
really wanted to focus on those warm winery vibes. We focused on an autumn colour
palette, using neutrals with pops of red, orange and green. We wanted to have a
relaxed atmosphere for the ceremony and cocktail hour, then bring in the energy for the
reception. We wanted our guests to feel like they were attending a winery dinner
amongst friends and family.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING?
Surprisingly, despite my 43 page wedding itinerary, my favourite moment of our wedding
was the one and only unplanned one. Just before our reception commenced the lovely
vendors at Dromana Estate wanted to make sure we got to see our reception set up
before any of our guests did. We snuck in and walked around our tables taking it all in.
As we did this, Justin, our musician, was setting up inside and running a sound check.
Justin, through his wonderful initiative, took the opportunity to start singing one of our
favourite songs, so naturally we had to dance. We had a beautiful private first dance,
just the two of us, taking a moment to celebrate our love together.
WHAT WAS YOUR WEDDING SOUNDTRACK?
As mentioned, we were so lucky to have the incredible Justin John run our music for the
big day. During the ceremony and canapes we were serenaded with beautiful acoustic
covers of everyone's favourite love songs. As the evening progressed, our dance floor
was filled with 90s and 00s bangers! Safe to say I didn't leave the dance floor.
WHAT ARE YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OTHER BRIDES?
For every other bride I only have a few words of advice.
1. Don't sweat the small stuff - It rained on our wedding day, plans changed and
that's okay. When things get stressful just remember that the day is about
marrying your best friend and that nothing else really matters.
2. Enjoy every second of it - the day will come and go so quickly, enjoy every
second while it lasts.
WEDDING VENDORS
VENUE: Dromana Estate Weddings (special thanks to Amy, Adrian and Ali)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Liz Barnes Photography
CELEBRANT: Abbey @ Abbelyeverafter
FLORIST: Bianca @ Antheia Florials
MUSIC: Justin John Music
CONTENT CREATOR: Anastasia @ On the day content
HAIR: Emily Byrnes
MAKE UP: Emma Rumian DOG SITTER: Rachel @ SillywagzbridalpupsA huge thank you to all of these incredible people who made our day so special.