Kendra Wearing The Jade Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
Matt and I met at a bar. My sister had just gotten engaged and we were out celebrating. Matt and his mates happened to be out the same night. He spotted our table and offered to buy us drinks. I politely rejected Matt's drink offer but, Matt being Matt, he got me a drink anyway... and well, the rest is history!
When did you know they were the one?
Matt and I talked about getting married 'one day' only 6 months into our relationship. I guess this was when we knew. It did take Matt another 4 years to propose though.
Tell us the story of the proposal!
Matt took me to the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve which is near Alice Springs NT Australia. We started the walking track and Matt suddenly stopped and said, 'I have a question to ask you.' That's when he got down on one knee and proposed.
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
Our engagement was 2 years. We wanted to give my family from overseas as much time as possible to save for a trip to Australia to attend our wedding. Matt was adamant we needed to be married before he turned 31 so I planned the wedding one month before his birthday. Unfortunately, due to covid my family from overseas couldn't make it anyway.
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
I like to think I have a unique sense of style (I like being different). I started looking at wedding dresses way before I was engaged; I started when my sister got married in 2015. I always knew I wanted a winter wedding and that I would have a long sleeve dress.
How did you find Wear Your Love?
Long sleeve wedding dresses aren't common. I found Wear Your Love by simply googling long sleeve wedding dresses. They had the widest range of the most beautiful long sleeve dresses I could find. I fell in love with the Jade dress as soon as I saw it! I also love how the dresses are ethically made.
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
I actually ordered the Jade dress before I ever tried on a wedding dress. While I was waiting for my dress to arrive I did go to a bridal shop but nothing else piqued my interest. I knew I already had the perfect dress.
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
I requested the Jade dress. No custom aspects.
What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep and you tried on your dress for the first time?
I was very very excited when my dress arrived. When I tried it on it fit perfectly and it was so comfortable. It is the perfect dress and I love it so much!
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
Not particularly.
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
Our wedding package with Villa Botanica, QLD Australia included a wedding planner, coordinator and stylist. We really only had to choose from different options they provided. They made the whole process very easy.
Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of your venue, and why did you choose it for your special day?
Villa Botanica Whitsundays, QLD Australia. Matt and I had only just moved from the Northern Territory to Queensland so we wanted to find a venue near our new home. Villa Botanica was one of the very first venues we came across. It's only a 20 minute drive from Airlie Beach which is a great place to holiday. It's also a beautiful venue. I believe it has been voted most exquisite venue in Australia. @villabotanicawhitsundays
Tell us about your wedding playlist! What song did you walk down the aisle to? Did you have a first dance song that was meaningful to you?
Matt and I are country bumpkins. We love the country, camping, etc. We also both love the country singer Luke Combs. I walked down the aisle to a guitar cover of Crazy Beautiful and our first dance was to Forever After All. We have also seen Luke Combs live in Melbourne which was amazing!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment was just being with family and friends enjoying the great food and cocktails during reception.
Who was involved in your special day? We would love to shout out your photographer, favorite vendors, and anyone else who made your day magical.
Our photographer is Matt's cousin. She did an amazing job and we are so happy with our photos @midnightcrushfilms
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
I would definitely recommend finding a venue that provides packages. Matt and I actually originally booked a different venue interstate who only included the venue, food and drinks. I would have had to find vendors for decorations, flowers, hair/makeup, table cloths, napkins etc. It would have been very very hard especially from a distance. We are so so glad we changed to a venue with a package which included almost everything we needed.
What has been the best part so far about being married?
That is a hard question. Being married doesn't feel much different to before we were married.
Kendra is wearing The Jade with ivory lining and a 10 inch sweep train.