What started as casual hangouts and a chance meeting through mutual friends, quickly developed into something special for Alyssa & Matthew. Fast forward, and they are celebrating their love surrounded by friends and family with a wedding filled with laughter, closeness, and a whole lot of creativity.
But let's rewind and go back to where it all started. When it came to popping the question, Matthew took inspiration from the romantic comedies Alyssa loves so much and did not disappoint. With a proposal designed just for Alyssa, Matthew really knew how to get the girl.
“It was perfect, like it was in a romantic movie. Filled with flowers, candles, a flower arch and fairy lights” it set the backdrop for a perfect evening.
The proposal wasn’t about the moment - it was about the memory and “creating that all important sense of family with your soon to be husband; it’s about looking forward to the future”.
Choosing to keep things simple, Alyssa and Matthew were drawn to one in particular
“that offered everything they wanted and at a price that made sense compared to other venues”. It was the perfect combination of beautiful yet affordable which made it the perfect setting to celebrate their love with friends and family…
Speaking of family - yes, Alyssa and Matthew’s big day was able to be shared with friends and relatives alike.
Now, let’s talk about the all important gown. While Alyssa’s journey was filled with excitement, there is always that added stress to find the gown of your dreams. Alyssa’s journey however, did begin with heartbreak as she
“Fell in love with a gown on the When Freddie Met Lilly website and it just immediately became the one I wanted… to my despair, they didn’t make it anymore when I finally came into the studio. However, the experience was still made memorable as I really enjoyed trying on all the different types of style of dresses for the first time and then seeing that evolve into my bridal dress vision coming to life.”
Alyssa eventually opted for our Havier gown, but added some flair by customising the design; removing some lace and adding some sleeves made it all the more comfortable and added those personal touches. As well as picking her own gown, Alyssa had a hand in choosing the attire for not only her husband to be, but the groomsmen as well. A decision rooted in practicality,
“I chose black suits for the men, a classic colour that can be worn many times for other occasions.”
These black suits perfectly complemented the bridal party’s colour scheme of dark purple and white, which was chosen specifically by Alyssa. She wanted this day to be as individual as her and Matthew. What truly set this couple's big day apart, were the small DIYed and personalised touches wherever possible that reflected them and their love.
“It was lovely just to see everything come together. I DIYed the bouquets, the table numbers for the reception tables, faux flowers online and even tracked down brass vases from op shops. We set up styling the night before the wedding, the ribbons on the pews and the reception tables - frames, flowers and vases. It was a team effort that paid off in the end and made the day that little bit more special”.
Still, for Alyssa, the most important thing was to stay
“Relaxed and just soak in and enjoy the day. Try not to stress, choose what you want for your wedding, not what everyone else wants. So many friends had told me it goes by so fast, but you never truly realise until it's your day.”
In her case, this advice helped her stay grounded throughout the process and make her time as a bride to be, a lot more enjoyable.
As for her gown,
“I chose to keep my wedding gown and veil. Who knows, maybe someday my future daughter would want to wear it.“
Alyssa’s wedding day was a perfect reflection of who she and Matthew are as a couple—romantic, thoughtful, and full of love. It’s clear that Alyssa and Matthew’s love story is just beginning, and we can't wait to see where the journey takes them next.
Congratulations to Alyssa and Matthew! Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Vendors:
Dress and Veil: @whenfreddiemetlilly
Photography: @say_milk
Makeup: @makeupby_chloed
Hair: @luxelashesandmakeup
Earrings: @goldmark
Perfume: @VeraWang
Shoes: @Famousfootwear
Ceremony: St John’s Lutheran Church, Ipswich
Reception: @qmrailworkshops
