"Everything about my experience with WFML and our big day was magical." Read on to hear more about beautiful Kelsie's destination wedding in Vietnam. 

So please tell us - with months (or even years!) of planning, did the Big Day run smoothly?

Our wedding was in Vietnam so we were a little apprehensive about being unable to check out the wedding venue before the day and, of course, the language barrier. Luckily we had a wedding planner, Miriam from Hoi An events and an amazing celebrant, Leanne, who made sure everything ran smoothly. As soon as I met with Miriam, some 18 months before the big day, I knew that everything would work out perfectly. The resort, Angsana Lang Co, was even better than we imagined, most rooms even came with a private pool. As we had the ceremony and reception outside, we were worried right up until the ceremony that it would rain. We were however blessed with a beautiful day and everything went to plan, we even had mist over the mountains in the background. 

We had 70 guests travel from all over the world (Australia, England and America) who stayed with us before and after the wedding. We had welcome drinks a few days before the wedding, and then each day everyone would meet at the pool bar for happy hour. The guests got to know each other before the wedding day which meant that everyone felt comfortable on the day and was ready to have a great time.

Did you have an idea of which style you wanted before beginning the search for your Bridal Gown? And did this change much after you saw the girls at WFML?

I knew that I would be getting married on the beach and I always dreamed of a fitted lace dress. With the help of Vanessa and the girls at WFML we were able to create a dress that was even more amazing that I had dreamed. I also knew that I wanted a veil, as soon as we added the veil, I knew it was meant to be! I tried on around 15 dresses.  I did try on a number of other styles but this was more to make sure that was something I didn't want. It can be difficult at some places as the sample dresses are quite small sizes, so much so that you can't even try the dresses on. This was not an issue at WFML, the sizes are great and even if they are a little small the girls at WFML work out a way to show you how the dress would look in your correct size. As for my hubby and his outfit - he doesn't like to suit up and given the heat we decided that shorts and a shirt would be best. We chose a dark linen shirt that would complement the colours in the bridesmaid dress. Our wedding guests were extremely grateful of this choice as this paved the way for them all to wear shorts, the day ended up being about 34 degrees and seriously humid so this was a godsend. 

How did your gown make you feel on your very Special Day?

I just couldn't wipe the smile from my face, I thought I would be nervous but I felt so comfortable and at ease. My dress fit like a glove and I felt confident and truly content, I really have never felt more beautiful. The lace was perfect for such a hot day. 

Only my sister had seen the final gown before the wedding day, the reaction from my mum when she first saw me (which was caught on film by the photographer) is something I will remember forever. There was a lot of speculation around what my dress would be like (I think some bets were even placed). The look from my bridesmaids, Dad and step mum was also priceless, they all said the dress is just so you, it was made for you, and it really was. And finally the look on Alex face as I walked down the aisle with my dad, I was adamant that Alex would not cry, you can imagine my shock as we got closer to him and I could see the glistening in his eyes, just puts a smile on my face and fills my heart with love. 

Were the girls from When Freddie met Lilly helpful in what can be quite a busy and time consuming process when find The Dress?

 I started looking for my dress around the same time we started booking the wedding, 18 months. This was the thing I was most excited about and it did not disappoint. What is better than playing dress ups for the most important dress of your life with your closest friends, your mum and champagne. Vanessa was such an integral part of this, from the start she felt like a friend, whose opinion I could trust. 

I ended up taking ideas from 3 of the WFML dresses, predominately Dayna with inspiration in the bodice from Venice and Valentina. The lace was divine and the key focus for my choice. What Vanessa created was better than I could even explain. I met with Vanessa a few times to discuss what I did and didn't like, from this she designed a dress that was perfectly me. I made the choice that only my sister would see my dress before the day, we were apprehensive going to the first fitting given that the dress was something we hadn't seen before. My apprehension was all for nothing, as soon as Vanessa took my gown out of the garment bag I couldn't stop the tears, it was magical. The came my sisters tears as I walked out of the change room, it really was the dress I was made to wear on my wedding day. 

 There were a few alterations to be made, with a bra sown in, bustle and wrist holder added. This was a simple and easy process. The girls were able to offer great suggestions and listened to my questions.

WFML also made the flower girl dress for my little sister Bella, with similar lace to my gown. This process was so smooth, Bella picked the dress she wanted (she decided it had to be white to match mine), Vanessa took her measurements and a few weeks later the dress had arrived a perfect fit. She looked absolutely beautiful on the wedding day, a real little lady. One of my favourite photos from the day is one of me and Bella under my veil, we are really close so this is a special one for me. 

​Everything about my experience with WFML and our big day was magical. I feel like I can now call Vanessa a friend, she has been there for one of the most important days of my life and is such a beautiful person inside and out. She is so passionate about what she does, which shines through in her work and her attitude to her clients. It was a pleasure, I will miss planning my fittings and staying for a chat! But I have told my now husband (still sounds weird) that we are going to go to a ball once a year so I can get new dresses, wishful thinking maybe (at least every 2 years)?