The LOVE STORY of Rawida & Jeremy; a winter wedding in the wine regions of Hunter Valley, NSW

Here’s Rawida’s story of love, fashion & her wedding inspirations. Her journey to find the perfect bridal gown was filled with twists and turns but she ultimately brought her vision to life with bespoke option and added statement sleeves to her customised Australian designed wedding dress adding plenty of drama to her bridal look.

It’s amazing to think that Jeremy and I met six years ago, initially just as friends. Over time, a special bond blossomed between us, laying the foundation for something far more profound. This friendship, nurtured by shared experiences, laughter, and sometimes tears, gradually evolved into a deep and enduring love for one another.

Our decision to be together forever didn’t happen at a singular moment; rather, it was a journey that unfolded naturally over time. From the beginning, Jeremy and I shared a strong bond, a sense of belonging that seemed to weave our lives together seamlessly. This connection fostered a belief that we were destined to be a part of each other’s forever.

We’ve grown to be not just partners or lovers, but best friends, confidants, and each other’s greatest source of inspiration. In one another, we’ve found not just love, but a sense of home, a place where we are accepted, cherished, and understood in ways that go beyond words.

Together, we’ve built a foundation on mutual respect, shared dreams, trust, and ongoing support, making the idea of ‘forever’ not just a commitment, but a privilege we embrace every day.

After several years of living together and weaving our lives even more closely, Jeremy and I found our connection deepening further during the lockdown. It was a period that, despite its challenges, brought us closer in ways we didn’t anticipate, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of our relationship even more. During this time, Jeremy found my dream ring, a symbol of his love and commitment.

Jeremy planned a proposal that was as breathtaking as it was heartfelt. He chose the Hunter Valley, my favourite wine region! The proposal was everything I had ever dreamed of—intimate and meaningful.

One of the most unforgettable moments of our wedding day was our first look. Initially, we hadn’t planned on doing it, but due to unexpected wet weather, our coordinator Yasmin suggested a last-minute change. She mentioned that it would allow us to capture some wonderful shots before the ceremony began, and I’m so glad we took her advice.

This spontaneous decision turned out to be a beautiful, raw moment that we will cherish forever. Seeing each other for the first time, away from the eyes of our guests, was incredibly intimate and emotional. It was just the two of us, sharing a private moment of love and anticipation, which made the day even more special. The joy, excitement, and pure happiness we felt during that first look set the perfect tone for the rest of our celebration.

I always dreamed of having a wedding that was both unique and timeless. As a girl with a deep love for fashion, my biggest inspirations during the wedding planning process were the stunning Redleaf venue itself, Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City,” hens the blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps and the incredible personal stylist, Bettina Looney.

Our celebration spanned two magical days at the beautiful Redleaf Wollombi.

We kicked off with welcome drinks and a rehearsal, followed by an intimate rehearsal dinner for our closest friends. This set the tone for a weekend that was as special as our love story.

I wanted our wedding to truly represent us, so we opted for a palette of soft, neutral colors accented with vibrant touches. This combination created a perfect balance of elegance and personality, making our décor feel both modern and timeless.

One of the unique touches we added was creating custom Paper Fans with Hand Written Calligraphy for all the ladies during ceremony and custom napkins with guest names for our guests to take home. These personalised mementos added a special touch to the event experience and served as a lasting reminder of our special day.

Inspiration came from every corner—from the breathtaking venue to the fashion icons I adore—and it all came together to create a wedding that was distinctly ours. The thoughtful details, the beautiful setting, and the love we shared with our friends and family made our wedding an unforgettable celebration.

Like many brides-to-be, I had a Pinterest board dedicated to wedding dresses, but I quickly learned that what looks stunning on others doesn’t always translate the same way in real life. After getting re-engaged, I eagerly began the search for my dream dress, unsure whether to go for a custom couture gown or to explore the offerings in bridal shops.

I visited several bridal boutiques before finding my way to the Penrith Bridal Centre. I vividly remember my appointment with Willo, one of their bridal specialists. She was incredibly helpful and made the entire experience enjoyable. I tried on a variety of styles, including the breathtaking Brittany gown.

Initially, I chose a dress that I thought was “the one,” but after leaving the store, doubts crept in. Feeling uncertain, I called the Penrith Bridal Centre for help. The amazing owner, Melinda, came to my rescue, assisting me in making a change. I ultimately chose the Brittany gown, but I wanted to add my personal touch to it.

To create distinct looks for the ceremony, and reception, I ordered extra fabric and worked closely with the Penrith Bridal Centre team to bring my vision to life. I also knew I wanted to wear a birdcage veil, which added a touch of vintage charm to my look.

For my accessories, I paired my look with Celine earrings in brass with a gold finish and pearls, and I wore the iconic blue Manolo Blahnik heels, then changed into pink Jimmy Choo bow heels for the reception.

This journey to finding my perfect dress was filled with twists and turns, but with the help of the wonderful team at Penrith Bridal Centre, I ended up with a gown that was not only beautiful but also uniquely mine.