Charlotte + Ollie

Charlotte and Ollie — Hera Couture real bride

I chose Anselette because it the only dress I tried on where I got the butterflies, which truthfully, I didn’t think I’d get, plus the way my mum looked at me confirmed my gut feeling!

Ollie loves football and cooking, while I love scrapbooking and talking whilst he cooks, I think that makes us a pretty good pair!

Ollie and I met at school in 2014, we went on a double date with other people and couldn’t stop staring at one another the entire time, after the date we went our separate ways because girl code! however we found our way back two years later in 2016, we talked at a party that funnily enough we both crashed and have been inseparable for almost 10 years, I one thousand percent believe in the invisible string theory and we reconnected when we were meant to!

I chose Anselette because it the only dress I tried on where I got the butterflies, which truthfully, I didn’t think I’d get, plus the way my mum looked at me confirmed my gut feeling! The way it draped, the exposed boning, the half cup that made me feel like a Bridgerton in the absolute best way, paired with the dramatic overskirt, I felt like it was made for me! I also felt like it was the perfect mix between subtle sophistication and drama, the overskirt and long lace veil was perfect for the small local chapel where we had our ceremony, and the dress itself with a small train and neck scarf was perfect for our family home reception.

I think my tips for other brides would be to try on the dresses you aren’t yet convinced on, the one you think is beautiful but probably not quite the vibe you are after, because that is exactly what Anselette was to me, oh and listen to your incredible sales associate when they request you try on a specific silhouette “just to rule it out”, because again, that could be the silhouette you end up going for (thank you Saina!)

Without a shadow of doubt, the most special part of our wedding was having the reception at my family home. The house my dad designed 35 years ago, where countless milestones across dozens of family members have occurred. It was casual, comfortable, and incredibly meaningful to have all our family and friends celebrating at one of my most sacred places. Having everyone comment on how easy going, relaxed and “so you” the wedding was, is probably my favourite compliment.

Our celebrant was also a very close friend, who made the ceremony feel intimate and relaxed, he went above and beyond to make it the most memorable, personal ceremony and we are deeply thankful for his dedication to putting Ollie and I so at ease.

I knew I wanted to visit Hera for my own wedding dress in 2018 when I was accompanying my sister-in-law on her search for her perfect dress. I was in awe of the dresses and couldn’t keep still, I was constantly on my feet looking through each gown whilst she was in the change room, so I knew when my time came around, I was making an appointment at none other than Hera.

Hera could not have been more accommodating if they tried, Sania genuinely became a friend to mum & I, we had so many laughs and lots of fun at every appointment. We even had an emotional moment, and Saina swiftly grabbed tissues, briefly shared our tears and let us have a moment as a family, not only is she fantastic at her job, but she is also a deeply compassionate person. I was very comfortable at Hera and didn’t need to go anywhere else.