The moment is finally here—ring on your finger, Pinterest boards overflowing, and one big question on your mind: How will I ever choose my wedding dress?” Today on the blog we have our beautiful bride Alanna, who very graciously left us with a few tips to help future brides on their journey.
Alanna married Danny in Monte Do Serrinho Country House, Portugal.
Alanna fell in love with Martina Liana's "Mandy", a glam strapless silk satin sheath dress with off shoulder straps. Constructed strapless bodice creates an effortless elegance with its soft satin pleats. The detachable off-the-shoulder straps elongate a subtle sweetheart neckline while this gown glides across the natural curves of the column sheath silhouette and drapes into a sweeping train.
Let's hear all about it...
Alanna, firstly tell us about your dress?
I knew exactly the vibe I was going for. I went to 3 different dress shops. I was very quick trying on the dresses in the other 2 shops. Pearls and Lace had by far the best selection of dresses in my style. I did try on a few dresses that were not my style just to see what they looked like on but this made me realise that anything detailed didn’t suit me. I went for a very simple satin dress with a high leg slit by designer Martina Liana. I wanted a light dress due to the fact my wedding was in Portugal. I didn’t want anything ‘too bridal’ looking. I had an idea of doing two looks so a dress that was versatile was a must. I ended up going for the Mandy dress. The dress had draped straps that were removable. I added balloon sleeves to make the second evening look. I was influenced by Bonnie Ryan’s wedding sleeves. Because the dress was so simple I decided to go for a cathedral length veil for the ceremony. I got it embroidered with our names and our wedding date.
How did you style your dress?
I styled my dress with flower gold pearl drop earrings. I wore Jimmy Choo court shoes that I got in Kildare village. I bought Prada sunglasses at the airport on the way over. My bouquet consisted of dried flowers and pampas. I wore my hair down with wavy curls and done a natural looking make up.
Tell us about your bridal party?
We went for rustic boho vibe. All my bridesmaids wore different rustic colours. I bought my bridesmaids dresses from an Australian boutique called Billy J. The groom and groomsmen suits were from Next. Their shoes and ties were from M & S and Next.
What would your advice be for other brides to be?
Just chill and enjoy everything. Everyone that is there is there to celebrate you both. All of our 84 guests were people that we loved and cared about so that made the day even more enjoyable and create a nice and relaxed vibe. I think brides put pressure on themselves to have a picture perfect day when in reality the day will be whatever you make it. We are influenced by social media to make everything picture perfect but that’s not realistic. The day is about you and your husband. Enjoy everything and do whatever makes you both happy. People were getting concerned about how ‘laid back’ I was about the wedding but everything worked out perfectly. That being said I had an amazing wedding planner that took charge of everything so I didn’t have anything to organise myself. Dalia at Algarve Wedding Planners is amazing for any other brides getting married in Portugal.
What was your most memorable moment of your special day?
Everything was so special. From getting ready in the morning with my mum,dad and bridal party, to dancing our last dance of the night as newly weds.It is a day I hope to never forget. It was everything we wanted and more. My husband said to one of my friends on the way to our day two that I never stopped smiling the whole wedding day and that made be happy.
Thank you for sharing your special day with us!
