The process of finding your dream wedding dress is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a special, memorable part of your wedding journey. Keep an open mind, stay true to your style but also allow yourself to be surprised as you might end up loving a style you never considered, like our next bride Karen.
Our next couple on the blog are Karen and her new husband Raymond who had their big day in the fabulous Harveys Point. Karen chose the classic Sherrie 2403 by Mikaella. Sherrie is a strapless draped Satin Faille bodice with the added option of a separate puff sleeves and fabric covered buttons down center back to waist.
Let's hear all about it...
Karen, firstly tell us about your dress?
I had only attended one other bridal shop before going to Pearls & Lace. I knew I wanted a simple dress and had my heart set on fitted with straps.
I am a real comfy dresser so found the fitted dresses were not appealing to me after trying on a few. However, I was still adamant that I would not be wearing a strapless dress.
The day I arrived to Pearls & Lace, I was advised to at least try on one strapless dress.. just to be sure. It was the first dress I tried on that day and to my surprise I fell in love with it!!
The top of the dress was so well fitted I didn’t feel too exposed or uncomfortable – every dress after that didn’t compare.!
We kept my top 3 dresses and left my favourite one for last, I knew this was the dress and all my bridesmaids agreed.
There was a couple of things I wanted to change about the dress that was more to my taste and Pearls & Lace were very accommodating.
I decided to remove the bow from the back and to have the buttons go the whole way down instead of just the top – I was delighted the day I collected the dress and got to see the dress with the minor changes.
How did you style your dress?
LOVE pearls. I just had dainty jewellery, a simple pearl necklace and earrings to match which my mother got for me.
For footwear, I got a pair of all white Nike runners and customised the Nike tick with some pearls myself.
I also got my veil from Pearls & Lace – this was one I had tried on when I went for my dress fitting. I went for a plain cathedral length veil.
For my flowers I went with a neat round bouquet of white roses with some Lily of the Valley. I also had some pictures of my grandparents who have passed and a gift from one of my bridesmaids (something old, blue & new) attached to my bouquet.
Tell us about your bridal party?
I had all my bridesmaids in dark green dresses. None of their dresses were the same. One was a satin dress, one was velvet and the other was chiffon – we just kept the colour the same.
They picked out their own dresses, I wanted them to have whatever dress they felt comfortable in. They all had different jewellery and could decide on whatever hair style they wanted.
I went for a simple round bouquet slightly smaller than my own – white roses with baby breath.
For the Groom and groomsmen we went with tuxedos. The groom was in all black with gold cufflinks and the groomsmen were in grey and black tuxedo with white shirts.
What would your advice be for other brides to be?
My advice is not to get sucked into the rabbit hole when planning your wedding. Sometimes it can be easy to get distracted by all these very glamourous weddings and you can easily start adding the bills up.
We kept our DIYs to a minimum and got the stuff that really mattered. This meant on the morning of our wedding we could relax and enjoy the day. We weren’t worrying about all the extra things we had organised.
You spend so much time planning and spending, that on the day you really have earned the right to relax. Take every moment in and spend the day with your new husband – never leave that dancefloor!!
What was your most memorable moment of your special day?
We done a civil ceremony and I honestly loved every second of it. There was so many laughs and tears, it was really personal and heartfelt. If there is anyone, like myself, becoming a stepmother I really advise doing vows for your new stepdaughter/son. For me, I wanted to ensure that my stepdaughter knew that this day was about her as well. I kept these vows a secret from my husband and my stepdaughter, it really was a very special moment for us – becoming a family.
Thank you so much Karen and Raymond for sharing your day with us!!!
