Real bride Christine posing in her wedding gown

Real Martina Liana Luxe Bride Christine & Johnny

From study partners to soulmates, Christine and Johnny found each other during their college years, and the rest is history! A dreamy, intimate proposal in Lake Como led to a magical wedding celebration that blended tradition with elegance.  

From study partners to soulmates, Christine and Johnny found each other during their college years, and the rest is history! A dreamy, intimate proposal in Lake Como led to a magical wedding celebration that blended tradition with elegance.  

CHRISTINE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?     

Real bride Christine posing with her husband


Johnny and I met during dental and pharmacy school. We started off as study partners, but over time, we became each other’s biggest supporters. We helped each other through some of the most intense and stressful years of our lives, and that foundation of friendship, loyalty and shared ambition became the heart of our relationship.

He proposed during a private moment at Villa Balbianello in Lake Como. It was peaceful, intimate and incredibly romantic. It was just the two of us surrounded by one of the most beautiful places in the world. It felt surreal in the best way.  

DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE . TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.

Real bride Christine in her wedding dress
Real bride Christine posing in her wedding gown with a romantic floral background

My bridal style is romantic, elegant and timeless. I wanted to feel like the most beautiful version of myself, which is confident, graceful and glowing with love. The moment I saw my dress, Martina Liana Luxe style LE1270, I knew it was the one. The delicate floral appliqués, sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves and dramatic train captured the dreamy, ethereal vibe I envisioned. It felt light, luxurious and sculpted to my figure in all the right ways. 

Wearing my gown, I felt truly radiant. As I walked up the grand staircase with the soft tulle trailing behind me, it felt like a fairytale moment come to life.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.     

Real bride Christine embracing her husband


Our wedding was truly a reflection of who we are as a couple. We blended tradition, elegance and meaningful personal touches. We wanted the day to feel intentional and intimate, while also celebrating our cultural heritage and the journey we’ve shared. 

One of the most special parts was that we got to celebrate our love twice. We held a separate Chinese tea ceremony on a different day, which allowed us to fully honor our families and traditions without rushing. I actually wore my wedding dress twice! Once for the tea ceremony and again on the big day. It felt so special to give the gown another beautiful moment and to tie it into both sides of our story. During our reception, we surprised our guests with a Chinese lion dance. It was such a joyful moment that brought our friends and family together. Seeing our parents light up with pride during that performance was unforgettable. 

One of my favorite memories was walking down the aisle and locking eyes with Johnny. Everything else faded away in that moment. 

Cheers to Christine and Johnny! 

Vendor Acknowledgements

Photographer: Tabitha Roberts  

Videographer: LifeWeddings 

Venue: Secrets Playa Blanca 

Makeup Artist: Zoe Elizabeth Makeup Team 

Did you wear an Essense of Australia gown on your wedding day? Share your photos with us for a chance to be featured.      

Are you still searching for the perfect wedding dress? Check out our latest designer gown collections from Stella YorkEssense of AustraliaMartina Liana and All Who Wander.