Real Essense of Australia Bride Alicia and Brendan

From a dating-app swipe in 2020 to a beachside proposal surrounded by family, Real Essense of Australia Bride Alicia and Brendan’s love story is rooted in quiet certainty and meaningful moments. After their first in-person date, the two were inseparable—spending every weekend together and building a relationship that felt effortless from the start. 

Set against the elegant backdrop of Manor at Silo Falls in Brookeville, Maryland, their November wedding brought Alicia’s vision of a timeless black-and-white celebration to life. Wearing Essense of Australia Style D3965—a gown she knew was THE one from the moment she saw it—Alicia infused the day with thoughtful details that honored their story, families and the little traditions they love most.  

From sentimental tributes to playful nods to their favorite date nights, every element reflected the heart behind their forever. 

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

Brendan and I met on Hinge in 2020. Our first in-person date was on Memorial Day weekend, and we spent every weekend after that together.  

WHAT WAS YOUR PROPOSAL LIKE? 

Brendan proposed during his family’s annual beach holiday in 2024. I had a hunch he was going to propose but tried to remain blissfully unaware. Our friends were there for a beach holiday as well and asked if I would take some family pictures for them. So, we all got dressed up to take pictures! I took their pictures, then we switched. I took a couple of pictures with Brendan, and then our friend asked me to come check out the pictures she took to make sure they looked okay with the lighting and everything. When I turned around to go back to where Brendan was standing, he was on a bent knee waiting for me.  

DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.  

I wanted a very simple dress with small details. Essense of Australia Style D3965 embodied everything I wanted.  

They say that you don’t always know what you want until you start trying dresses on, but that was the complete opposite for me. I saw this dress while just scrolling through the Essense of Australia website and knew this was THE one! I found other dresses that I liked, but nothing compared! 

HOW DID BRENDAN REACT WHEN HE SAW YOU IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS? 

When Brendan saw me on our wedding day, he was speechless. I asked him what he imagined my dress would look like, and he said he had no idea, but that I would look beautiful in whatever I wore.  

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.     

We got married at Manor at Silo Falls in Brookeville, Maryland. The venue was close to home—just about 10 minutes from where we lived. I always dreamed of a classic black-and-white wedding. 

We got married in November, and the weather in Maryland can be very iffy, whether it is warm or cold or sunny or raining. The day started out quite chilly but ended up being a perfect 70 degrees and slightly overcast.  

My stepbrother officiated the wedding, and I had my brother and stepdad walk me down the aisle. They both played such an important part in my life, and I wanted to give thanks to both of them.  

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR WEDDING PERSONAL TO YOUR LOVE STORY? 

Brendan and I’s favorite date-night spot is Dave and Busters, and I always make it a point to get a photo booth picture there, so I knew we had to have a photo booth at the wedding. Our first date was at Carmen’s Italian Ice, so our dessert at the wedding was four different ice flavors that people could scoop for themselves and enjoy! 
  
We also found a way to honor Brendan’s dad who passed away. Brendan didn’t want to do the typical chair at the altar in remembrance of him, so we had a drink dedicated to him at the bar, The Kenny, which was whiskey and cola.  

I LOVE the little details, so I made sure to incorporate as many as I could. I chose my bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s ties in an embossed floral pattern to match my dress.  

Vendor Acknowledgemetnts

Venue: The Manor at Silo Falls 
Photography and Videographer: J & M Photo Video 
Bridal Shop: Posh Bridal  
DJ: Chris Bruno Music 
Photo Booth: @ballzcapeffect/ 
Italian Ice: Carmen’s Italian Ice 

     

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 York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana and All Who Wander.