From a small beach town to a mountaintop proposal, Real Essense of Australia Bride Mackenzie and Alex’s relationship has been shaped by the places they love most. After meeting in Cape May, New Jersey, the couple celebrated their marriage honoring the people—and pups—they love most.
Mackenzie wanted her gown to be timeless, romantic and complement her tattoos. She found everything she wanted and more in Essense of Australia Style D3709. With its floral lace appliques and tulle layered skirt, Mackenzie felt beautiful and truly herself on her special day.Â
MACKENZIE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET? 
Alex and I grew up in the same small beach town in Cape May, New Jersey. In the summer of 2017, our paths crossed, and we have been together ever since.


WHAT WAS THE PROPOSAL LIKE?
Every fall, Alex and I escape to the Catskills Mountains in New York for a much-needed getaway. After an especially busy summer, we returned to the mountains and Alex proposed with breathtaking mountain views all around us. It was just the two of us, and it couldn’t have been more special.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.
I wanted that timeless, romantic bridal look. My wedding dress made me feel like the most beautiful bride in the world. I also wanted my tattoos to blend seamlessly and match the style of my dress. The moment I tried my dress on, I knew it was THE one—It felt like it was made specifically for me.

HOW DID ALEX REACT WHEN HE FIRST SAW YOU IN YOUR WEDDING GOWN?Â
When Alex saw me in my gown for the first time, he couldn’t stop smiling! Tears were definitely shed.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.
We wanted our wedding to feel both romantic and cozy. Our ceremony was held during golden hour, and the reception was filled with warm candlelight, cascading chocolate bows and delicate florals.

WHAT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL MEMORY FROM THE DAY?  Â
Our three rescue dogs are such an important part of our lives, and we also volunteer at the local animal shelter. Instead of traditional wedding favors, we invited our guests to donate to the shelter, which made the day even more meaningful. We also included fun tributes to our pups throughout the celebration, with drink stirrers and cocktail napkins featuring their faces and three signature cocktails named in their honor.


VENDOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Photography:Â Brandi Brooks PhotographyÂ
Venue: The Chalfonte HotelÂ
Florist:Â Wild & Crafted FloralÂ
Bridal Shop:Â Free Love BridalÂ
    
Did you wear an Essense of Australia gown on your wedding day? Share your photos with us for a chance to be featured.    Â
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.