From a Latin dance class in college to a choreographed bachata dance on their wedding day, Real Essense of Australia Bride Savannah and Nicholas have been paired up ever since. Their chaotically sweet surprise proposal was perfectly suited to them, as did their intimate wedding at a castle in Ireland.
Searching for an understated gown that could fit in her carry-on, Savannah chose Essense of Australia Style D4123. Its sleek halter neckline and luxurious fabric delivered the minimalist look she wanted for her destination wedding. Keep reading to find out more about Savannah and Nicholas’ love story and intimate destination wedding.
SAVANNAH, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?
I met Nick while I was teaching a Latin dance class in college. He came in as a student, and apparently, I was a little intimidating at first!
WHAT WAS YOUR PROPOSAL LIKE?
Our proposal was chaotically perfect for us. I thought Nick would propose two weeks later during a surprise trip he had planned, so I assumed this was just another date night. My best friend picked out a blue sundress for me to wear, but as we stood on the side of a mountain waiting for the sunset, I became so cold that I got back in the car to warm up. Nick asked to switch to the driver’s seat, and as I ran around the back of the car, he grabbed me and said, “You’re messing up my proposal plan!” We both started laughing before he got down on one knee.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.
I am not a big fuss or floof person, although I do enjoy getting dressed up. I knew I didn’t want lace, tulle, sleeves or a ballgown, especially since my dress needed to fit in a carry-on for the flight to Ireland. Most importantly, I wanted to feel confident on my wedding day. When I tried on my dress in the store, the wedding finally felt real. Until then, I had planned everything through a screen and hadn’t gotten to visit the venue. My dress was the first part of our wedding day I could actually touch and experience.
HOW DID NICHOLAS REACT WHEN HE SAW YOU IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS?
We did a private first look and the second he turned around his expression shattered and he started crying. He just looked so happy.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.
Nick and I love to travel, and we both wanted an intimate wedding, so a destination wedding was perfect for us. We limited our guest list to 30 people and chose a castle in Ireland with enough rooms for our families and wedding party to stay with us.
I had never heard a ceremony script that reflected how I felt about love, so I decided to write my own. After the ceremony, Nick and I slipped away from everyone, opened a bottle of champagne and enjoyed 10 quiet minutes together before cocktail hour. I love cheese, so we also had an entire dinner course dedicated to it.
Our first dance was a bachata, and we danced a few more throughout the night. Each one felt like another first dance because we were only two who knew how to do it.
DID YOU HAVE AN SPECIAL, CULTUREAL OR FAMILY TRADITIONS THAT YOU INCORPORATED?
My family always sits down for breakfast together on the morning of an important event. I wanted to continue that tradition, so my wedding party and I shared breakfast on the morning of the wedding.
VENDOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Venue: Huntington Castle and Gardens
Bridal Shop: The Bridal Room
Florist: Boutique Blooms
Photography: Cheyenne Kidd Photography
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