RC - How did you meet Niall?
Ahhhh, in the depths of a Friday night 4 and a bit years ago we had both been out (separately) with friends - we were literally standing there holding our drinks and got chatting. I had every intention of giving a false phone number but I never did .... the rest, they say is history!

RC - How did Niall propose?
Perfect for us. I had been at much needed hair appoinment earlier in the day and when I got home Niall suggested we "take my hair out"
Meanwhile he was armed with the good food guide and mentioned I should take a look at his efforts tidying our balcony garden that day - (he will die that I mention this!) As I was mid change for dinner, I came out with a pair of jeans in my hands to check out this "handy work" he spoke of. To this day, the most memorable and funny part to the whole proposal was this one line "maybe you might like to put some pants on...."
Needless to say I had the most beautiful bunch of red roses, bottle of Champagne and Tiffany blue box (A place saver until we picked out my actual ring) waiting for me on the spotless balcony! It was just perfect.
He had been an utter gentleman and asked Dad, My Mum and My Stepdad for their permission. I am still surprised all 3 of them could keep such a secret!
(Dinner ended up being a casual walk down the street to a local restaurant - just the two of us and filled with many excited phone calls!)

RC - Is there a particular reason as to why you chose your venue?
We didn't want a particularly long engagement so it looked like a winter wedding would be our destiny. We married at the same Church my mother and my nana married in, followed by a black tie dinner for close friends and family. Because it was going to be a June wedding The Residence at the Grand Hyatt was perfect. We had a magical glassed in courtyard with trees and fairly lights leading into a stunning dining room that felt like an intimate dinner party. I do love planning a party so there was a specific vision with many little personal touches. The Hyatt helped make so many of our ideas reality so it really was everything we dreamed of and so much more.


RC - Your favourite part of the wedding?
Tough question. The whole day (despite rain) was amazing. Having all our nearest and dearest in one room with us for one night was incredible. It was magical to see everyone so beautifully dressed and ready to party in our honour. There really is nothing like it. Also, sharing it with my 3 beautiful bridesmaids and my Mum. We are all so close and it was a really collaborate effort from start to finish between 4 inspirational women who have always been by my side.

RC - How did the dress make you feel?
I loved it. From the moment I put it on in RC I knew it was the dress for me. Bride diet was never going to be an easy relationship - I was enjoying all the lead up celebrations and indulgences far too much and I just knew my dress was going to make me feel a million dollars now matter what. Plus it was really important that it was appropriate for the dress code of the night - it's so rare that we get to wear ballgowns so this was my big chance.


RC - How was your bridal shopping experience?
I was thrilled with my experience. With my Mum based in Hong Kong - RC were incredible with allowing me to Skype Mum at the first dress fitting. I simply thought one Saturday afternoon I should start looking at wedding dresses with no real intention of finding one that day - just get a sense of what style I liked. RC were so caring when I didn't have an appointment and made me feel so incredibly welcome and comfortable. Elysa was a true god send. We had plenty of giggles and laughs at my lack of organisation when it came to the wedding dress but she nailed it when I told her I wanted a ballgown that I could dance in!

RC - Tips for brides-to-be!
Make sure you can giggle and laugh along the way. There are definitely stressful times surrounding wedding planning but it's a really unique experience and well worth stopping along the journey to enjoy the moments.