On a rainy and dreamy day, Bhumika and Derek tied the knot in front of their nearest and dearest at The Boat House. Photos of the day showcase the bright heartwarming happiness of the newly married couple and the venue's aesthetically pleasing views, which perfectly compliment her gown.
Bhumika radiated beauty in her gown- Mallory Dawn- by Maggie Sottero, a long sleeve romantic ball gown with intricate lace motifs and a sweeping tulle skirt, which perfectly matched her simple floating tulle cut edge veil. She also added a pearl hair comb and pearl earrings, a stylish and glam touch to an already breathtaking look.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their day and get some insight from Bhumika about her experience with us at Astra Bridal and the process of finding her wedding dress.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
The gown felt like it was an integration of both our cultures. The bodice has beautiful sequins and lace detail while the skirt was full and stunning. I felt like a bride the moment I tried it on. I paired it with the veil, headpiece and earrings, and it was a match made in heaven for me. It was lightweight, so I could dance the night away without having to lug it around.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I must've tried on at least 20 dresses. I went to 6 different bridal stores. Astra was the store where I tried on 5 dresses. I met Ashleigh who was my stylist. I went dress shopping during Covid. Some places wouldn't even let me touch the dresses and some seemed not interested in helping me. Ashleigh at Astra, from the moment we met, she sat down with me, spoke to me about the dress, the type I wanted and took my measurements. NOTHING WAS A PROBLEM! SHE MADE IT SO EASY! She then let me browse the North shore Store and pick out dresses. I picked out 4 that I thought I wanted and then Ashleigh picked a dress and I said no way am I trying that on! It looks like a tutu (fabric). Ashleigh was patient with me and the dress that she picked was Mallory Dawn from Maggie Sottero.
After trying on my 4, Ashleigh said, "Bhumika, just humor me and try on the dress I picked" I said "Ok then". The minute I put that dress on, I started weeping! It was the most gorgeous dress and the only one I felt like a bride in. Ashleigh did such a good job choosing a dress for me and when I walked out in the dress my family and friends all said that's the ONE! and it truly was the One. Thank you Ashleigh for your help! I am so glad that she picked the dress and made me try it on, otherwise I would've never been able to find my dream wedding dress. She also helped me pick out a veil, earrings and head accessory. I must say the team at Astra Bridal North Shore were very welcoming and made me feel like a bride when all others cared about was budgets and Covid! Thank you Astra Bridal for being awesome and helping me with my dress! Dress shopping at Astra is one of my fondest memories of the wedding.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Derek and I met at work and our relationship started after a couple of years of knowing each other. I was the one who pursued Derek as he was the kindest, intelligent and patient human I have ever met. I asked him if he would like to be with me on top of Mt Wellington Hill. We had been together for 7 years when in 2020 Derek decided to propose to me. In my humble opinion, I thought it was the best proposal ever and this is how the story goes: Derek told me we were going out to dinner and to dress up as we were going somewhere fancy. We went for a long drive (we love long drives) and we stopped at Mt Wellington Hill and that was where he proposed to me with the most beautiful custom ring! He then decided we needed to go back home to pick something up. When we got home, the house was beautifully decorated with candles and flowers and my entire family was there along with my friends. They all yelled "SURPRISE!" and we celebrated the happy occasion with good food, booze, music, and all the people I love. The moment was special because every detail was planned by Derek and he even asked my parents for my hand in marriage before the proposal.
What was your favourite part of the day?
The whole day was amazing! Very hard to pinpoint which part was my favourite. The entire day was fantastic.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
Our wedding day was simple and elegant. We had hoped for sunshine but it rained. But some say it's lucky if it rains on your wedding day! We couldn't have the ceremony outside by the old oak tree but that didn't matter. All that mattered was that our family and friends were there. We were ready to party and enjoy our special day! We had good food, our venue was stunning and our vendors were the best! We had alcohol flowing and danced the night away with good music. When ABBA came on the dance floor was full! Most of all, we made many memories and I got to marry my best friend!
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Control the controllable and something is bound to go wrong, so don't stress and never let that take away from your special day. Delegate tasks for the day to people you trust. Your emotions will be heightened so ask for waterproof mascara! And most of all, it all goes by very quickly so please REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN and get a videographer, so you can laugh or cringe over the moments later, like we did =)
