Kayla and Luke said "I do" at the picturesque Backpaddock Lakes, surrounded by their loved ones. Photos from the day show the couple beaming with joy and love as they embraced every heartfelt moment and celebrated alongside their nearest and dearest.
Kayla mesmerised in the Coventry Italian by Forget Me Knot, an Italian satin A-line gown featuring a striking side split and classic covered buttons running down the back to the train. She brought her dream dress to life by customising the design, swapping the original bodice for the bodice of our Marrakesh gown and dipping it in the middle to create a cat eye shaped neckline. She also shortened the train, perfect for ease of movement and dancing the night away.
Keep scrolling to explore more breathtaking images, get a glimpse into Kayla’s wedding dress shopping journey, and read her advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
It really came back to that feeling of when you know, you just know. I had all the good vibes the moment I put on my dress. I loved the strapless design; it fit perfectly across my chest, felt super supportive, and I never once worried about it slipping down. I thought the silhouette was so flattering, the way it was fitted and sleek at the top, then flowed out from there. And the slit? That was the ultimate vibe — it added the perfect touch, and it let me drop it down low on the d-floor!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I actually really liked a dress I tried on at another shop — it had some sparkle and lace — but Luke had once made a sly comment about not being too keen on super lacy dresses. So I booked a few more appointments at other places, and Astra ended up being the last stop. My best friend had tried on a dress there that we both loved, and since we have similar taste, we thought I should try it too. When I put it on, we all thought, wow, this could be the one. But then I tried on another dress, and that was the moment — that when you know you know feeling. We all felt it.
There were a few little things I wasn’t completely in love with, and before I knew it, the girls at Astra had come up with a plan to create exactly what I wanted: a custom dress combining elements from two styles. They knew exactly what they were doing, and they brought my vision to life. And to my surprise, for a custom dress, it ended up being much more affordable than I expected. I visited a few shops, but I have to say the service and energy at Astra truly stood out.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
We first met at an underage gig where I was selling tickets — he bought one from me, and we ended up meeting on the dance floor. The rest was history, we were only 16 lol! Luke proposed during my birthday weekend getaway. It was a special one, and eight months after, we welcomed our daughter, Charlie. We stayed in the city and went out for a celebratory dinner. We kept the news just between us over dinner, soaking in the moment before sharing it with our family and friends. I remember feeling like I was bursting at the seams, so excited to tell my sister, my family, and my best friends.
What was your favourite part of the day?
It’s so hard to pick just one favourite part because the entire day was incredible, better than we ever imagined. I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Some special moments that really stand out were getting ready with my sister, sister-in-law, mum, and best friends. It was such a fun, relaxed, and meaningful time. Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Luke, our kids, and all our loved ones around us was unforgettable. The speeches had everyone laughing and completely engaged, and after that, I pretty much spent the rest of the night on the dance floor, singing and dancing until well after the guests left on the bus. (Getting everyone on the bus was hard. It felt like no one really wanted it to end, haha.) It was a blast!
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The weather was meant to be rainy and a bit stormy, and by Thursday of our wedding week, we had to hire a stretch tent at the last minute. I had come to terms with the idea of walking down the aisle under a tent (even though it definitely wasn’t the vibe we had in mind, haha). But on the day, the weather turned out to be perfect — no rain, just cloudy enough to keep things cool and comfortable, which was ideal for everyone in their dresses and suits.
Getting ready that morning was a real highlight, as I mentioned earlier. It felt so special having my best friends, sister, and mum with me. I did miss one of my closest friends who would have been there getting ready with me who sadly passed away, and while I wished she could have been there, it also made me even more grateful for the incredible women who were standing with me.
Our ceremony was super relaxed with just the right touch of humour — exactly how we pictured it (big thanks to our amazing celebrant, Hope!). And not long after, everyone was happily sipping on frozen margaritas. Being a pink girly, I absolutely loved that we got to take a spin in the pink rental car we hired, such a fun little detail! The reception was a blast. We had a close friend as our MC, and her sense of humour kept everyone entertained. The speeches were all so heartfelt and funny, and when I looked around the room, everyone had a smile or was laughing, it was just the best feeling.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Your wedding day is about you and your partner, so it’s okay and actually important to prioritise what you both want and need. At the end of the day, it really is your day. The whole thing goes by in a flash, so make sure you build in little moments to pause. Take time before walking down the aisle to sit with your girls, have a drink and a dance, and soak it all in. And during the night, sneak away with your partner, even if just for a few minutes, to step back, share a bubbles, and really take in the magic of it all.
