Laney and Blake celebrated their love surrounded by family and friends at the beautiful Markovina Vineyard Estate. Their day was filled with joy, love, and laughter, with every photo capturing the happiness they shared and the special moments that made their wedding so unforgettable.
Laney looked stunning in Ruby by Rebecca Ingram, a sweetheart A-line gown featuring a matte floral lace motif that adorned the bodice and flowed delicately into the soft tulle skirt. She completed her look with elegant of the shoulder sleeves, adding an extra touch of romance to this fairytale gown.
Keep scrolling to see beautiful photos from their special day, a glimpse into Laney’s dress-shopping journey, and her heartfelt advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
Choosing my gown wasn’t as straightforward as I thought it would be. I actually found myself deciding between two dresses.
The one I ultimately chose was the first dress I tried on. When I walked out in it, I saw my big sisters and my mum instantly start crying, and then I started crying too. It wasn’t even about what anyone thought. I’m not usually someone who worries about that, but in that moment, it felt so special. It was like they could see exactly how I felt in it and how right it was for me.
The second dress was also beautiful. It was one I had seen online beforehand and had been so excited to try on. And when I did, I genuinely loved it. But the whole time I was wearing it, I couldn’t stop comparing it to the first dress.
That’s when I knew.
Even though both dresses were stunning, my heart had already chosen. The first dress wasn’t just something I loved; it was something I felt. And that feeling, along with that moment with my family, is what made it so undeniably “the one.”
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
My experience with Astra Bridal was a little different and so much more meaningful than I ever could have expected.
When my big sister travelled over from America for a major surgery I was having, she was also in the middle of planning her own wedding. While she was here, she decided to find her dress so we could all share that experience together. Not long after my surgery, she had an appointment at Astra to try her dress on again before heading back to the US, and the team went out of their way to make accommodations so I could be there. Being able to share that moment with her, especially during such a vulnerable time, meant everything to me.
After that, my sisters and I made a pact that when our time came, we would all get our wedding dresses from Astra because, at that point, they felt like family.
When it came to my turn, I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment I walked in, it felt so special and full circle. It wasn’t just about finding a dress; it was about reliving those memories, being surrounded by love, and continuing a tradition that means so much to us.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Blake and I like to joke that our story started in two different places. He swears we met at our Year 13 ball, while I’m convinced it was at a mutual friend’s birthday party. Either way, what matters most is that from the moment we truly connected, something just felt right.
Our relationship hasn’t been the easiest. We’ve faced challenges that, for many, might have been enough to walk away. But instead of giving up, we chose each other every time. We grew through those moments, learning how to stand beside one another, not just as individuals, but as a team.
Blake’s proposal was incredibly meaningful and personal. He recreated our very first Valentine’s Day together: a picnic with strawberries and chocolate sauce. It was set in Cornwall Park, and he had visited days before to make sure the spot was perfect. I had no idea what was coming, which made it even more special.
What I thought was already the perfect moment somehow got even better. After the proposal, Blake had organised a surprise engagement celebration back at home with friends and family, some even travelling from overseas to be there. I was completely overwhelmed in the best possible way.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Picking a favourite part of the day honestly feels impossible. The whole day felt like a fairytale, like it wasn’t even real. Everything came together exactly how I had imagined, and more.
If I had to choose, there are two moments that stand out the most. The first would be getting ready with my bridesmaids, my mum, and my big sisters. There was something so special about being surrounded by the women who mean the most to me, all sharing in that excitement and emotion together. It made the whole day feel so grounded and full of love right from the start.
The second would be my first looks with Blake and with my dad. As the youngest daughter, doing a first look with my dad was incredibly emotional (I’m tearing up even thinking about it). It was such a special, full-circle moment that I’ll hold onto forever.
My first look with Blake, though, was so “us.” The photographer told me to walk up and tap his shoulder so he’d turn around, but being 5'2-ish and Blake being 6'5, that was easier said than done, especially in my dress. And honestly, I didn’t want anything to feel staged or overly perfect for photos. I just wanted it to be real. So instead, I walked up behind him, poked his back, and said, “Hey, loser.”
It was such a simple moment, but it perfectly captured who we are together: nothing scripted, nothing forced, just us. And I think that’s what made the day so special.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
My wedding day started in the sweetest way, waking up in a little Airbnb with my sisters and nephew before being joined by my bridesmaids, mum, and grandma. The morning was filled with music, laughter, champagne, and a beautiful surprise from Blake: a tennis bracelet that made everything feel even more special.
From putting on my dress to arriving at the venue, the whole day felt like a fairytale. My first looks with my dad and Blake were so emotional, and walking down the aisle to see everyone I love in one place was unforgettable. We even ended up taking photos in the rain, with Blake carrying me through the field while everyone scrambled for an umbrella.
From a slightly chaotic cake cutting to dancing (and even slipping on the dance floor and laughing about it), every part of the day was filled with joy. I truly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
My biggest piece of advice would be that the day will never go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. There will always be little things that don’t go to plan or that are out of your control, but don’t let that take away from your day.
At the end of it all, the only thing that truly matters is that you’re marrying the love of your life, and nothing can change that. Not the weather, not the timing, not anything else.
The day is about you and your partner, so just soak it all in and enjoy every moment.
