Maddie and Klay promised forever in front of their loved ones at The Hunting Lodge. Their wedding day was filled with love and unforgettable moments, with every photo capturing the joy they shared as they celebrated the beginning of their next chapter together.
Maddie looked stunning in her timeless satin gown, featuring a draped fold over detail across the Basque waist bodice and elegant covered buttons that completed this classic gown. She paired her gown with our Boston veil, a soft English net tulle veil that added a romantic finishing touch to her bridal look.
Keep scrolling to explore more beautiful images from their special day, get a glimpse into Maddie’s wedding dress shopping journey, and read her heartfelt advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I saw my dress at one of the Sip & See events and immediately knew it was what I was looking for. I didn’t try it on at the time because I wanted my mum to be there for that moment.
When I went to my stylist appointment, it was the very first dress I tried on, and I knew straight away it was the one. It truly made me feel like a bride. When I walked out of the fitting room, I heard my bridesmaids gasp and my mum say, “Yes!” It was modern and classic at the same time.
The buttons running all the way down the back gave it such a classic feel, and the fabric just gleamed under the lights. Joannah then placed the veil on my head and handed me a faux bouquet so I could see the full look, and in that moment, I knew it was the dress I was going to marry the love of my life in.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I had heard and seen such amazing things about Astra Bridal. I’d already booked my stylist appointment, but decided to go along to a Sip & See event at their North Shore branch with a friend. We met Joannah there, and when I mentioned that I had an appointment coming up, we looked it up and realised she was actually going to be my stylist. It felt like it was meant to be!
Joannah was incredible and made the whole experience so enjoyable and fun. She was so welcoming to my mum and bridesmaids and asked all the right questions to really understand what I was looking for. She also encouraged me to try different styles, which helped me figure out what I truly loved about each dress.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Klay and I technically met in kindergarten. We went to different primary schools and then ended up at the same high school, although we were never in the same classes. It wasn’t until three years after graduating, in 2019, that we reconnected through mutual friends at a bar in our hometown.
We shared a five minute car ride home with our friends, and that car ride changed everything. There was an instant spark, and I just knew I had met someone special.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Who can choose just one! We wrote and shared our own vows in front of all our loved ones, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight, including ours. It’s not often that you get to say how you really feel like that, so openly and honestly.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
We had severe rain in the week leading up to the wedding, which definitely wasn’t part of the vision I had in my head. But as it turned out, everything happened exactly as it was meant to, and the universe really showed up for us on the day.
The night before, I stayed at a gorgeous Airbnb in the countryside with my bridesmaids. We had the best night, watching Mamma Mia!, sharing handwritten letters, and just soaking it all in together. I woke up before sunrise, before everyone else, and took a quiet moment to myself to remind myself to be present today.
I had Sam Hart on makeup and Amelia Mowat from Boutique Bride on hair, absolute gems. They made the whole morning so much fun, and we all felt incredible. I don’t think I’ll ever feel that beautiful again! Having my mum zip me into my dream dress for the final time and doing a first look with my dad are moments I’ll treasure forever.
Arriving at the venue in a Rolls-Royce felt so surreal, especially seeing all of our family and friends lined up along the aisle. And then seeing my husband for the first time, waiting at the end, made every bit of pre-wedding stress completely worth it.
We ended up with a windswept ceremony, which gave us the most amazing veil shots. The floral meadow arch gave the ceremony a whimsical feel, while still having a modern touch.
The Hunting Lodge was the most incredible venue. We loved having the option of an outdoor ceremony, which flowed into a courtyard for cocktail hour (with the cutest caravan, “Jerry,” serving drinks), and then into the modern barn, which was the perfect blank canvas to bring my styling vision to life.
We actually danced the night away. So many of our guests have told us it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to, and my parents have even said it was the best day of their lives (surpassing their own wedding day!).
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
I lost a lot of sleep over things that were always going to be out of my control. In the end, everything turned out perfectly, and what will be really will be.
It’s never too early to start planning. If you have dream vendors in mind, I’d really recommend locking them in early. They truly make such a difference to your big day.
And finally, when people say their wedding is the best day of their lives... trust them!
