Tess and Dylan exchanged vows in front of their loved ones at the stunning Markovina Vineyard Estate, promising to spend forever together. Captured moments from their special day showcase the couple celebrating, laughing, and cherishing every second of their wedding.
Tess shined in Casey by Maggie Sottero—a whimsical ball gown adorned with delicate, beaded floral lace over a sheer organza-lined bodice. The lace detailing cascades down to the hem, while a shimmering glitter tulle layer adds the perfect touch of sparkle.
Keep scrolling to explore more breathtaking images, get a glimpse into Tess’s wedding dress shopping journey, and hear her advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
Casey was more than I could have ever imagined. I felt like a princess when I put her on, and she was the perfect combination of glitter and lace. She complimented my figure, and I felt so pretty and confident as soon as I put her on :) It feels so strange to talk about her as if she were real, haha.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I really didn’t know what to expect or where to start, but Ilyese was incredible. She encouraged me to try on a range of different dresses—some that suited my body type and others that didn’t—making the process fun and stress-free. When I tried on Casey, I instantly knew it was the one. I felt so emotional and just knew I had found the dress. Ilyese never made me feel rushed; she was so accommodating and truly made me feel special. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing about my experience with Ilyese and the amazing team at Astra Bridal Newmarket!
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Dylan and I met in high school. After eight years together, he finally proposed in 2020 in a fairy-lit garden next to a river. It was so sweet and romantic. We got married on November 28, 2024.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Getting to finally marry my best friend, seeing him standing in his suit and looking so handsome, and seeing the whole day come together—getting to celebrate it with the people we love!
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The day was absolutely amazing—so relaxed and perfectly paced. My bridal party decorated the house with balloons and made the morning extra special with little bridal gifts. Hair and makeup arrived at 8:30 AM, aiming to have us finished by 12:30 PM so we could relax with a glass of champagne before getting picked up.
Once we were ready, our amazing photographer, Geoff, arrived to take photos at the house before heading to the venue to capture the boys getting ready. When we arrived at Markovina, I was snuck around the back of the venue into the bridal room, where we hung out for about 30 minutes before I walked down the aisle. My brother met me there to walk me down the aisle, which was incredibly special. We got married under the Chestnut Tree, and the weather was absolutely perfect—a stunning blue sky. We couldn’t have been luckier. After the ceremony, we spent time celebrating with family and friends before being whisked away for photos.
Later, we made our entrance into the reception, where our bridal party hosted a hilarious game that had everyone laughing—it was so much fun! (I’ve attached some photos of us playing: sitting back-to-back in chairs, holding his and her shoes.) We cut the cake, had our first dance, and then danced the night away with our loved ones. After almost 13 years together, I finally got to marry my best friend. It was truly one of the best days of our lives!
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
To all brides-to-be… Take the time to soak in every second and every small moment. The day will fly by so fast that you won’t even have time to process it all. Stay present and truly embrace each moment as it comes. On the day itself, let things unfold naturally—don’t stress over the small details. Your day has arrived, and what will be, will be. Take a step back, breathe it all in, and focus on creating beautiful memories with the people you love—most importantly, with your soon-to-be husband or wife. Be present together, cherish every second, and enjoy every magical moment!
