Ashlee & John
Madi Lane real bride Ashlee said ‘I do’ to the love of her life in our PALMER wedding dress at the beautiful Summergrove Estate. She kept her wedding classy and simple with a black and white theme, surrounded by their nearest and dearest family and friends from all over the world. The perfect type of wedding for a love that began with a chance encounter with someone from half the world away. Truly two worlds colliding.
Read further to see photos from Ashlee’s special day, and hear more of her Love Story!
Tell us your proposal story.
As if drawn together by the tide, Ashlee meets an Irish doctor who was temporarily residing and working in Australia at a local pub in the Gold Coast. This Doctor turns out to be John, her future husband, and their journey together officially began. “We pretty much became inseparable after our first date. He decided to stay in Australia not long into seeing each other.” We’re sure this was the easiest choice he’s ever made, with his heart leading the way.
Though they chose to settle in Australia together, this couple doesn’t sit still for long. Ashlee’s engagement story takes them jet-setting around Europe on a dream holiday, ending in the best possible way! “My husband John proposed while we were travelling in Europe. We went to Paris, London, Barcelona, Ibiza, Santorini and Mykonos. He proposed while in Santorini, and we had a mini engagement-moon in Mykonos.”
Which Madi Lane gown did you fall in love with, and why?
Ashlee’s say-yes-to-the-dress moment took place at LUV Bridal in the Gold Coast, falling in love with our PALMER gown. But for a short girl, she had a tall order to find her dream dress! “I researched a few designers and styles, but being so short and small made it difficult. I’m 5’1 and tiny, so I was looking for a design that was more slimline and without too much lace. When I was in the fitting room, I recall looking at the attention to detail of the dress. The quality and design was impeccable! It was the 5th dress that I tired on and I got quite teary as it made me look and feel like a bride. I could actually see myself walking down the aisle in it immediately. I tried on others afterwards, but I kept coming back to Palmer.” A real the-dress-chooses-the-bride moment!
“I loved the train, the row of buttons, the sheer boning and lace detail on the back. I liked the option of the detachable sleeves. It’s really timeless and elegant. It was exactly what I was looking for.”
Where did you get married? Tell us about the location, and style of your wedding.
The big day took place at the beautiful and famous Summergrove Estate high in the picturesque hinterland of Carool, NSW. “It’s the number 1 venue in Australia for a reason! We were married in front of our nearest and dearest from all over the world in the chapel on the grounds. Our theme was simple and elegant, opting for a black and white colour palette with strong old-world romantic vibes. We had a string quartet for our ceremony, white florals, chiffon drapery and a champagne tower filled with Möet & Chandon. We also had fireworks at the end of the night during our first dance!”
What was your favourite moment from the big day?
Our favourite question to ask our Madi brides! Every wedding is so unique, and every memory shared is special for so many reasons. For Ashlee, understandably, there were a few to choose from! “There were so many magical moments from the day. I would have to stay the fireworks and our first dance. I remember looking around at our guests and seeing all of our favourite people in one venue at the same time. Family and friends travelled from all over the world just for us. I know we will never be able to recreate the day ever again.”
What advice would you share with future Madi Lane Brides?
“Be organised! Venues and vendors are booked so quickly and at least a year before a wedding. Also, when choosing a dress, stay true to your vision. It can be so overwhelming seeing so many options, but stick to what you know suits you rather than going with specific trends.”
Thank you for that great advice Ashlee, and thank you for being such a gorgeous Madi bride!
Vendors
Dress: Palmer
Photographer: Foy & Co
Venue: Summergrove Estate, Carool, NSW
Florist: Gold Coast Flower
