Some love stories truly stand the test of time, and Rachel and Kane’s is one of them. “We went to high school together,” Rachel shares. “We went from being friends, to best friends, and then in 2014 Kane became my Deb partner — not long after, he asked me to be his girlfriend!” More than 11 years later, their journey from teenage sweethearts to husband and wife feels just as special. “I honestly can’t believe how fast the time has gone,” Rachel says.

Falling in Love with the Perfect Wedding Venue

Choosing their wedding venue came naturally. “We’ve always loved visiting Daylesford,” Rachel explains. “So when we stepped onto the grounds of Leonards Hill Estate, it was a no-brainer.” Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the venue felt instantly right. “It’s just gorgeous,” she says. What made it even better was the support they received. “The venue owner, El, had everything handled so we could truly relax and enjoy our day.”

Planning the Big Day

Rachel and Kane began planning their wedding around two years before the big day. “We went to the 2023 open day at our venue, and everything started coming together from there,” Rachel says. From that moment on, the excitement of planning their dream wedding truly began.

Discovering Bella E La Bestia Bridal

Rachel found Bella E La Bestia Bridal through a mix of research and a little bit of fate. “I did some Google searches and then entered an Instagram competition — which I actually won!” she laughs. “I was always going to visit Bella E La Bestia during my dress journey, but winning the competition made it feel like it was meant to be.”

The Wedding Dress Vision

Before trying on dresses, Rachel had a clear idea of what she loved. “I pictured lace, a bit of an A-line style, but I was also drawn to figure-hugging dresses,” she says. With an open mind and a vision in place, she was ready to find the one.

The BELB Dress Shopping Experience

From the moment she walked into BELB, Rachel felt supported. “Jan was the first lady who welcomed me, and she was so, so lovely,” Rachel recalls. “I think as soon as she saw me — my body shape and what I was looking for — she already knew the dress for me, even before I tried it on.”

Saying Yes to the Dress

That intuition couldn’t have been more right. “I purchased the Olive dress, and oh my gosh — it was the perfect fit for me,” Rachel says. “It was the first dress I tried on.” Every gown she tried after that was compared to it. “Nothing came close, so it was a yes from the very beginning. The dress had everything I imagined my wedding dress would be.”

A Wedding Day Filled with Meaningful Moments

One of Rachel’s favorite moments came before the ceremony even began. “Kane and I did a first look, and it was so special,” she shares. “It really helped take away the nerves — and the tears.” Another cherished moment followed the ceremony. “We took time just to sit together and have a drink. It was so nice to pause and really take it all in.”

Feeling Amazing in Her Wedding Dress

On the day, Rachel felt incredible in her gown. “I felt so comfortable and beautiful — honestly on top of the world,” she says. “There were no issues at all with walking, sitting, or dancing. I wore it all day and all night, and I loved every second.”

Advice for Future Brides

Rachel’s advice to other brides is simple and reassuring. “Go into dress shopping with an open mind and patience,” she says. “You might not find the one straight away, but with the guidance from the ladies at Bella E La Bestia Bridal, you’ll be in the best hands.”

Looking Back — What She’d Do Differently

Reflecting on the experience, Rachel has very few regrets. “If anything, it would just be the fast decision-making closer to the day,” she admits. “Making sure everything was packed and organised too — the logistics can be tricky if you’ve never planned a big event before.”

Still, looking back on their wedding day, Rachel wouldn’t change a thing. Surrounded by love, stunning scenery, and wearing a dress that felt made just for her, it was the perfect celebration of an 11-year love story.