Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and a touch of stress—but for me and my husband Hau, the journey to our big day was full of unforgettable moments, a lot of love, and surprisingly stress-free planning. Let me take you through our story, from how we met to choosing the perfect venue and finding the dress of my dreams. I hope it helps you as you plan your own wedding!

How We Met: A Little Spark That Turned Into Forever

We met through a mutual friend, and from the moment we laid eyes on each other, it was clear that there was something special. Hau likes to say it was love at first sight for him, and I think that’s pretty accurate! For me, it took a little longer to come around, but looking back, it was definitely meant to be.

Choosing Our Wedding Venue: A Place Full of Memories

When it came time to choose a venue, we didn’t look very far. We decided on White Night Receptions, a place we had attended countless weddings and celebrations over the years. It felt like the perfect setting to create our own beautiful memories. The venue has such an intimate vibe, and it holds so much sentimental value for both of us. We knew it was the one as soon as we started planning!

When Did We Start Wedding Planning?

At first, Hau and I toyed with the idea of eloping. We spent weeks debating whether we wanted to skip the big wedding and keep it just between the two of us. But one month after we got engaged, we made the decision to go all in! We gave ourselves 11 months to plan everything, and honestly, the process was way easier and smoother than we expected.

Step-by-Step Wedding Planning: What We Did First

Pick a Date & Lock in Our Venue
The first thing we did was pick a date and confirm our venue. White Night Receptions was always our top choice, so we didn’t need to tour other places. We simply booked a walkthrough and locked it in.
Catering & Getting Quotes
Next up was catering. We reached out to a few companies to check availability and get quotes. It’s best to do this early since good caterers can get booked up fast.
Book Photographer & Videographer
For us, getting the photographer and videographer sorted was a top priority. I had heard that they book up quickly, and I didn’t want to miss out on our dream team. We ended up going with MEO, who were running a fantastic deal. We booked them right away, and I’m so glad we did—the photos turned out amazing!
Hair & Makeup Artists
Choosing a hair and makeup artist took a little longer. There are so many talented artists out there, so I spent a lot of time researching on Instagram. I also reached out for quotes and availability, which helped me narrow down my options.
Find the Perfect DJ
Finding a DJ was a little tricky since many of the best ones were booked months in advance. But we were lucky to secure an amazing DJ who really kept the party going all night.
Dress Shopping – A Dream Come True
I was so excited for the dress shopping experience. My first and only stop was Bella E La Bestia Bridal, and it was a magical experience.

How I Found My Dream Wedding Dress

I never imagined I’d find the one on my first try, but I did! Let me take you through my experience at Bella E La Bestia Bridal.

How I Won a $500 Voucher at Bella E La Bestia Bridal

In 2022, I entered an Instagram competition with Bella E La Bestia, where I won a $500 voucher. It was the first competition I’d ever won, and I knew this was a sign that everything was falling into place. I held onto the voucher in my archives until I was ready to start dress shopping.

What Kind of Dress Did I Have in Mind?

I always envisioned wearing a lacy, princess-style A-line dress. Something that screamed fairytale vibes. When I walked into the boutique, I had that style in mind. But Bella E La Bestia has such an incredible range of dresses that I wasn’t sure what to expect.

My Dress Shopping Experience at Bella E La Bestia Bridal

The experience at Bella E La Bestia was so lovely. I never felt rushed, and the staff made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was able to take photos, which was a huge bonus since it helped me see the dresses from different angles.

Did I Get the Dress I Expected?

At first, I was completely set on the princess-style A-line dress. But then, something unexpected happened. I saw a new dress on their Instagram that caught my eye, and I thought, "Why not try it on for fun?" Well, it was love at first sight!

I put it on, and I just knew—it was the one. It was so elegant, and it felt like it was made just for me. Honestly, after trying on that dress, nothing else compared. Even my best friend who was with me agreed that it was the perfect choice.

I said “yes” to the dress that day!

My Favorite Wedding Day Moment

My wedding day was full of incredible moments, but my absolute favorite was looking around at all the faces of our family and friends. Seeing the smiles on their faces and realizing that everyone we love was there, celebrating us, was indescribable. It was a magical feeling that I’ll never forget.

How I Felt in My Wedding Dress

When I finally stepped into my wedding dress on the big day, I felt like a queen. The compliments I received were overwhelming, and everyone said the dress suited me perfectly. It made me feel truly beautiful and confident.

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips for Other Brides

For brides-to-be, my biggest advice is to try on different styles—even ones you might not think you like. I was completely set on one style, but I ended up with something totally different! You just never know what might surprise you. Trust the process, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Any Regrets or Advice for Other Brides?

Looking back, I don’t have any regrets about our wedding planning. But if I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t let other people’s opinions sway you. There will always be people who may not agree with your choices, but remember, it’s your day. Do what feels right for you and your partner. Your wedding is about celebrating your love, and you should always stay true to what makes you both happy.

I hope my wedding journey has inspired and helped you in your planning! Remember, while the big day might feel stressful at times, it’s all worth it when you get to marry the love of your life in front of everyone who means the most to you. Enjoy every step of the process—you’ve got this!