Nicola and Luke in Phoebe
Nicola wears Phoebe to marry Luke at Lake Seealpsee, Switzerland, eloping with just their parents after a sunrise hike into the alps.
A Classic Modern Love Story
Nicola and Luke met five years ago on a dating app. “Classic modern dating,” she laughs. What started as a swipe turned into a partnership she describes simply: “He’s always had my back no matter what challenge and I miss the man when he walks out the door.”
The proposal happened mid bush camp on a trip to Cape York. Nicola hadn't showered in days. She was in crocs and a bikini. "So very us," she says. Luke proposed at Fruitbat Falls, no fanfare required, just the two of them exactly as they were.
Real Bride Nicola in Phoebe and Ophelia Veil.
A Sunrise Ceremony at Lake Seelpsee
The couple eloped in Switzerland, at Lake Seealpsee, joined only by their parents. They hiked up the mountain the day before with all their gear, ready for a sunrise ceremony. “It was a beautiful morning,” Nicola says.
The venue choice traces back to a single photograph. Kelly Hiscox Photograpy had shot a wedding a Seealpsee before, and the moment Nicola saw the images, she knew. “I said that’s exactly what I want. Luke was happy if I was happy.” Surrounded by alpine peaks and a curious audience of local cows, the day had exactly the country feel they were after.
“Being on the other side of the world, staring at this beautiful lake with the most important people in our lives,” is how Nicola remembers it best.
Finding Phoebe with Weeks to Spare
Nicola tried on Phoebe at our Gold Coast showroom. “As soon as I put it on, I felt like a princess. So incredibly flattering on my body type, and I knew straight away.”
Living in North Queensland and deciding on their elopement date late, Nicola had a tight window and a short list of gowns that could be ready in time. Stylist Jasmine met her with reassurance instead of judgement. “I was worried they’d laugh at me when I walked in and basically said I’ve got about two months until I need the gown, but she was incredibly supporting in finding me what was available and explained the process so well.”
Advice for future brides
Nicola's only regret is timing. "I would probably be a little more organised and not leave myself so short on time, that way I could've tried on every dress possible just for fun." Her advice for brides starting the search: slow down and enjoy it. "It's an experience that, hopefully, you only do once."
On eloping, there's no hesitation at all. "If you're considering elopement, we don't regret it one bit."
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WEDDING DRESS: Phoebe
