Tearyn Grogan

We really wanted to have our wedding in Albany as we both consider it our home and is such a beautiful place with so many hidden gems. After some looking around, it was decided that we would have our ceremony in my parents garden just outside of Albany on their 100 ac property. The first reception venue we looked at was Carlyles Reception Centre and after about 5 mins we were sold! Tucked away on the side of Mt Adelaide, with a stunning view across Middleton Beach, it was an easy decision. The food was to die for and Lisa looked after us so well!! As soon as January hit – I made an appointment at Dion for Brides to start looking for my dream dress. My dress, Zola, was the third one I tried on. I went in, fully prepared with my list of dresses that I had spent weeks researching online. Funny to think that the dress I ended up with was actually on the “maybe” list. Once we were at the store and Lauren pulled it off the rack to show me, I got super excited as it looked way more beautiful in person. I remember reminding myself not to get too excited, just in case once I tried it on, it wasn’t so good on me. As soon as I tried it on and even before the zip was done up, I had a huge ear to ear grin and I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the whole time. It was faultless. I knew this was “THE Dress”. As cliche as it is, I actually did feel like a princess. We went away to think about it and look at some more dresses at another store just to be sure, but nothing compared to my dream dress, so without hesitation, headed back to Dion’s to make the purchase. I can still remember my excitement the whole four hour car ride home to Albany the next day and having to remind myself that “I bought a dress!!” Lauren left quite an impact on us as we headed back to Perth in March but this time for Bridesmaids dresses. I remember my sister pulling a beautiful blue dress off the rack at Dion while we were there to get mine and it was the exact colour and style I was looking for. Fortunately it was still there two months later. This was the first dress that the girls tried on and it looked stunning on them all. Jess looked after us very well on that day in Lauren’s absence. Also helping me to match my veil and jewellery to my dress. Final purchase was the mother of the bride dress – (also known as the princess dress) a few months later and Lauren was there once again to give us a helping hand. We are so grateful to have met Lauren as she really does go above and beyond, and made the whole experience a very memorable one. I still go to the wardrobe and pull out my dress to look at, as I love it just as much, if not more, as I did the day I first tried it on. Our special day was so surreal but absolutely beautiful and filled with great friends and family who travelled far and wide to be there for us. The day was a great mix of traditional, rustic and us. We also had our two good friends, (who introduced us!) witness our marriage certificate, which was a lovely way of having them both included in our day. I had so many compliments on my dress throughout the day and still now whenever anyone looks at our photos. Even the bridesmaid dresses – I think almost every single guest commented on how vibrant and gorgeous the colour was. It stood out so nicely against the colours in the well-manicured gardens. Our photographer, Warren Bellette, did an AMAZING job of capturing all the special moments. We were very lucky to have such an amazing bridal party – especially as we were all spread between Perth, Albany, Bunbury and everywhere in between. I couldn’t of done it without my gorgeous bridesmaids – Sam, Zoe and Lauren. And of course my very patient husband, Brendan. It really will be a day that we will never forget.