Get ready to fall in love with our GL Bride of the Week, the stunning Alana Di-Filippo! She recently tied the knot with her fiancé in our G-212 gown with a dreamy chapel ceremony, followed by a gorgeous reception at the Bendooley Estate’s Stables. In the following interview, Alana shares the moments she will never forget and her journey as a GL Bride. As told by Alana:
A moment of your wedding day will you never forget?
The day itself felt a little like a daydream in all honesty. The morning itself felt calm and collected, with lots of laughter filling the air. I loved the small little moments before it all felt real, seeing those I love most read the letters I wrote, getting to see my parents and loved ones-and reading my partner’s very reassuring letter (he knows me too well!) before stepping out the door really stick with me. But undoubtedly, I will never forget standing at the chapel doors, shedding a few happy tears, and grasping my dad’s arm for dear life-all to finally have the doors open and see my other half standing there. At that moment, all the nerves shifted away, and the excitement of finally getting married set in.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
In reflection of the ongoing advice, we received as the day was getting closer, “remember to stop and have a moment to take it all in” and “you’ll blink, and it’ll all be over”. I vividly remember sitting with my new husband, grasping his hand, and whispering, “take a look out honey-everybody we love most is in this room”. It was beautiful to stop for just a second and really look around to see the people we love most laughing, chatting, and dancing away – I really wish we had a little more of this. I would suggest prioritizing just a moment or two, to really allow yourselves to be present and take in as much as you can in the whirlwind of it all.
At our reception at Bendooley Estate’s Stables, we opted for the Table Share service option. This meant that each course meant the center table was filled with varying food options, allowing people to pick and choose what they felt like eating for each course in comparison to an alternate serve. Coming from Italian culture, this is commonly how we share family dinners and that’s exactly how the food throughout the night felt-a large family feast!
I remember thinking – I want some texture, florals… maybe strapless? Yet, the moment I stepped into the gown, all my preconceived ideas of what I thought I wanted drifted away. It felt different from everything else I had tried prior. It felt delicate yet detailed, feminine, and whimsical.
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone's reaction to the dress?
The final moments in the morning felt dreamlike. I remember thinking ‘it’s all coming together’ as I put the dress on and placed on all the final details, and it was all I wanted and more. Most reactions that morning involved lots of happy tears – my parents, my Aunty, and my bridesmaids-all just after the amazing glam squad had finished us all up!
Honestly, I enjoyed every single moment of the day, and nothing stands out. Although, I would be sure to bring a snack or two for the drive to the reception, once the adrenaline wore off – I was peckish!
What was your favourite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
We absolutely loved working with our stylist to get the room to be what we envisioned. From the very start, it felt like Tegan was finishing our sentences as we debriefed on a plan. She has such a passion for her work and had such a connection with us from the very start. We couldn’t wait to see how styling would all come together, and Tegan and her team perfected it all down to every little detail. Seeing the room revealed, filled with all the gorgeous florals, and a stunning ‘happily ever after’ backdrop honestly took our breath away.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
I first met my husband during our high school graduation getaway in Queensland, at just 18. My maid of honor knew him and introduced us-we shared a giggle or two and I hitched a piggyback to my hotel, and that was that. As the years went past, we would occasionally share a dance or drink at our local but truly, it was an Instagram story reply to his snoring puppy and our shared frustration about our cheeky dogs keeping us up that sparked everything. This led to our first homey wine and pizza date-and the rest is history.
He proposed after I arrived home from a hen’s weekend away with the girls. I was a little annoyed as he canceled picking me up from the city (for fake plans-little did I know). I walked inside our home, to find him on one knee-surrounded by a bed of red petals, love-heart balloons, and an illuminating, “Will you Marry Me?” sign. I was so shocked, we don’t even know if I even managed the ‘yes’.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
The team at Eternal Bridal Sydney was nothing short of fantastic. From the get-go, the team was helpful and attentive-from every major to minor detail change-they were patient, sweet, and attentive.
How many dresses did you try on before you found it?
I had tried about 8 dresses on prior to finding the dress. It was Fusae, the manager at Eternal Bridal Sydney who picked out the dress for me after everything I had chosen felt not quite right. I would not have found it if I did not request, she picks something for me instead! I went to try a few more on, wondering if I needed to try a few more-but everything drew me back there-I just knew in my heart it was the dress that I was meant to say ‘I do’ in.
