The ‘Sapphire’ dress was the first dress I tried on and I knew it was mine immediately. I wanted a dress that reflected my own personal style and I felt drawn to Suzanne Neville’s gowns online - particularly her signature structured bodice and beautiful silk fabrics.

Galia Lahav, the renowned luxury bridal and evening couture fashion house, is delighted to announce its partnership with Helen Rodrigues Bridal as the exclusive official retailer in Australia.

Helen was the first and only boutique I went to as I knew that she had the style I was looking for. I think it was the 2nd gown I tried on, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the perfect dress for me! I always wanted a timeless dress that I would be able to look back at in 20 years and still be just as obsessed with.

I was instantly drawn to Helen’s range and eye for designers who were fashion first, bridal second. I have long admired Monique Lhuillier; the queen of lace, and Helen’s relationship with her was the ultimate calling.

The process of getting a dress made from scratch wasn’t for me. I’ve always been a lover of high fashion, even working as a personal shopper and stylist when I lived in London; and I always wanted my dress to be the creation of an esteemed designer. Before I even had a boyfriend, I knew I would find my eventual wedding dress at HRB. Helen has the most incredible and most thoughtfully curated selection of top end gowns – it was a no brainer.

I wanted a really timeless, elegant and classic gown. I had actually been eyeing this one off since before my engagement!

I’ve always admired the architecture in Elie Saab’s designs and some of the exceptional women that have been drawn to wearing them throughout history - I was looking for something elegant but modern, that suited my shape.

It’s a question we get asked by all of our brides - ‘What shoes do you recommend to go with my gown?’ The answer always is - shoes that you are comfortable in!

I had a clear winner before entering the boutique. I loved how it had a timeless feminine shape, yet it was edgy and a statement. The three-piece gave me flexibility, allowed me to party long into the night and showed off my emerald green shoes!

With so much emphasis placed upon the selection of the wedding gown, the finishing touches can often be left until the last minute. Sometimes a hasty decision can ruin an otherwise well thought out and beautifully put together ensemble.

My very stylish friend, Nat was helping on reception in the salon and I asked her to browse around online for some wedding gown inspiration. She said her “heart fluttered” when she came across this Elie Saab gown and her adoration was infectious, I instantly fell in love with it! I couldn’t get the dress in Sydney, London or Dubai, luckily Helen Rodrigues stepped in and helped me find it. I bought the dress before even trying it on!

Helen shares her knowledge to help make your wedding planning journey as stress free and enjoyable as possible!

Helen Rodrigues Bridal has been serving brides since 2001. Here are Helen’s five top tips on how to make your first wedding dress appointment as special and successful as possible.