Madina Enokaeva is surrounded by beautiful gowns in her profession, so when it came time to choosing her own wedding dress, it was always going to be spectacular.
The Russian bride, 38, is the owner of The Sposa Group, a bridal salon in Sydney. She began her bridal career 15 years ago after moving from Russia to New Zealand. This is where she met her Australian husband, 33-year-old Robert George.
“We truly felt that this was fate,” smiles Madina of their first encounter locking eyes in Wellington, each miles away from home. “Our love blossomed immediately and we knew we wanted to be together forever.”
She says their relationship is founded on a common love of the “simple things” in life and that even though “our personalities and mind-sets sometimes differ – one is more visual and arty, the other more science-minded – we feel these qualities complement each other well.”
This artistic flair was of course honed during the design phase of not one, but two stunning wedding gowns for their luxe wedding on October 19, 2014.
“Both gowns were custom designs by The Sposa Group and were a collaboration between Demetrios Design and our own designer, Concetta Squatritti,” explains Madina.
The first gown was a striking princess style with a full skirt for the formal church ceremony at St Thomas in North Sydney. The second was created for the reception with the castle-like features of Curzon Hall in mind, but most importantly – a high split for dancing!
Their glamorous wedding photos capture the luxury of the day, with plenty of bold red and ornamental features. “The wedding album we received from John is full of treasured moments of the day turned into real work of art,” praises Madina.
Photos courtesy of John Laham Photography.
“The skirt of the gown was layered with sheer organza and tulle for that cloud-like texture and soft movement,” explains Madina.
Madina says, “We are both grounded people who exude internal happiness, and in turn, wish the same upon others.”
“The elegance of the castle made us feel like we were in a fairy tale,” says the bride.
“We were in a relationship for several years before becoming engaged,” explains Madina. “I guess some things are worth the wait.”
Bomboniere: The Cupcake Room / Brides Accessories: The Sposa Group / Brides Gown: The Sposa Group, Demetrios Bridal / Brides Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaid Shoes: The Sposa Group / Bridesmaids Accessories: The Sposa Group / Bridesmaids Dresses: The Sposa Group / Cake: Crumbs! Cake Art / Celebrant: St. Thomas Church / Ceremony Music: St. Thomas Church / Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Church / Entertainment: The Three Waiters, Scott Finnie the Paino Man, Adam Saad - DJ, Peter Miller - MC / Flowergirl Dress: The Sposa Group / Flowers: The Floral Craftsman / Gift Registry: Wishing well / Grooms Attire: Peppers Formal Wear / Groomsmen Attire: Peppers Formal Wear / Hair: Maria's Curls Hairstylist / Invitations: Natalie By Design / Makeup: Cathy Flanagan Makeup / Photographer: John Laham Photography / Reception Venue: Curzon Hall / Rings: Troy O'Brian Jewellery / Transport: A Bridal Affair / Venue Decor: Jennifer Michael Events / Videographer: Soda Films / Wedding Night Accommodation: The Westin Hotel / Wedding Planner: Jennifer Michael Events
