Real Bride Samantha wears Azalea by Alena Leena
Samantha’s bridal journey began not with certainty, but with curiosity. She’d heard the glowing stories from friends who’d visited before her, the kind that linger long after they’re shared. So much so that after hearing how positive, and genuinely warm their experiences were, Samantha felt drawn to our boutique long before she set foot inside. When she arrived in the early months of 2025, she felt a gentle thrill of anticipation, the kind that comes from stepping into a place where she would be looked after from the very first hello.
What struck her immediately was the variety with designers full of personality and silhouettes crafted with intention. It was a curation that showcased high-end artistry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service and felt refreshing, thoughtful and surprisingly grounding.
Samantha had envisioned a wedding day that was intimate, warm and deeply connected to the people she and her husband Cameron love most, a celebration with romance without stiffness and timelessness without formality, something soft around the edges and rooted in sentiment. When it came to her gown, she knew lace drew her in, but beyond that she had no strict blueprint and simply wanted to feel like the most true, elevated version of herself.
Azalea entered the picture long before the appointment. Samantha had seen her on our Instagram, admired her, saved her and tucked her into the mental “must try” list even though she wasn’t sure how she’d feel in such a distinctive, non-traditional gown. Azalea stands out and carries her own presence and that’s exactly what drew her in.
The moment Samantha stepped into Azalea the room seemed to transform, not with a dramatic gasp or instant tears but with a shift and a settling that felt almost magical. When the curtains opened to reveal the gown to her friends they teared up the instant they saw her and though she didn’t say yes that day she left to think to breathe and to let the moment unfold. Later, when she looked back at the photos, she realised she only truly smiled in that dress and Azalea lingered in her mind with an irresistible pull until she returned for a second appointment and finally said yes.
On her wedding day in Spring of 2025, wearing Azalea felt like slipping into a version of herself she had always imagined but never fully seen beautiful, feminine and completely at ease. It was the kind of gown that didn’t overpower her but instead highlighted the softness and confidence already within her and her loved ones kept telling her it looked as though it had been made specifically for her and that they’d never seen anything quite like it. Their reactions, full of awe and heart, only added to the magic of the day.
The celebration itself was filled with details that reflected Samantha and Cameron in a way that felt deeply personal. Their vows, written separately, ended up mirroring each other almost word for word, a moment so pure and serendipitous that it left them laughing through happy tears. They also honoured the love stories that shaped them by displaying photos of their parents and all their grandparents, each couple still married, on their gift table. It was a beautiful tribute to legacy, longevity and the foundation of family that inspires them both.
For brides still searching, Samantha’s biggest piece of wisdom is to trust the pull to try the dress you’re unsure about, let yourself be surprised, stay open and avoid rushing the moment. The right gown won’t just look beautiful, it will feel like a reflection of something true within you and when you find it you won’t question it.
Samantha’s Dream Team
Venue - Botanica Plantation House | Dress - Alena Leena, The Veil Collective | Celebrant - The Surfing Celebrant | Wedding Planner - JJ style Co | Make up - Kimmi K Artistry | Hair - Tamika Draper Hair Makeup | Cake - Emily Bakes