Real Debutante: Mila
Debutante: Mila | Partner: Pat
What was your favourite part of your debutante?
Once I was in my dress with hair and makeup all done I met with a small group for photos, and seeing them all looking so stunning made it become so real. On the day I don’t think I could choose a favourite part, because everything was a new experience and was really special, but walking out and seeing my table full of family and friends was a moment I will never forget.
How did you choose your partner?
Pat moved to my school a couple of years ago, and I can’t remember not being friends with him! He made the whole experience so much fun, we didn’t take ourselves too seriously, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner
Did your ball have a theme?
On the night, a touch of pink was the theme and St Kilians was decorated accordingly, with the debutantes and partners receiving a pink flower on arrival and the boys wearing pink bow ties!
How did you find the experience of shopping for a debutante gown?
Finding my dress was quite easy, I had not been looking for long and as soon as I walked into Bendigo Bridal I found about 5 that I liked. The one I ended up with was maybe the third one I tried on and I was instantly attached, as the 4th and 5th dresses, although stunning, could not take my mind off it. I tried it on again and added a touch of my own, adding a satin belt over the top of the jewels, and it was exactly what I wanted. The girls were so kind and helpful, from the moment we walked into Bendigo Bridal Collections, Bron was by our side helping me find the perfect dress, and she did not seem at all put off by how picky I was! She did everything she could to make sure my dress was perfect and exactly what I wanted, I cannot thank her and all the girls at Bendigo Bridal enough!
Also, to Haylee and Sallie who helped me in every way they could to make sure my day was more than I could ever have imagined, I cannot thank them enough either. Working seamlessly with Bron and the girls to get me all ready, their hair and makeup expertise on the day was absolutely perfect!
What did you love about your debutante gown?
I loved how the dress flowed, I did not want a poofy dress or a completely fitted one, so the dress I ended up with was the perfect choice. The beading was stunning and I loved that it was somewhat unique. I added a wider white band to the waist to make it more my own and the neckline was exactly what I wanted! The fabric of the skirt felt so elegant and the drop down back was something different to most and I thought it looked amazing!
Any words of wisdom for future debutantes?
Enjoy the night and make the most of every moment, because you’ll only get one deb, and it flies by very quickly! I know I will have memories from my deb for the rest of my life, and its not all about the photos that I will be able to look back on, it's about the friendships within the group, being able to laugh alongside each other and truly enjoy every second. I met and got to know so many people through my deb group, embrace those friendships, because you will share some of your best times with them! Enjoy the dance lessons, I know a lot of people don’t, but they can seriously be a lot of fun if you don’t take yourself too seriously. No one will remember if you stuff up a step, it’s all part of the night. Love every moment!
Sallie at Bendigo Makeup and Beauty Room
Haylee at Maiden Boutique
Claire Eastman Photography @claire.eastman.photography
