Olivia Johansen, 28, from the Gold Coast, Qld, shares her story with Take 5.
The op shop caught my eye immediately.
“Should we go in?” I asked my mum, Kay.
“Why not?” she replied.
It was 2021 and I was in the midst of planning my wedding with my fiance, Matthew, 29.
We’d met through mutual friends nine years earlier and I couldn’t wait to marry my soulmate.
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Mum had taught me the joys of op shopping from a young age and we both loved hunting for one-of-a-kind secondhand clothes.
A few months earlier, though, I’d been lucky enough to win a competition run by the Australian Bridal Industry Awards.
Olivia couldn’t wait to marry her soulmate, Matthew.
(Image: supplied)I was gifted $10,000 that could be spent on wedding vendors, which I could use towards finding my dream dress.
I loved the idea of finding a vintage gown.
But I had a very specific idea what I wanted, so I didn’t walk into the op shop expecting to find my dream wedding dress.
Mum found a rack with wedding dresses and started rummaging through it.
“How about this one?” she asked, holding up a gorgeous mermaid-style gown with lace and crystals in perfect condition.
My jaw dropped. It ticked every box of what I wanted and it was only $100!
Olivia’s op shop dress ticked every box of what she was looking for.
(Pic credit: Figtree Pictures)It was several sizes too big, but as soon as I tried it on, I knew I’d found my dream dress.
Mum also spotted a stunning $15 lace veil hanging nearby which perfectly matched the gown.
“This can’t be real!” I said, staring at myself in the mirror.
Mum was also shocked.
“I think you’ve found the one,” she said.
I couldn’t believe my luck.
Olivia felt so glamorous in her gown.
(Pic credit: Figtree Pictures)This was the first wedding dress I’d tried on!
Mum’s friend altered the gown to fit me perfectly and when I walked down the aisle at Kooroomba Lavender Farm in September, 2022 I felt glamorous wearing the dress I’d always envisioned.
Not that Matthew was any the wiser.
“I got my dress from an op shop,” I revealed to him after our ceremony.
“That’s crazy that you found such a beautiful dress,” he laughed. “But I’m not surprised.”
Matthew was very familiar with my love of op shopping!
Olivia and Matthew got married in September, 2022.
(Pic credit: Figtree Pictures)While I was very fortunate to win the competition and find my dream dress, I believe there are many other ways that brides can bring down the exorbitant costs of their wedding.
We saved thousands by choosing a venue in a rural location outside of the Gold Coast, Qld.
I also recommend doing DIY where you can.
I borrowed a friend’s cricut machine and made all our stationery and table centrepieces.
And, of course, don’t forget to check out your local op shop.
You never know what hidden gems you might find!
