A little bit about me…

I am Ruchi Page, a Melbourne-based creator, writer, speaker, inclusive practices advocate, and model. My love for the bold and extra is humbled by my second love for the cosy and oversized T-shirt. I pride myself in daring to champion power, rebellion, and redefining beauty as a brown woman with curves, whilst carving out a career pathway in beauty and fashion that may not have always had a direct opening. I value the luxuries of life; friendship and family, beaches, food, cooking, playing music, and more recently, learning more about my heritage and biological Indian roots as an adopted person.

Looking back on the day we are so glad that we…

Mentally prepared for things not going according to plan! Because some parts didn’t, and it wasn’t the end of the world. We were so glad to have organised the big jobs super early because as the day crept up, the brain clutter increased. I couldn’t think of anything worse than planning/booking vendors/venues/hair/makeup on a tight schedule. We were so happy that we spent a brief moment together during the reception, we snuck away to observe our friends and family dancing the night away. Similarly, we are stoked that we distributed our time evenly with friends and just us together, it’s easy to be separated throughout the night, so we stuck together as much as possible so now we look back on the night and we reminisce on ‘our’ memories as well as individual ones. We were grateful for our friends and family taking videos throughout the evening. We were able to see their reactions properly and enjoy bits of the day through their lens. As the bride and groom, we often didn’t take in every reaction, cheer, or tear so I loved seeing footage of our loved ones experiencing our day.

The most unexpected part of the day was…

Despite the rush to organise everything for one day to ensure it reached ‘perfect’ status, all that mattered was that I was there with my person. Once the ceremony began, it was as if I’d forgotten all of the long planning nights and it was just about us. I thought I’d be conscious of everyone looking at us, but that concern disappeared immediately after arrival. 

I was adamant to have a big night for our wedding. Think, plenty of celebratory alcoholic beverages throughout the night, however in reality, I had two sips of champagne as part of the reception tradition and spent the night alcohol-free. Vibrating off all the heightened emotions seemed to be the reason

When I look back on the day now I feel…

… like I’ve lived a dream. I look back on our photos and I still can’t believe I’m watching my best friends and family dance traditional Greek dancing with my husband’s family and friends, in his hometown. Bringing two worlds together has been one of the triumphs. It’s one of the most surreal feelings watching your loved ones connect so deeply even if there’s a language barrier. My partner and I had been holidaying in his hometown over the past few years, living in this seemingly secret world. Now, we get to have memories with our loved ones that will last forever. Which we know is a major privilege. It was bizarre (in the best way), tingly, emotional, happiness overload, unexplainable, and even now, we can’t believe it happened.

A word of advice to new brides would be...

- It’s not a pre-requisite to lose weight before your special day. I strengthened my body and fitness so I could dance the night away, but placing pressure on myself to be a specific size to feel my most beautiful for one day wasn't necessary. There are other ways to ensure you feel your best, extreme dieting doesn’t have to be the answer, nor have I found it helpful in contributing to my day. In the lead-up, I fed my body with nutrients, energy, and hydration and gave it the fuel it needed. I felt gorgeous and looked beyond radiant (if I don’t say so myself), being a size smaller wouldn’t have altered that feeling. 

- Time is on x2 speed. Just when you think you have time, you don’t. One minute you’re you’re cracking open a bottle of champagne, the next minute your photographers arrive and you’re trying to get yourself together cos you thought you had at least 2 more hours. (Spoken from experience). 

- Ensure your makeup and hair is ready before your photographers and videographers arrive for the best photos, and so that you don’t need to rush the process whilst they’re in your space. (Particularly if you’re doing your own makeup, like I did). 

- Allow time before your departure to the ceremony to just be with yourself. Calm your nerves and centre your emotions. 

- Eat. I was told to remember to eat at the dinner service and I laughed it off. Thinking, “as if I would ever forget that.” In the magical world of a wedding, somehow it happens. Your food will sit there and go cold because you’re off dancing, talking, and loving each other up. But fuelling your body is important, so eat throughout the day and during the reception with everyone. 

- Allow your friends/bridal party to help you. I would probably still be getting myself together now if my friends hadn’t been there and been so beyond accommodating. They ensured I was hydrated and fed, tidied up our space for photos and even came back to our hotel room to ensure it was decorated for us upon our return. My brain was mush amongst the chaos so they were my brain for the day. 

- The one part of your wedding you were certain couldn’t go wrong, it’s possible that it will, and that’s okay. There’s not a whole lot that can be done, so rewiring your priorities on the day is important. Let the little things go. Remember, no one really cares or remembers the colour of flowers, cutlery, etc. This day is for you and your partner, allow yourself to be present and soak up YOUR day.

My Homebodii moment was special because I wore…

Earlier this year, I asked my mum to be my Maid of Honour. It was a privilege to have her at my wedding but also by my side as we were getting ready. To make it extra special, we were draped in our own Homebodii robes. I wore the Athena Robe and Mum wore the Madonna Robe. It was one of those treasured parts of the day; getting ready with my mum, looking glamorous in our luxurious robes all whilst knowing the day had finally come and she’d be standing by my side as one of the most meaningful people in my life. I’ll never forget these moments.