Sometimes you just know you’ve found the one

Growing up, Steph always dreamt of getting married, and while she’s never seen her wedding dress – or her husband Rob – she knows they’re both perfect for her.

At just 19, Steph was diagnosed with a rare disease called Cone-Rod Dystrophy and told she would one day be blind. After battling through a rapid change in vision, Steph reached out to Guide Dogs for support. “I had a trial with a dog named Leo,” she says. “Rob said he’d never seen me walk so fast and freely. It gave me so much confidence!” Steph immediately applied for a Guide Dog and was soon matched with the beautiful Rocky. “Rocky changed my whole outlook on life. His companionship has been great not only for my independence, but for my mental health too.” There was one obstacle Steph was still anxious about: finding her dream wedding dress without being able to see it. “I heard about people trying on wedding dresses and knowing when they’d found the one. I knew that wasn’t going to be me.” “I tried on dresses, but nothing felt right. In the end I tried my brother’s choice, adding an extra layer to the skirt for the full princess wedding effect. I got goosebumps and knew it was the one. Knowing that and feeling it without seeing the dress was incredible.” “If I hadn’t been matched with Rocky, it would’ve been harder to regain my confidence. I may not have met Rob and had the wedding I’d always dreamt of. And it’s all thanks to Guide Dogs and their amazing supporters.”

Every single day, Australians just like Steph are told they will become blind.

Every year, Guide Dogs organisations across Australia transform lives, thanks to the generosity of people just like you. In fact, a large part of the charity’s funding comes from people who leave a gift in their Will to Guide Dogs.