This couple’s love story was a long time coming, guys. But in the best way! “We met 19 years ago at a mutual friend’s birthday,” reveals the bride. “Mario told me years later that he said to himself, ‘I’m going to marry that woman’ and in his wedding speech he said this, before ‘I then put together a cunning 19-year plan to get her…'” Ha! Now that’s a chase! Clearly Mario’s plan was a success and boy are we glad! There to capture it all on camera was Charlotte Exton Photography, so scroll down for all the deets…
THE VIBE “We just wanted a chilled, but classy wedding. Mario had been to many weddings and he knew what he wanted- the wedding ceremony followed immediately by the reception with no waiting time for the guests.”
THE VENUE “We had been to a beautiful wedding at Mecca Alexandria and I just loved the location and the interior. Plus, they were so flexible in what we wanted to do.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “My best girlfriend from NZ did the setup of the venue (with help from my other besties) and the floral arrangements. She did such a beautiful job. Our jazz duo (who we found busking around Central Station) were cute and elegant and the singing duo (my daughter’s friend) were super. People raved about them and they were headhunted by a few guests for some extra gigs.”
DIY “Mario’s beautiful mother, Fahemy, did all the Lebanese cuisine catering. We did all the cheese platters and Mario also prepared a lot of Lebanese food himself. However, somehow his mother ‘forgot’ to have his food brought out- only hers. I never saw that one coming! We ordered all the alcohol from Dan Murphy’s and they delivered to the venue – easy.”
THE DRESS “I searched the web for endless nights trying to find the perfect dress. I knew I didn’t want a traditional dress and I thought the Nouveau Riche Boutique dress was perfect. As I’m not really a dress kind of girl I also knew staying in the dress all evening was out of the question, so I found the perfect jumpsuit online at Fame and Partners. I sent it back once with the changes I wanted- it was hassle free.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “For me there were so many special moments, from getting ready with my Mum and daughters, having a shot of whiskey with my girls just before we took our places, to my sweet Dad walking me down the aisle and seeing my amazing man waiting for me. All the great speeches from our kids, plus, the Haka being done for us- super touching. Also, can’t forget the whisky table (groom’s personal stash of single malt whisky) that was a show-stopper.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Charlotte Exton Photography Stationery Studio Silva Ceremony & Reception Mecca Alexandria Cake Maker Art of Baking Lighting & Sound Bump Productions Celebrant Pastor Colin Davidson Rings Benjamin’s Jewellers Transport Uber THE BRIDE Ceremony Gown Nouveau Riche Boutique Reception Jumpsuit Fame and Partners Shoes K-Mart, Ginger & Smart Earrings Sheike Makeup Mecca Cosmetica via The Strand Arcade Bridesmaid Dresses Sheike, Cue, Zimmermann THE GROOM Suit Van Heusen Suspenders Antons Melbourne Tie Top Man Shoes Loake 1880 Barber Cleveland’s Hair Salon Groomsmen Suits Politix.