“Kostas & Estee did this whole wedding thing right,” says photographer, Shane Shepherd. “They had some tradition in the mix with a Greek Orthodox service in a beautiful (and very tiny) church in Byron. It seats 40 people and there were easily 100 in there, but man it was fun! These guys were in party mode,” he adds. “Good. Times.” Well, we think that about sums it up, right? Add a Carolyn Bessette-inspired gown, an oh-so-dapper suit from our faves at Calibre, and a video by the talented Goldbear Wedding Films and we know you won’t be disappointed…
THE VENUE “I proposed on Wategos Beach under the stars. We had dinner at Raes On Wategos afterwards and organised a room in the hotel. It was during the engagement dinner we decided we should celebrate our wedding there also. What a beautiful venue for it!”
THE DRESS “I was the typical little girl that new from early on the dress I wanted. Since 1996 I had a picture of it in my scrapbook. A photo of Carolyn Bessette from one of Mum’s magazines. A classic, silk slip style dress. I had no idea where to go and what to do. I went looking and all the slips I found were made to be worn underneath the actual wedding dress. A friend recommended I go see Vincenzo Pintaudi Couture who is in Armadale, Melbourne. I knew what I wanted and Vincenzo said he would be able to create it for me. It took around 2 months. Initially, I wasn’t going to have a train but Vince convinced me and I am so glad he did. I ended up jumping in the swimming pool at Rae’s with it on at the end of the night!”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “We all gathered on the driveway in a huge circle for traditional Greek dancing. This was so amazing. Everyone got involved and had the chance to dance at the front. It was like being on a Greek island. The weather was perfect all night.”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION… “We wanted to keep with tradition and have a Greek Orthodox Ceremony. As there are no Greek churches in Byron, we had to borrow the local Anglican Church, St. Columba’s in Ewingsdale. Father Romanos from Saint Anna’s Greek Orthodox Church, Gold Coast came down to conduct the ceremony.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Get a planner. Lol.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Did it in Byron. Both our families are from Melbourne, so we got to have an amazing little vacay with all of our close friends and family before and after the wedding, which was awesome.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Shane Shepherd Photography– he went above and beyond. Such a legend.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Shane Shepherd Photography Cinematographer Goldbear Wedding Films Florist The French Petal Ceremony St. Columba’s Ewingsdale Church Reception & Catering Raes On Wategos Grazing Table The Poor Girls Pantry Cake Sweet Obsession Cakes Decorative Elements & Lighting Byron Bay Audio Priest Father Romanos, Greek Orthodox Transport Byron Kombi Limo Flower Girl Outfit Zara Kids Page Boy Outfit Coco and Ginger BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Vincenzo Pintaudi Couture Shoes Dolce & Gabbana Accessories Sibilia Rings Polly Wales Hair & Makeup Stef Hair And Beauty Bridesmaid Dresses & Shoes Mister Zimi Bridesmaid Gifts SOUQ Jewellery GROOM Suit & Shirt Calibre Cufflinks Tiffany & Co. Shoes Double Monk Watch Hublot Grooming Jack The Snipper Wedding Band APS Jewellery Groomsmen Suits Country Road