How did you both meet? 
Dan and I met on Bumble 3 years ago. We had a very brief chat on the app and a week later we met at Frankie’s Pizza. Of course it was super loud and we couldn’t really hear each other so not a great start for a first date. After a while we found a different table and were able to get to know each other better. We flirted, shared our life experiences and plans, and I could feel we had formed a good connection. After a few dates we were official and meeting each other’s families!

Who popped the question & how?
Dan and I went to Fiji together in January 2020 and stayed in the Marriott Momi Bay Resort in this beautiful lagoon front Bure. On the first day we settled, had dinner then went back to our room right after sunset. Daniel organised some cocktails and we sat outside on the deck of our Bure looking out to the lagoon. I could tell he was a bit nervous and quiet for some reason but he started telling me all the things he admired about me and how much he appreciated having me in his life. Next thing I knew he leapt off the lounge, onto one knee and asked me to marry him, presenting a beautiful teal sapphire yellow gold ring which I had pointed out to him about 6 months prior online because we had started having conversations of marriage back then. I started hysterically crying and I'm pretty sure it echoed across the whole lagoon. It was great that he proposed on the first night of our holiday because we were able to celebrate and really enjoy the time we had together before returning to everyday life and starting the planning process. 

What type of wedding did you plan? What was your theme? 
The styling of our wedding was modern, using colours white, gold, latte, cream, nudes and blush pink. White and gold were the base tones, as we wanted a classic and timeless foundation and the other colours added a modern flair.  We kept this theme in mind throughout the planning process - how we wanted to keep things traditional and classic whilst also adding something unique and modern. For our reception, the flowers and styling were an absolute highlight. A lot of guests complimented us on how beautiful the room looked. Our florist added olive tree branches with actual olives to the arrangements on the day and it just perfectly tied in with our Italian heritage, my personal love for all things olives (literally) and our olive oil bomboniere.

What quirky features made your wedding unique? 
For entertainment, we had a caricaturist wander the room and draw our guests. We also had a 20 minute performance by a Violin Stunt Duo which added something a bit different to the evening. Dan’s best man also used to play the drums for Lebanese celebrations so we had him drum along to the party music. 

Where did you hold your ceremony? 
We got married at St John Vianney Catholic Church where my parents got married and where I was raised as a Catholic. The ceremony for us was the most important part of the day and we chose to have a short but traditional Catholic mass using the traditional vows. We kept things simple at the church and opted out of any styling except for a welcome sign. Our priest allowed us to have a live musician and we played our favourite songs from Coldplay and Chris Isaak. Our family has so many memories in that church and it felt so special to get married there. 

Why did you choose City Beach? 
We chose City beach for a number of reasons: The stunning view, the large space in the room, the wonderful and helpful staff, the value for money (especially with all the inclusions), the central location and the fact that it was pretty much a blank canvas that you could do a lot with styling wise. 

What was it like dealing with Wedding Coordinators, Melissa & Michele?

Both Melissa and Michele were an absolute pleasure to deal with. They were very patient with us over 100’s of emails, phone calls and meetings and answered all of our questions. As a nervous bride who was worried about all the small details, I was eased to know that the staff were so helpful, attentive and friendly. 

What’s your No 1 go to song that HAD to be included in your playlist? 
Cup of Life by Ricky Martin - Daniel is a huge fan of Ricky and it was a no brainer to get the party started. 

What was your most memorable moment from the day?

So many precious moments! Of course walking down the aisle was so surreal because it is something you think about your whole life and especially in the lead up to the wedding. You always wonder how it's going to feel and for me I felt an overwhelming sense of calm, like I was floating on air towards the love of my life, my future. My other favourite moment was right after we arrived at the reception and Daniel and I snuck off to the beach for photos at sunset. I just remember hearing the waves crash behind us, time stood still and it was a moment that felt like it would last forever. 

What parts made you cry?

Daniel and I wrote personal vows /love letters to each other and we read them on the morning of the wedding. I couldn’t help but cry as soon as I opened it. I thought I would cry walking down the aisle but I was just super happy and smiling ear to ear. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the whole day. 

Any advice for couples about to tie the knot?

• Book everything asap so you don’t have to miss out on vendors that you really want
• Space your reception out so you have time to eat and talk to your guests 
• Make sure you don’t compromise on big ticket items like catering, photography and flowers as you get what you pay for and you don’t want to regret anything later
• Make the day interactive so your guests enjoy themselves - have activities or entertainment for them if your budget allows (or find creative ways of doing this for free)
• On the day, have an emergency kit for anything that may happen
• Relax and enjoy the best day of your life.Its cliche, but make sure to take a deep breath, take it all in and spend a moment alone with your partner to absorb the day for what it is

WEDDING DREAM TEAM

Styling @ashdownandbee
Transport @ashdownandbeecars
Photography and Videography @inamazefilms
Florals @clementineposy
Dress @accapellabridal @essenseofaustralia
Suit @tomford
Hair @hairby_shelley
MUA @sophieannemuaofficial
Tan @house_of_tan
Cake @iconic.cake
Entertainment @stringsonfireshow
Photobooth @playhardphotobooths
Caricaturist @samthecaricaturist
Live Musician @order_of_genesis
Bridesmaid Dresses @olegcassini
Groomsmen Suits @MrFierze
Bride's shoes @louboutinworld