Amanda & Jessy McKinnon

When did you get married?

17 October 2020

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

How did you get engaged?

It was a Saturday. I was at home really sick with the flu. I was laying on the lounge, and Jessy came out and asked if I needed anything, and then got down on one knee! Even though I was really sick, it was perfect and was totally surprised! 

Where was your ceremony?

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

Where was your wedding reception?

Canberra room, Hyatt Hotel

Where did you buy your rings?

Michael Hill 

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

Where is your wedding dress from?

Essence of Australia Gown – purchased at Belles and Beaux Bridal Newcastle

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

And shoes?

Kate Whitcomb

Who was your hairdresser?

Infinite Hairstyling

Who did your makeup?

Dahn Doan Makeup

Where are the groom’s suit and accessories from?

YD Australia

Did you have music?

Complete Entertainment

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

Who did your food styling?

Hyatt Hotel

Who styled your wedding?

Show Pony Events

Where were your florals from?

Cooma Flower Pantry and Jamieson Flowers.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Wedding

Who was your photographer?

Margan Photography

Where was your cake from?

Canberra Cake Boutique

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Hotel

Did you have any extra special bits organised for the big day?

My biological father passed away in 2018. And our eldest sister passed away in July 2020. My mother organised the most beautiful locket with both of their photos for my bouquet. My Mum’s wonderful friend who is a cake maker, baked us these beautiful cookies as a surprise for the day. And Hyatt and the wonderful Chloe gave us a room upgrade to a suite for a few nights and made me feel absolutely spoiled!

What were your most memorable moments?

The whole day was absolutely perfect from start to finish! Even with the rain! (Which managed to hold off for our photos outside).  But the moment I saw my future husband’s face while he was waiting for me at the end of the aisle was the best! 

Tony Ferrante & Stefanie Quattrocelli

When did you get married?

14 March 2020

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

How did you get engaged?

We were celebrating my birthday in a private function room in Ivanhoe, just intimate family. Tony had arranged for a cake to be made which had my beautiful ring inside and a special message on it. Tony got down on one knee in front of both our families and proposed – This night then became our surprise engagement celebration 😊

Where was your ceremony?

Scots Church, Collins St Melbourne

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Where was your wedding reception?

Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields.

Where did you buy your rings?

Paul Bram

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Where is your wedding dress from?

Anette of Melbourne Couture

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding
Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

And shoes?

Christian Louboutin

Who was your hair dresser?

Shaylee Ellen Hair and Makeup

Who did your make up?

Celeste Speziale Hair and Makeup Artist

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Where are the groom’s suit and accessories from?

Formal Red Fitzroy

Did you have live music?

Yes, we had Craig Francis Music, 7-piece Live band that kept us on the dance floor ALL night!

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

What was on the menu?

Our menu was Italian inspired

Who styled your wedding?

Styling was a team effort by the Bride/Groom (More so the groom!) Amelia from Hyatt Place Melbourne and various suppliers such as Amica Event Hire, My Three Stems & Pastry Paradise in Lalor.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Where were your florals from?

My Three Stems decorated our beautiful bridal table and over 35 floral centrepieces and Sam Rizzo Floral Designer created our stunning fresh bouquets and floral pins for our bridal party that day.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding
Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Who was your photographer?

Dreamlife Photography.

Who was your videographer?

For You Wedding Films.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Where was your cake from?

Pastry Paradise, Lalor.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Did you have any extra special bits organised for the big day?

Our room reveal! Hyatt Place Melbourne’s flexible event space allowed us to showcase Tony’s passion for cars as well as coordinate an extra special surprise for our guests that evening. We worked closely with Amelia, Leo and the team to arrange a hidden section of the space which was then revealed with a retractable wall – presenting the Ford GT range of 6 cars along with unlimited Scotch, Gelati and Cannoli cart set up for everyone to enjoy for desert. All of our suppliers did an amazing job with presentations and service, we would like to thank everyone who helped us bring this together:

-        The Little Bar Cart, Melbourne.

-        Vanilla & Co Gelato.

-        That’s Amore Cheese, Cannoleria.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding
Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding
Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

What was your most memorable moments?

We would have to say the entire day! From when we finally said I do in front of all our family & friends, to then our huge celebration that evening. The vibe was just amazing, and we could not have asked for any better that day.  Blessed x

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding

Lucy & Chris

When did you get married?

12th October 2019 

Park Hyatt Melbourne

How did you get engaged?

We got engaged on 8th October 2018 - a date palindrome! Chris had concocted a plan to keep me from coming straight home from work that day so that he could have time to decorate my backyard. He gathered my family and closest friends at my house to witness him popping the question! I had no idea about this proposal, which meant that I was not at all dressed for the occasion, and it meant that I was proposed to in a t-shirt, jeans and my favourite pair of yellow thongs!

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Where was your ceremony?

St. Joseph's Catholic Parish, Malvern 

Where was your Reception?

The Ballroom at Park Hyatt Melboure

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding
Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Where did you buy your engagement rings?
All Diamonds in Elsternwick.

Where was your wedding dress from?

The Silk, Jakarta. 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

What brand were your shoes?

Lina Lee

Where were your Bridesmaid dresses and accessories from?

Forever New & Pandora 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding
Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Who did your hair and make up?

Dewi Tan, Elly Liana, Stella Lee

Where was the groom suits from?

Daniel Hechter 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Did you have live music?

Yes, we had Craig Francis Entertainment 

Who styled your wedding?

Centrepiece by Design 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Where were your floral from?

Centrepiece by Design (reception), The Petalier (bridal party bouquets), Irene Bee (ceremony) 

Who was the photographer?

Kairos Works 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

Did you have fireworks?

Yes, we used Melbourne Fireworks 

Park Hyatt Melbourne Wedding

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

The last 30 mins of the reception. This was the moment when we realized there were only 30 mins remaining of our wedding day, and we just didn't want the night to end because it had been the most perfect day of our lives. 

 

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

Yet to be planned. Stay tuned! 

Christina & Emil

Where did you meet?

Emil and I met while we were on a boat in Sydney Harbour. We were introduced by mutual friends who we shared for over five years. We had ample time to meet prior to this day, however we figured timing must not have been right. It wasn’t until Valentine’s Day in 2016 that our paths crossed and we haven’t looked back since! 

Hyatt Regency Sydney Maritime Ballroom real wedding

What is your proposal story?

Emil and I were visiting a friend in the Bahamas and he organised a special couples retreat for me for a few days. He actually hired a private islands in the Exuma Islands (part of the Bahamas) to pop the question! I had always told him that I was never a girl who enjoyed attention and so if we were to ever get engaged I always wanted it to be just the two of us. I guess he took that and ran with it!

How did you know he/she was the one?

It was an instant mutually shared feeling. Hard to describe, other than we just knew. We share similar values around so many different aspects of life including family, work and travel. It was just right.

Hyatt Regency Sydney Maritime Ballroom real wedding
Hyatt Regency Sydney Maritime Ballroom real wedding

In three words, how would you describe your wedding?

Absolutely, unbelievably amazing!

What made you choose Hyatt Regency Sydney for your wedding?

The venue had recently been refurbished and it was a blank canvas with amazing finishes for us to work with and incorporate our own style.

Hyatt Regency Sydney Maritime Ballroom real wedding

Did you have a theme? How did you incorporate this into the day?

The venue has such a simple yet elegant design, we decided to go with white florals and black base.

What style of dress did you choose and why?

I had to go BIG! I mean when else would I have the chance to wear such a dress. Steven Khalil brought a vision I had to life and I cannot thank him enough. I felt beautiful the whole day and night.

What flowers did you choose and why?

My florist Azariade was wonderful to work with. They are so contemporary yet modern/edgy and definitely brought my subtle style to a statement level. I highly recommend them to any brides-to-be.

Did you work with a stylist/planner?

YES! Noel Nassar is an absolute genius, he is amazing at what he does. He is creative, pushes the boundaries and delivers. He is meticulous and efficient and the night ran so smoothly and as planned! Everyone had an incredible evening.

Hyatt Regency Sydney Maritime Ballroom real wedding

How did you choose your photographer?

Noel suggested Imagehaus who were fantastic to work with. Their quality work and ability to capture special moments is unlike no other.

What was your favourite part of the day/most memorable moment?

The most memorable part of the evening was when a Hyatt Regency staff member offered me a pair of slippers at the very end of the evening. She even sat me down and helped me take my beautiful heels off. That was so unexpected but such a great surprise!

From start to finish, how long did it take to plan your wedding day?

12 months.

Do you have any advice for future brides?

Definitely consider the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency for your future event. The venue, staff and service were all great.

Abanoub Riad & Dahlia Assad

When did you get married?

November 2018.

Hyatt Place Melbourne Wedding Church

How did you get engaged?

Over a picnic at Fitzroy Gardens is where he officially asked me, however, it was a full day. We went and saw a movie in the morning, had the picnic in the afternoon then had a lovely dinner at Donovan’s at St Kilda. The last part of the day was the best, as he had organised for all my friends and family (including those from interstate) to come to his parent’s house, for a massive surprise party. It really was the best day!

Where was your ceremony? 


St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington.

Wedding Dress Train

Where was your wedding reception?

At Hyatt Place Events Centre, in the The Australian Rooms 2 & 3, as well as The Atrium.

Wedding Reception
Wedding Recpetion

Where did you buy your engagement rings?

Parade Jewelers in Sydney.

Where is your wedding dress from?

Alin Le Kal was the designer.

Bride Wedding Dress
Bride
Bride and Groom

Where were your wedding shoes from?

Christian Louboutin.

Where are your bridesmaids dresses from?

Mix Bridal.

Bridesmaids

Who was your hair dresser?

Neveen Audisho.

Who was your make up artist?

Zainab Changizi.

Where are the groom and groomsens suits from?

All suits were made overseas.

Groom

Did you have live music?

Yes, we had DJ Skinnybones.

Bride Dancing

What was on the menu?

We chose mainly seafood dishes with beef as well.

Who styled your wedding?

Styling was done by the bride, as well as with the help of suppliers such as Amica Event Hire. They supplied the chairs, charger plates, bridal table, cake table and napkins.

Wedding Styling
Wedding Flowers
Wedding Flowers

Where were your flowers from?

The Studio by Fleur.

Who was the photographer?

Cloverleaf Photography.

Wedding Cake
Bride and Groom

Who was the videographer?

C2 Films.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

When I walked into the church and saw the grooms face for the first time. He was on the verge of tears and he never cries, it was a really emotional moment.

Where was your honeymoon?

It was quite a big holiday, as we were away for 6 weeks. We travelled to North America, (LA, San Fran, Yosemite N.P, Vegas, New York, Miami) then to the Bahamas for New Years, Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii was our last stop.

Susan & Neil

This is truly one of those spectacular love stories. And it all starts just after high school when Susan began dating Neil for a couple of years. But as it happens, they drifted apart, as kids do, and spent the better part of 20 years circling each other, staying in touch, but never anything more until the Gunning Fireworks Festival 2015…

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 045.jpg

They were messing around getting matching (spray on) tattoos , enjoying the evening immensely when it suddenly occurred to Neil that there was nothing he wanted more than to spend the rest of his life laughing and having adventures with Susan. For all those who know Neil, this was his “light-bulb” moment, but even Susan thinks he took FAR too long to work it out! Many agree saying that it took them forever to realise that they were meant for each other. But this is a love that has taken its time, and it is richer, more rock solid and full of zest as a result!

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 008.jpg
Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 006.jpg
Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 014.jpg

So even though Susan & Neil have been technically together for roughly 3 years now, due to the love their share, they honestly feel like they’ve been together for several lifetimes. For Susan, he is the boy she fell in love with 20 odd years ago and the man of her dreams now. When she is with him she can be herself and breathe - life is a daring adventure! And for Neil, she is the one that nearly got away, but he got his chance and then finally she was his! In his eyes, she is a true beauty, both inside and out. 

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 036.jpg
Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 057.jpg

They are so perfect for each other, that they can truly be themselves and have so much fun almost every single day. A couple of years ago, one such silly situation occurred when they were mucking around and play fighting one morning when Susan said, "I love you THIS MUCH!" and went to blow a raspberry on Neil’s stomach. He moved, she slipped and ended up head-butting his stomach (rather hard). Now it is their tradition - it's a head butt of love! More recently, while they were making their wedding plans they started to discuss how "the kiss" should look, so Neil grabbed Susan, dipped her and started kissing, continuing to dip her until he lay her on the ground, kissing her the entire way. When they both stopped laughing, Susan informed Neil that if he tried that with her wedding dress, he was a dead man walking! (We’re pretty sure he didn’t take that advice as we have photographic evidence from their day below!)

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 042.jpg

Neil proposed in early February 2017 and it was more or less one from out of the movies! He’d planned it for months, booked a little table at a place called “Le Bistro”. During the night, sometime between entree and dessert, he very romantically got down on one knee and asked that very important question. The whole restaurant went quiet and then broke out in applause! 

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 038.jpg
Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 063.jpg

And for their wedding day, they kept it simple, but meaningful, with words spoken as a part of their vows that were very moving. They also included a handfasting ceremony as a perfect way to celebrate their two families joining as one. We spent a little time with them at the Hyatt and into Lennox Gardens where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom…

Hyatt_Canberra_TC_Susan_Neil - 035.jpg

Supplier List

Photographers: Mark Jennaway & Alex Orme @ Timeless Creations
Ceremony: Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Photo Locations: Hyatt Hotel, Lennox Gardens, Nara Peace Park
Makeup & Hairstyling: The Blush Boutique
Flowers: Bloomin’ Flowers
Celebrant: Donna Butler - Celebration Marriage Celebrant
Cake: Canberra Cake Boutique
Live Music: Bill Olsen

Danijela and Alan

How did you get engaged?

After 8 years of dating, Alan surprised me with an overnight stay in the city, only to wake me up at midnight to propose to me on Christmas Day!

Danijela and Alan - Flower Wall

Why did you select your rings?

Alan surprised me with my beautiful halo cushion cut diamond engagement ring (made by Arman’s fine Jewellery) which I absolutely love! Arman also created our beautiful wedding bands for the day. 

Where was your dress from and why did you choose it?

I wanted a classic yet effortless look for my bridal dress and fell in love with Rachel Gilbert’s ‘Andie Bridal Gown’. 

Danijela Bride
Danijela & Alan

 Who did your Hair & Make-up?

My bridal hair was done by the beautiful Sarah Habib and make up by the beautiful Joumana Wahhab.

 Did you have live music during your wedding?

We did - SaxoJohnny from Cdarz Entertainment. We wanted to incorporate live music for the ceremony and during canapés for our guests.

Danijela & Alan - The Guest House

What was important to you in regard to the styling and flower arrangements?

The most important thing to Alan and I on the day regarding styling was to ensure that we complimented the beauty of Park Hyatt Sydney and it’s unbelievably stunning backdrop! (It was an absolute bonus, Vivid was also on!) With the help of our suppliers, styling the ‘Guest House’ and adjoining terrace was a joy! I envisioned a romantic setting filled with lots of flowers and candles - and we couldn’t have been happier!

Danijela & Alan - Ceremony
Danijela & Alan - Speeches

Who was your photographer?

Our photographer on the day was Ryan Schembri. 

 Which were your most memorable moments?

Til this day, our wedding day is one of our greatest memories not only to us but our families.  Getting married on exactly our 10 year anniversary was an absolutely dream! From the moment we started planning our wedding, having the support from Park Hyatt and the wonderful wonderful Lisa Koenig (Events Executive) - no request was impossible. We had luck on our side that day, with beautiful weather allowing us to have our ceremony on the adjoining terrace of the Guest Room overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the amazing food and service received on the night - that still to this day, has our guests talking and of course the wonderful staff who made the night go by like a breeze!  

Danijela & Alan - Bridal Table
Danijela & Alan - Centrepieces

 Did you go on a honeymoon?

We were planning to go a European summer holiday this year (2019) however to our surprise - Alan and I are over the moon to be expecting our first baby this July 2019! So honeymoon is on hold currently.. ☺️

Alan&DanijelaTurdak22.jpg
Alan&DanijelaTurdak11.jpg

Ciara & Ryan

How did you get engaged?

Ryan proposed on his birthday to keep it a complete surprise from me. He had always said he would never propose on a date that already had an event. We went to a movie and had dinner- just like our first date and after movie ended before we made our way home, Ryan asked me for one more thing he wanted for his birthday- he asked for me to be his wife.

file3-1.jpeg
file7.jpeg

Where was your ceremony held?
Saint Josephs Church in Subiaco, Perth WA.

Where was your wedding reception held?
Hyatt Regency Perth's Grand Ballroom.

file8.jpeg
file13.jpeg

Tell us a little about the details of the fashion for your wedding day?

We had chosen a classic style and colour scheme for our wedding- gold, white and champagne. The bridesmaids wore champagne romantic flowing full length dresses and the groomsmen wore Hudson blue navy suits to compliment with black shoes and belt and champagne pocket squares and ties. Our flowers complimented the theme with classic roses and peonies in white and off white tones accented with gold to tie everything together. Hair and make-up were kept to bronze/gold tones and classically neat.

We bought the bridesmaids dresses from JJ’s house online and the groomsmen suits and groom suits was from Penguins formalwear in Perth City. My wedding dress was pure white with embellishments in the fitted bodes and layers of tulle billowing out to the bottom. This dress was bought from Tuscany Bridal.

Did you have a band?
No, we chose a DJ - Entyce Entertainments.

What wedding cake style did you pick?
5 tier cake with each tier being a different shape and decorated with white fondant and bling.

file23.jpeg
file14.jpeg

Did you have an event stylist?

Support provided by PAV audiovisual and planned by Ryan and myself.

Who supplied your wedding flowers?
Beans and bunches.

Who was your photographer?

Kevin McGinn photography.

file11.jpeg

Who was your videographer?

Folktales.

Were there any extra special additions organised for the big day?
We organised a 16 seated hummer limo for the day for our bridal party transport. We were also given a complimentary room in the Hyatt Regency Spa Suit for the night of our wedding which made the day very special.

Where was your honeymoon?
We will be travelling around Europe over Christmas and New Years.

file3-2.jpeg



Priya Parbhu & Raj Prasad

When was your wedding?

October 2016

How did you get engaged?

Raj and I had organised a week away to Bali, Raj organised with the villa that we stayed with a private 3 course meal in the villa filled with lanterns and roses. Raj organised a secret note to be hidden inside my desert (rolled up in a straw and wrapped in glad wrap) after I finished reading it, I looked up and he was down on one knee proposing. I was in so much shock I forgot to say yes and he had to ask again.

Where was your ceremony?

We had a traditional Indian ceremony held at Tatra Receptions in Mt Dandenong.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding
Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

Where was your wedding reception?

The reception was held in the Savoy Ballroom at Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Tell us about the little details of your fashion.

Raj custom designed my engagement ring through Zoara Diamonds and our wedding bands were both purchased from Michael Hill Jewellers.

The reception outfit was designed by Indian designer, Anushree Reddy, which I purchased online via an online designer store Couture Yard.

As for my wedding outfit, it was custom made for me through a local Indian bridal shop Dulhan Exclusives and my shoes were purchased from Marco Gianni.

Raj’s reception suit was custom tailored from Oscar Hunt Tailors.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

How about the bridesmaids dresses, shoes and accessories?

Bridesmaid dresses purchased from Forever New, The girls were asked to wear a neutral shoe. Accessories from Lovisa. I purchased an infiniti bracelet for all girls to wear from GoldMark.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding henna

Who did your hair and makeup?

Hair and makeup was done for ceremony and reception for myself and the bridal party by the incredible Haffsah Bilal from her boutique Lajeen Boutique Salon.

Who was in charge of the music mixture of current and Indian music?

We had a local friend DJ the evening for us.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

What was the menu like?

As we don’t eat beef, we limited this to the chicken and fish menu options from the spring seasonal menu. Grand Hyatt Melbourne was so accommodating with my personal food intolerances and the food was amazing.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

Tell us a bit about the styling on your big day.

Styling including the bridal table, and all the table centrepieces and a fairy light wall for photo opportunities, this was executed by the amazing Kerr Events.

The bridal and bridal party bouquets were silk bouquets by Elegant Designs by Nadeane, and all additional floral at the reception was organised by Kerr Events.

Who photographed your wedding?

Our amazing photos were by Sean from BLVD Media: Photography & Cinematography - https://www.facebook.com/blvdmedia/

What extra special bits were organised for the big day?

Raj organised his arrival for the wedding ceremony on a horse (I missed this!). We had a large number of families fly in for overseas for the wedding, being able to accommodate and give them an event to remember was truly special. Both Raj and I had to organise buses to pick up and return the families back to a central point.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

What were the most memorable moments?

The entire week of festivities was memorable, I don't think we would be able to single out a moment.

Where was your honeymoon?

Immediately after the wedding we did a little mini moon in Palm Cove, we then went on a 7 week visit through Europe a few months later visiting UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

Helen & Sean

When was your wedding?

August 2018

Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding

How did you get engaged? 

In Fiji, Sean organised dinner in a Cabana on the beach and surprised me completely.

Where was your ceremony? 

McKell Park

Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding

Where was your wedding reception? 

The Guest House at Park Hyatt Sydney.

Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding
Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding

What extra special bits were organised for the big day? 

Having family and friends flying in from overseas was the icing on the cake for us.

What were the most memorable moments? 

All of it; the ceremony in the park was just perfect and the reception was so beautiful, it was amazing to walk in and see everything we had been arranging with such attention to detail to make it look perfect.

Where was your honeymoon? 

It’s going to be a delayed honeymoon, but back to the UK and Ireland for Christmas and then a well deserved rest in Singapore on the way back. Looking forward to it!

Park Hyatt Sydney real wedding



Supplier List

Rings - Max Diamonds Sydney
Wedding dress -  Helen English Bridal in Paddington
Shoes -  Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids dresses - Shona Joy.
Hair - Sarah Benna Doyle 
Make up - Claire Sibia
Florals - Tulipanna 
Photographer - Robert Meredith Photography

Emily & Nicholas Trimboli

How did you meet?

We met at my cousins wedding. I was a bridesmaid and he was on the same table as my friend. I started talking to him and added myself onto his Snapchat. We started talking the next day and never stopped. We instantly fell for each other. It felt like I knew him my whole life, we got along so well and were so comfortable with each other. We are complete opposites but I think that’s what makes us work so well.

Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

 Tell us about the proposal.

 Nick said he had to go to Melbourne to get his car serviced and said we can just go out for dinner. “I believed him because it’s something he would do!” then when we were walking to dinner by crown there was a horse and carriage waiting at the promenade. He turned and said “hop on” and I was so confused. I kept asking “why did you do this? What made you do this?” And he said “you said you always wanted to go on a horse and carriage ride!”. I remember I actually did say that last time we were in Melbourne, so I thought he was just being nice. The horse and carriage took us to the gardens and then we stopped and got out. We went for a walk and then he stopped and proposed. I couldn’t stop crying.

How did you choose your venue and location? Why?

We both wanted to find a room where no one was left out. Both of us have been to many wedding and we were stuck in the corner and couldn’t see anything. We chose the Park Hyatt because the room was circular and everyone would have a good view of the dance floor.  We decided to go to Melbourne instead of having it in our home town Shepparton because we thought it would be a great weekend away for our families. 

Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding
Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

Tell us about your gown (style, how you found it, what you loved about it). What about the groom and the bridal party fashion choices?

Whenever I thought about what wedding dress I would have, I always knew I loved high neck and long sleeve. When we went to Steven khalil I told him I wanted high neck, long sleeve and big skirt. He came out with all these different pieces of material and we all fell in love with this 1 particular design! The groom doesn’t like anything basic and wanted to do something classic yet different. Nick’s dad convinced him to get the Hugo boss jacket with the detail even though it was a bit different nick fell in love with it.

For the bridal party I wanted something that was going to suit all of the bridesmaid and also for them to be comfortable all day. Alex Perry brought out his new collection at the time and we loved the colour and style of the dresses. The girls tried them on and it looked perfect on everyone so we got them! Nick wanted the groomsmen to be classic and elegant, that’s why he went with plain black suit and black tie.

We wanted the flower girl to be a miniature white version of the bridesmaids. Also wanted the page boy to be a miniature version of the groom.

What style / styling did you choose for your wedding? (e.g.: colour scheme, flowers, stationery, cake, transport, details, themes, inspiration, the overall “look and feel”)

 We went with gold and white and wanted a Gatsby sort of theme.

Our flowers were white in low gold vases. We went with a low arrangement so it was easy for everyone to communicate on the tables. Cake was plain white with white flowers. We wanted a plain cake because we had a very nice cake table. It was gold mirror to match the bridal table.  We wanted to go with older cars to go with our theme.

The overall look was soft and the gold mirrored features gave it a very glamorous feel.

Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

What were the highlights of your day?

The highlights of the whole day was walking out of the church and walking out at the reception.

The church was so beautiful and as we walked we were so happy. After we walked out we felt like we could both relax because the hard part was over. Walking out at the reception was another highlight. Saying goodbye to all of our loved ones. We both felt so much love from everyone in the room and it was very special. Everyone was so happy for us.

Tell us about any funny, poignant, challenging or emotional moments?

We both left from Shepparton and nick was meant to leave 30-60 minutes before me. I was so hungry and we had to fuel up the cars at Wallan. As we pulled up nick and the boys were right in front of us (so they were running late) I had to duck because I thought he would’ve seen me (the boys didn’t see us at all). When we see them mum turned to me and said “that’s ok, you can be late... make him sweat!”. He definitely did sweat! That’s what he gets for being late! We had some emotional moments. My mother is not an emotional person and as we were taking photos she started crying. I was very shocked. When my dad saw me for the first time he couldn’t stop crying either. They have been the best parents in the world and I was so happy to have them with my on the most special day of my life.

Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding
Park Hyatt Melbourne real wedding

Where did you go for your Honeymoon? Why?

 We went to Fiji straight after the wedding for 1 week to go and relax and we booked a Europe trip to go to in June! We are going to London and Italy. I’ve never been anywhere and Nick has. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and nick has a lot of family there.

Do you have any advice for other brides?

My advice would be to always be calm. Make sure you’re organised and if anything goes wrong it doesn’t even matter. You prepare for a day that goes so quickly! All of your hard work just disappears in a day. So don’t stress too much about the little things because they don’t even matter on the day.

Supplier List

Photographer - Dezine by Mauro
Reception Venue - Park Hyatt Melbourne
Gown - Steven Khalil
Videographer - Jason Hodge
Flowers / Styling - Bunbartha Beef
Furniture Hire - Amica Event Hire
Stationery - The Right Invite
Cake - Ab Fab Cakes 
Transport - Always Classic Cars
Bridesmaid’s dresses - Alex Perry
Groomsmen - Identity Menswear
Flower girl - Kadime Hair, Halisa Nicolaci Makeup
Makeup - Makeup by Dee