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.