Lets start at the beginning, when and how did you and your partner meet?
Daniel and I have known each other since we were teens. I cannot recall our first introduction and despite having many mutual friends and attending many of the same functions throughout the years, we remained as just acquaintances. Daniel’s cousin Jazzy, who is one of my best friends, has been determined to set us up for many years; however the timing was never right for either of us. It wasn’t until early 2017 and an attendance of a mutual friend’s birthday party that a romance was sparked. Daniel asked me out on a date soon after and as they say ‘the rest is history’.
Tell us about the proposal ..
During the ‘courting’ period, he was always elaborate with the way in which he did things. Before the actual proposal itself, I thought Daniel was proposing to me when he took me out for a surprise dinner for my 30th birthday. Even though at that stage we had only been dating for 7 months, I cannot be blamed for making the assumption of an upcoming proposal given the effort he went to in organising the birthday surprise. I was asked to be ready by a particular time, Daniel had organised a chauffer who eventually got us to Silvestri’s out in Clarendon. We went into the lobby and enjoyed a few glasses of champagne, under dimmed lighting and soft music playing in the background. Although I appreciated the romance, the thought of a proposal didn’t cross my mind at this stage. It wasn’t until we entered the restaurant that I discovered we were the only people there, that the restaurant itself had been closed to the public for some time and that Daniel went to great lengths to organise for the restaurant to be open for one night, especially for us. Although I was not disappointed because it did not happen on this evening, I thought he would have to plan something big when the day came.
In true Daniel style, he got me by surprise, when he decided to pop the question on Thursday 23rd December 2017, just a month after my 30th birthday. I had just returned home from shopping, and thought I had time to clean the house. I was dressed in trackies, hair in a bun and my nails were certainly not painted for the occasions. My parents, sister and brother-in-law were all in attendance and my dad and brother-in-law were the only ones who were in on the surprise. Daniel had asked me to come to the door of the living room, only so that he can twist me around, go and kneel in the centre of the living room, and ask me to marry him. Despite expecting a proposal a month earlier, I was definitely caught by surprise. I was so lost for words that I didn’t even answer the question but I definitely took the ring. Daniel’s parents were on standby and joined us shortly after with a magnum of champagne. The celebrations continued into the evening followed by another 5 bottles of champagne. A couple of days later, we flew to Hobart with a couple of close friend and my sister and brother-in-law to watch the Sydney to Hobart race and celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The Dress! Tell us about your experience finding the dress .. How did you decide on the one?
I knew from the start that I wanted a Caleche dress. Although the wedding was booked 1.5 years in advance, I attended the store and tried on a three piece set which I immediately fell in love with. I was set on this dress; however with nothing but time on my hands I went down the path of making multiple changes to the design while received great advice and support from Liz. I had kept the original fabrics and there were no changes to the overskirt. The final product was a combination of all the things I loved in many wedding dresses I had seen through the years. Liz was nothing but patient with me and the changes I continued to request. I loved the final product and would not change a single detail of the dress.
Can you give us some details on your wedding location?
The ceremony was traditional Orthodox wedding conducted at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church; followed by reception at John DiFede.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
Although it was the rainiest day in May 2019, my favourite part was walking out of the church (just as the rain stopped) as husband and wife. Now that the formalities of the day were over, we were able to move on to the photo location and enjoy the cocktails and food that followed.
Hens Day! If you had one, please tell us all about it!
Hens Day was organised in secrecy by my 5 beautiful bridesmaids. They hired Bar Cuba for the evening and ensured the night was action packed.
Lastly, is there any advice or words of wisdom you have for future brides?
Enjoy every second of your wedding day. Although some things may not go exactly to schedule or as planned – it is okay! No one but you will know that the bridal party entry order was not as you scribed or that speeches went 15 minutes overtime.
Details
Photographer: Mike Hemus; Ceremony: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church; Reception: John DiFede; Videographer: IDo; Dress: Caleche Bridal; Heels: Valentino Rockstud pumps; Flowers: Freelance by Dragana Milojevic; Hair: Zo Hair; Make up: Freelance Nour Harb & Madeleine Tirimacco; Perfume: Louis Vuitton Matière Noire; Rings (engagement & wedding band): Gerard McCabe; Earrings: Chanel ; Bridesmaid dresses: Elle Zeitoune; Cake: Sian’s Delicious Diamonds; Invitations: Made By J Designs; Acrylic signage: Laser Lab Co; Dj: Johnny Concept; Cars: Classic Jags
Suits: Tailors of Distinction (Groom), Ferrari Formalwear (Groomsmen); Shoes: G&L Handmade (Groom); Shirts: Limited Edition Shirtmakers (Groom), Hugo Boss (Groomsmen); Ties: Drake’s (Groom), Dolce & Gabbana (Groomesmen); Wedding Band: Jason Moss Jewellery Design
