A modern-day love story; Toufic was Youlita’s manager at work. Upon meeting, the couple instantly felt a connection, however kept their feelings hidden until Toufic was no longer Youlita’s direct manager. The lovebirds would try and catch glimpses of each other across the office, until one day, Youlita finally convinced him to take her on a date (yep, she had to convince him it was worth the risk – office politics!). Youlita revealed to us that on their first date, she knew she was going to marry him…

The Proposal

The couple had purchased a block of land together, a year before Toufic proposed, holding on to it to build on once they were married. One cold morning, Youlita received a message from Toufic, telling her to come over so they could drive to the block and see how it’s looking these days. Once they arrived, Youlita saw that it was just a pile of dirt and couldn’t understand why they had gone (although Toufic seemed excited to have a street sign up, so she went along with it). The couple was walking around the block, imagining how the house was going to be positioned. Youlita pretended to be in the kitchen, preparing pancakes, while Toufic pretended to sit on the lounge, playing PlayStation. Youlita then moved into the imaginary alfresco to say ‘hi’ to their imaginary neighbours, playing along with his excitement, and when she turned around, he was behind her and down on one knee, and said: “A house is just a house, but you would make it a home.” Youlita proceeded to cry and knelt down to the mud with him, saying yes a thousand times through her tears. (We’re not crying, you are!)

“It was everything I could have wanted and more. Just us, with our future in our hands (or all over our feet and knees at this point!).”

The Wedding

The couple’s wedding theme was elegant and classic, but as revealed by the bride, the best moment was being surprised by her husband with Knafeh! Leading up to the wedding, Youlita had been begging to have the bearded bakers for months, knowing how much joy and excitement they bring to the dance floor. However, after many discussions, the couple agreed that they couldn’t afford anymore entertainment. Fast-forward to the wedding night, and Youlita had just finished the father-daughter dance and was walking back to her seat, when suddenly… the doors opened up and the drums started again! Youlita looked at the top of the stairs and saw the bearded bakers walking down, looking at her husband with pure joy. We love when grooms pull off surprises like this, Fairies!

“I wouldn’t change a single thing about our wedding. The bridezilla in me really vanished after I saw my hubby waiting for me at the church – she’s never come back since. The day went as it was planned to, and I’ve got the best husband in the world now. I’m a happy bride.”

Photographer & Cinematographer: Melki Studios, Ceremony Venue: St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne, Reception Venue: Luxor, Entertainment: DJ Michael Masri & Zaffet Royale & Louis Kattoura & Opal Ocean Band & Knafeh Bakery, Bridal Dress Designer: George Elsissa, Bridal Shoes: Dior, Bridal Jewellery & Headpiece: Maria Elena Headpieces, Engagement Rings: Shannakian Fine Jewellery, Bridesmaid Dresses Designer: Bariano, Flower Girl Dresses Designer & Pageboy Suit: Princess Boutique, Groom’s Suit: Tailors Mark, Groomsmen Suits: Peter Jackson, Cake Designer: Creme de la Cakes, Invitation Designer: Mazii Collection, Florist: Mina’s Florals, Hairdresser: Hair by Neveen, Makeup Artist: Amanda Rose Piccolo

Digital Content Coordinator: Zoe Kanlis

Featured Image: Melki Studios