Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Table of Contents
The Proposal
Awais brought a new spectrum of color to Stephanie’s world, just as she did to his. Their proposal, like their love, was unique and heartwarming. On a tranquil day in Greece, with the sparkling waters of Paros as their witness, Awais popped the question. There were no extravagant gestures, no elaborate displays – just a simple, “You’re going to marry me.” And in that serene moment, Stephanie said, “Of course, I’ll marry you.” Their love story was unfolding as authentically as they were, with hearts filled with love.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Stephanie and Awais’s Special Wedding Details
Fast forward to their wedding day, where the backdrop of blue drapery added a very intimate yet grand touch to their ceremony. Every detail, from Stephanie’s delicately hand-beaded dress by Sant Elia to the floral installations by Francis Floristry, was ingrained with significance. The blue and purple theme, chosen by Stephanie, echoed her love for cobalt blue and the jewel tones from stained glass windows and her ceremony dress.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Incorporating Italian and South-Asian Cultures
What made their wedding truly unique, though, were the cultural elements seamlessly woven into the day. Stephanie and Awais celebrated both their backgrounds with readings from the Quran and the Bible, a candle ceremony for their mothers, and even a lively Tarantella dance performance. Pakistani Dhol Drummers also led the entrance to the after party. The fusion of South-Asian and Italian cuisine also added a delicious twist to their culinary journey.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
The Venue
As for the venue, the NSW State Library proved to be the perfect canvas for their love story. Its versatility allowed the transformation from day to night, and its heritage details added a touch of magic. Stephanie, a bridal designer, and Awais, a barrister, found that the venue encapsulated their individuality and their unity as a couple.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Stephanie’s Gowns
Now, let’s talk about Stephanie’s gowns, shall we? Her ceremony gown was a masterpiece that celebrated the union of two cultures, including a classic Italian inspired structured silhouette and Eastern/South Asian beading techniques. It was a labor of love, with intricate embellishments that took three months to create by hand. The beaded motifs on her gown were deeply personal, featuring star signs, ancestral places, travel destinations, and quotes from loved ones. The reception gown was equally breathtaking, with opulent hand-beaded tulle and a theatrical silk gazar cape. Both gowns were designed by Stephanie in collaboration with her team of bridal artisans and created at her bridal studio in Petersham, Sydney. Stephanie was the epitome of elegance and grace.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
The reception gown was equally breathtaking, with opulent hand-beaded tulle and a theatrical silk gazar cape. Stephanie was the epitome of elegance and grace.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Advice for Future Couples
And for all the brides-to-be out there, Stephanie and Awais had some sage advice: “Make choices that reflect you both as a couple, don’t lose yourself in other people’s expectations.” Wise words from a couple who truly understood the essence of a wedding – a celebration of love, unique to the couple at its heart.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Stephanie and Awais’s Favorite Moments of their Wedding
As for their favorite moments, Stephanie treasured their vows and the surprise of her son Rome becoming the ring bearer. Awais cherished Stephanie and Rome walking down the aisle to the sweet notes of “Here Comes the Sun,” along with the heartfelt vows and the joy of doing his speech with his beloved family by his side.
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
Photo by: @anemotionweddings
The Wedding Vendors
Planner & Stylist Lb Styling @placeoflb
Hire @eventhiresyd
Catering & Drinks @laissez_faire_catering
Celebrant @ceremony.vp
Photographer @anemotionweddings
Videographer @anemotionweddings
Florist @francisfloristry
Entertainment ceremony @stringspace
Entertainment afterparty @soulnights_
Stationary @byv__
Makeup @alexpolverinomua
Draping @thelooksydney
Lighting + AV @sydneyeventservices
AV for band @soulnights_
Sydney Props Columns @sydneypropspecialists
Cake @pasticceria_caruso
Cake #2 @stacybrewcakes
Drums Dohl Gy
Photobooth @openbooths
Stephanie’s ring @grewandco
Gowns @santelia_sydney
Bridal slip & Robe @santelia_sydney
Headpiece @hermioneharbutt
Ceremony Jewellery @swarovski
Ceremony Shoes @reneecaovilla
Reception shoes @gianvitorossi
Henna @hennabyhura
Location @statelibrarynsw