Ballgowns and grand celebrations sound like the stuff of fiction, but for Marisa and Joshua, it was the breathtaking reality of their wedding. After more than a decade together, the couple tied the knot in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, surrounded by their loved ones.
Over a hundred guests were present to witness the couple exchange vows in the most elegant and enchanting fashion. What made their all-white wedding unique was its tasteful blend of fairytale references and modern elements, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that was all but a dream.
The couple met in 2011 while Marisa was on a night out with friends. “I didn’t feel like going out that night as it was a Friday night after work, but my girlfriends pushed me to go out,” shares Marisa. “Josh was working that night at The Ivy. I spotted him and his piercing blue eyes as he was walking towards us to serve us a bottle of champagne. I said to my friend, ‘there’s something very special about that guy!’” Soon after, Joshua asked for Marisa’s number through her friend, and the rest was history.
Much to Joshua’s delight, the moment of the proposal was something Marisa had not anticipated. On the day of her cousin’s wedding, she arrived home after getting her makeup done and heard the sound of a Marvin Gaye song. “I didn’t think anything of it. Then, when I made it onto our rooftop, I saw Josh was dressed up in a suit with balloons and flowers behind him,” Marisa recalls.
“I was in complete shock. And then he got down on his knees and said to me, ‘I don’t want to go to your cousin’s wedding today as boyfriend and girlfriend. I want to go there with my fiancée and future wife.’”
The festivities were held in multiple locations, with the ceremony in St. Mary’s Cathedral and the reception in Le Montage.
St. Mary’s Cathedral dates back to 1866, and is currently home to the Archdiocese of Sydney. Its interiors are just as marvelous as the gothic-style façade that immediately imbues an air of grandeur, transporting guests into another era.
In fact, it was Marisa’s vision to have a fairytale wedding that brings guests into a whimsical world of enchantment and romance.
Keeping this in mind from the very beginning, Marisa’s ride to the church wasn’t a limousine nor a luxury car, but rather, a horse-drawn carriage from Castlereagh. “I honestly felt like that was my fairytale moment, like I was in a Disney movie,” Marisa says.
Like every Cinderella, Marisa’s gown was fit for a princess. The Demetrios design features four layers of glitter tulle with an overlay of beaded lace that also covers the four-meter train, flowing beautifully with Marisa’s veil that cascades from her tiara. She sourced this dramatic dress through Australian bridal boutique, The Sposa Group.
The bodice is a classic sweetheart neckline with off-shoulder long sleeves. As for her footwear, she opted for a pearl-embellished, peep-toe pair from Jimmy Choo. Needless to say, Marisa was a head-turning bride who exuded grace and poise.
The magic truly came alive during the reception at Le Montage, as the venue was transformed into a romantic ballroom with candles arranged infinity-style, countless flowers, and grand chandeliers. Styled by Bling Events, the regal theme played out with modern touches through the use of white decor that gave a streamlined look.
More than the enchanting space, what truly elevated this fabulous fête into a luxurious one was the entertainment. An elegantly dressed violinist performed alongside dancing ballerinas, adding an air of classicism. And in a contemporary turn of events, Jacob Hacklany also swooned guests with some R&B music.
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Marisa and Joshua, on this new chapter of your lives! May your story continue with the same committed love that your timeless nuptials undeniably represented.
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