Spanning over 15 years of friendship, Joel and Lisa’s paths intertwined through various seasons of life, witnessing each other’s highs and lows, and standing by one another as steadfast companions. It was within this profound bond that love blossomed, transforming their relationship into an inseparable union. “After so many years of spending time together as friends, and failed relationships, we fell into the discussion of being together and from that moment on we were inseparable” Lisa reminisces. “Now we will be best friends forever!”
The proposal set the tone for their journey towards marriage, with Joel choosing the enchanting Château Elán in the Hunter Valley for this momentous occasion. This special place, loaded with beautiful memories from past holidays, offered the perfect backdrop for Joel to ask Lisa to be his life partner. Under the seclusion of a pergola, Joel’s proposal was everything intimate and heartfelt, marking the beginning of their forever. “It was the most special, perfect emotional proposal ever!”
Originally planned for 2021, their wedding faced the unforeseeable delays that the pandemic brought. However, 2023 was the year when their wedding dreams finally came to life. Opting for an outdoor celebration, they infused their day with exclusivity and simplicity, reflecting their personalities and heritage. The wedding ceremony was held at the Greek Orthodox church, Saint Savvas of Kalymnos in Rockdale, NSW. “Being an outdoor wedding meant we could also bring our little dog Chiko to enjoy the special day with us,” Lisa shares, highlighting the intimate nature of their wedding, attended by 57 of their closest family and friends.
Lisa’s choice of a Murashka Official gown, crafted from organza silk from Russia, was a tribute to her individuality and the essence of modern elegance. The dress, adorned with handmade butterflies and voluminous sleeves, mirrored Lisa’s grace and the unique journey she embarked on with Joel. An unexpected twist saw Lisa donning a Gucci fedora, a gift for Joel that serendipitously became part of her bridal ensemble, adding a personal touch to her look.
The search for the perfect outdoor venue led them to the Intercontinental Double Bay, a place that resonated with their vision of elegance and exclusivity. Despite the worries about weather, the day unfolded under perfect skies, a reminder of the unpredictability of love and life, and the beauty of having a resilient plan B.
Their wedding was a harmonious blend of black-tie elegance and cherished Greek traditions, from the Orthodox ceremony to the vibrant dances and the symbolic breaking of plates. “Our vision for our theme and style for our wedding was black tie, exclusive and elegant like something out of a magazine that included our Greek Orthodox traditional ceremony, traditional dancing and bouzouki plus breaking of the plates,” Lisa explains. Their special day was meticulously captured by their photographer and videographer, ensuring that every heartfelt moment, every tradition, and the joyous celebration of love and friendship were immortalized.
As they look back on their journey, Joel and Lisa’s wedding stands as a beacon of love’s enduring presence, a celebration that was worth every moment of the wait. Their story is a beautiful reminder that love, in its truest form, blossoms in the most unexpected places, and when it does, it creates a tapestry of memories that lasts a lifetime.
Venue @intercontinentaldoublebay
Florals and Candles @sydneyweddingflowers
Props @thetreasureroom_
Photography @saltatelier_wedding
Video @xtraordinaryphotosvideo
Hair @hairbykalli
MUA @imogenovijachmakeup and @miaaraya.artistry
Spray Tan @blondegypsytanning
DJ @acaltsis
MC @mc_kimon
Bouzouki @bouzoukientertainment_thanasis
Bomboniere @labellemiette_
Bride Dress @murashkaofficial
Rings @jcfinejewellers
Bride Shoes @aquazzura
Bride Earrings @dior
Grooms Hat that be and brides hat @gucci
On the day social media @samedayeditsydney
Nails @biab_bysophie
Menu place cards made by me photos on cards by @stellamariephoto
Brows @browsbyjacintalourdes
Invitations @designbydaniella
Bride mannequin @dashingdesignco_
READ MORE: A MINIMALISTIC DESTINATION WEDDING IN KHAO LAK, THAILAND
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