A Whimsical Adelaide Celebration of A Love Story Written by the Past

From the Same Boat to the Same Aisle, Stephanie & Luigi Were Always Meant to Be

Before they ever knew each other, before they existed, Stephanie and Luigi’s story had already begun–decades ago, across continents and oceans. Their grandparents, dreamers from Italy, boarded the same boat bound for Australia in the 1950s. They didn’t know it then, but that journey would one day lead to something extraordinary: their grandchildren, standing face to face at the altar, hearts full, eyes brimming with tears.

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But fate wasn’t done working its magic just yet. As children, Stephanie and Luigi had unknowingly crossed paths in kindergarten. But it wasn’t until years later, over coffee, that the pieces of their story began to fall into place.

What started as small talk quickly turned into a surreal moment of recognition: not only had they gone to the same kindergarten, but soon after their chat, the school posted a throwback photo on social media… and there they were. Side by side. In frame. In fate.

1,000 Days and One Perfect Proposal

On the 1,000th day since they reconnected, Luigi brought Stephanie back to where it all began: coffee at Va Bene, followed by a stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

As they paused by the fountain, soaking in the familiar stillness, Luigi dropped to one knee. He asked her to spend forever with him. She said yes.

It was quiet, tender, and full of history–the kind of moment you never forget.

Classic Romance at St. Mary’s

On December 14, 2024, Stephanie and Luigi brought their families together at the charming St. Mary’s Church in North Adelaide.

It was a ceremony layered with meaning–officiated by Fr. Justin Durai Raj CP. The chapel’s intimacy set the tone, while a string quartet by Behind the Veil added a cinematic quality to the walk down the aisle.

Stephanie carried a cascading bouquet of orchids, peonies, and white roses as she walked down the aisle. Her dress, an ethereal gown from Hera Couture, flowed like a whisper. Luigi, waiting with tears in his eyes, wore a timeless suit from Henry Bucks. The moment they met at the altar, time stilled, just like it did on the bridge where he proposed. Just like it did when they shared space in the same kindergarten as children. Just like it did when their grandparents first stepped foot in Australia.

A Taste of Italy

Following the ceremony, the day unfolded like an Italian street festival. Guests were greeted with roaming cannoli from Canela Cartels, fresh Zeppole by Zeppole & Co, and barista-crafted coffee from Caparezza Espresso. An accordionist played festive melodies while Luigi and his groomsmen made a cinematic entrance in three classic Fiats from Miscusi Autobianchi Bianchina.

It was fun, playful, and full of flavor, just like their love.

Portraits in the Garden

After a celebratory toast at APOTECA, the bridal party returned to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens for photos. The same bench where Luigi proposed became a backdrop for some of the most tender, joy-filled moments of the day.

Underground Elegance at Penfolds Magill Estate

The celebration continued at Penfolds Magill Estate, where guests were welcomed into a candlelit underground tunnel. Live music from Behind the Veil played as guests watched Lyon Den Cakes assemble a towering 70cm white chocolate and raspberry showpiece in real time.

Fairy lights strung by Venue Production cast a soft glow over long tables adorned with florals by Send-A-Surprise, stationery by Giftables, and a champagne tower by Adelaide Starlight Entertainment.

On The Dance Floor

Entertainment Adelaide brought the party to life with a DJ, saxophonist, bongos, and an MC.

For the grand finale, the newlyweds made their exit under a sky full of fairy lights to Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars, riding away in a vintage Chevy Impala from Impressive Impalas Adelaide.

Style Notes

Stephanie stunned in a sculptural gown by Hera Couture from The Bride Lab: elegant, ethereal, and timeless. Her look was completed with a regal Viktoria Novak headpiece, Chanel heels, and Louis Vuitton jewels–an effortless blend of modern romance and classic grace.

The bridal party stunned in black Zimmerman gowns; the flower girl glowed in Princess Boutique.

Luigi looked sharp in Henry Bucks with R.M. Williams shoes.

Heartfelt Family Moments

Stephanie’s mother helped her into her wedding dress: a full-circle moment of love and tradition. Her father walked her down the aisle and later shared a touching dance to Rod Stewart’s Have I Told You Lately That I Love You. Luigi danced with his mother to Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are, and the couple shared their first dance to Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together. It was all about the family.

The couple included their mums in a candle-lighting ritual during the ceremony, symbolizing the joining of two families. Both fathers gave speeches at the reception–a tribute to the love, life, and sacrifice that shaped Stephanie and Luigi’s journey.

One of the most touching parts of the day? Their grandmothers–affectionately dubbed their “Flower Nonnas”–joined the bridal party on the drive to the ceremony. Their niece Zoe sat beside them…a multigenerational moment of beauty and grace.

A Tribute to the Ones Who Paved the Way

Though some beloved grandparents couldn’t be present, their spirits were deeply felt. Stephanie and Luigi reflected on the impact of their legacy, and in a beautiful twist of fate, discovered that one of Stephanie’s grandmothers and one of Luigi’s grandfathers had arrived on that very same boat to Australia all those years ago. There’s even a photo to prove it.

From a chance meeting to a fairy tale wedding, Stephanie and Luigi’s story reminds us that some loves are simply meant to be. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness and magic.

Wedding Planner & Florals: @sendasurprise__

Photographer: @tomekphotography | Website

Videographer: @bentinmarcs | Website

Ceremony Venue: St Mary’s Church, North Adelaide

Reception Venue: @penfolds | Website

Dress: @thebridelab (Hera Couture) | Website

Headpiece: @viktorianovak | Website

Shoes (Bride): @chanelofficial | Website

Jewellery: @louisvuitton | Website

Groom’s Suit: @henrybucks | Website

Groom’s Shoes: @rmwilliams | Website

Bridesmaid Dresses: @zimmermann | Website