Love has a way of bringing people together, and in the case of Sara and Tarek, it brought together two souls who not only shared a deep connection but also a shared passion for social justice, books, cats, and the great outdoors. Their journey from friends to life partners culminated in a wedding that was nothing short of a magical Arab midsummer night’s dream, filled with ethereal beauty, earthy elements, and a strong sense of community.

All the Details of Sara and Tarek’s Wedding in Australia’s Southern Highlands

The Proposal

The proposal itself was a reflection of their unique love story. Tarek’s large family visited Sara’s large family, embracing the Arab tradition of asking for her hand. But that was only the beginning. Tarek had a surprise day trip planned to Byron Bay, a place known for its natural beauty. Amidst a beautiful lunch and horseback riding on the beach, he asked Sara the question he already knew the answer to—and her resounding “yes” sealed their destiny.

Planning The Wedding

To honor their Palestinian-Lebanese-Egyptian heritage and the Indigenous land they stood on, Sara and Tarek infused their wedding with vibrant colors and meaningful symbols. Olives and eucalyptus branches, sunset natives, and pomegranates became integral parts of the celebration, paying homage to their roots and the land they cherished.

Choosing the perfect venue was essential, and The Book Barn exceeded their expectations. As self-proclaimed nerds, Sara and Tarek were captivated by the books adorning every corner, the dreamy fairy lights, and the stunning greenery. The hospitable staff and excellent Arab-approved cuisine added the finishing touches to their dream venue.

Planning their wedding became an exciting journey that spanned six months. They created a website with two main sections: one for the invitees, providing information about dates, schedule, transport, accommodation, dress code, and registry, and the other for their own planning needs, including an RSVP list, budget tracker, and task manager. Once the major decisions like the theme, venue, and dates were settled, ticking things off the list became the name of the game.

Sara & Tarek’s Favorite Elements

The couple’s favorite elements of the wedding were undeniably the venue and the theme, which came to life through the dedicated efforts of their vendors. These vendors not only shared their vision but also aligned with their cherished values of art, food, community, love, and joy. From the divine cake that tasted as heavenly as it looked to the thoughtful touches like bookmarks with poetic quotes and golden-crusted frames displaying love-related passages from beloved authors, every detail was meticulously planned.

The wedding had several noteworthy moments. The grand zaffe entrance and the Arabic-English music mix had everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating. The photographer captured timeless moments with seamless ease, creating an anxiety-free experience for the couple. The bridal bouquet was absolute perfection, and Sara ingeniously preserved the flowers as earrings, a keepsake she would treasure forever. The couples’ dear friend, Asma, took center stage to perform the Quranic recitation and selected a beautiful verse on the importance of mercy and compassion between partners. It’s not often that we see a woman taking on the role of reciting at a Muslim wedding, but Asma shattered those expectations in the best way possible!

The Wedding Gown

Her dress, a classic blend of Grace Kelly and Lily Collins vibes with a touch of edginess, allowed her to shed the overskirt and slip into comfy white sneakers as the night progressed. She even swapped her elegant heels for lace-ups during the post-ceremony photos, embracing the best of both worlds.

Australian milliner Ann Shoebridge designed a stunning turban that perfectly complemented the overskirt, pulling the entire ensemble together. A small beaded purse, once belonging to Sara’s late grandmother, held a special place in her heart, serving as a cherished connection to her heritage on this significant day.

The Couple’s Favorite Moments

For the introverted Tarek, dancing in the middle of a crowd seemed daunting. Yet, on their wedding night, he found himself effortlessly twirling his wife during the slow dance, creating a deeply intimate moment between them. The speeches during the celebration were warm, heartfelt, and filled with laughter, leaving both the couple and their guests deeply touched. The shoe game, with its funny pictures instead of shoes, had everyone in stitches, adding a playful touch to the festivities. And throughout the entire planning process, Tarek’s unwavering calmness kept Sara centered, reminding her of the love and support they shared.

The Wedding Vendors

Venue @Berkelouw_Book_Barn

Styling @SetinSeptember

Event planning @susanalmaani

Cake @ViolaMariecakes

Coffee @Thecoffeecountersydney

DJ Richy @discjockey.com.au

Photography @Merimasphotography

Wedding Dress @Pronovias sourced from @Marrymebridal_ 

Makeup @Dollfacebyyas

Turban @annshoebridge

Fruit Table Decor: Sydney Produce Lakemba