In a world where social media connects us all, Matt and Lory’s story unfolded like a modern-day fairytale. Two parallel Instagram universes eventually collided when Matt summoned the courage to slide into Lory’s DMs four years ago. From that moment on, their lives intertwined, blossoming into an inseparable bond that not even a global pandemic could break. They mastered the art of date nights at home, going for romantic walks to the fridge, and knew without a shadow of a doubt that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
In the midst of celebrating Lory’s work promotion, Matt booked a dinner date in the city. Lory, known for being a stay-at-home-in-her-trackies and cancel plans kind of gal, was half excited and half wishing she could stay home curled up on the couch reading a book. As they strolled near the State Library, Lory’s favorite song, Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful,” filled the air, performed by a violinist. Little did she know that this sweet scene was about to become the backdrop of a heartfelt proposal. Lory said to Matt “omg look – how sweet is this!”. As she turned around, he was already down on one knee asking her to spend the rest of her life with him, leaving her completely shocked and overwhelmed with joy.
While their initial dream of a destination wedding in Italy proved logistically challenging, Matt and Lory discovered a hidden gem in their own city of Melbourne. The Metropolis, with its paneled windows and stunning skyline views, captivated their hearts and became the perfect setting for their special day.
To infuse a touch of Italy into their celebration, the couple chose Di Stasio in Carlton for their location photos. The courtyard exuded the ambiance of an Italian villa, embracing the spirit of la dolce vita. The couple’s vision came to life through the lenses of their talented photographer, Merve, and the skilled videographers, Karl and Dawn from I Do Cinema.
Surrounded by the love of their 180 guests, Matt and Lory revealed in the joy of their wedding night. Their families, steeped in Italian traditions, added a sense of warmth and vitality to the atmosphere. The room brimmed with love and happiness, creating an unforgettable experience that left everyone with beaming smiles.
Agi from Whole Lotta Love Creative and Virginia from Ascha Jolie worked tirelessly to bring Lory’s dream vision to reality. These talented professionals flawlessly executed Lory’s brief, transforming the reception into a romantic wonderland of texture and soft pinks. The welcome signage and seating chart, printed on hanging linen, featured a heartfelt poem by E.E. Cummings: “I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart).” Each guest’s place card bore a unique quote or literary passage about love, personalized with their names. Instead of traditional wedding favors, Matt and Lory chose to honor the loving memory of Lory’s sister-in-law, Nancy Trimboli, who passed away from motor neurone disease by making a donation to Freeze MND.
While laughter filled the air throughout the day, one moment stood out as the funniest of all. As Lory made her grand entrance down the aisle, Matt was nowhere to be found. Unbeknownst to Lory, their family priest had taken the opportunity to ask Matt for their passport numbers, temporarily removing him from his position at the altar. A flustered but relieved Matt sprinted back to Lory, and in that moment, all that mattered was that their big day had finally arrived.
Lory’s exquisite dresses were the creations of the incredibly talented Sonia Cappellazzo at Cappellazzo Couture. Sonia proved to be a visionary, understanding Lory’s desires from the very beginning. At their initial appointment, Sonia draped Italian Valentino Silk fabric over a tulle skirt, pinning it in different places, and brought Lory’s dream dress to life. Feeling like an Italian princess, Lory was captivated by Sonia’s talent.
Throughout the year, Lory spent countless hours with Sonia, who designed both her wedding gown and her second party dress. The entire process was seamless, and Lory could not recommend Sonia enough. The fittings were a delight, leaving Lory beaming with excitement and anticipation for her special day.
Merve and Bella, the wedding photographers, deserve special recognition for their incredible work. They captured the essence of Matt and Lory’s love story with unparalleled attention to detail. Not only were they masters of their craft, but they also brought an infectious energy to the day. In moments of chaos or unforeseen mishaps, Merve’s calming presence was a saving grace, ensuring that Matt and Lory could fully enjoy their beautiful day. For future brides searching for a photographer, Lory wholeheartedly recommends Merve Togan, guaranteeing that they won’t regret this decision.
As Matt and Lory embarked on their journey as husband and wife, their love story resonated with all who witnessed it. From the heartfelt proposal to the enchanting wedding, their celebration radiated love, joy, and the magic of a fairytale come true. And as their forever begins, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in their extraordinary love story.
Photographer – @mervetogan
Dress – @cappellazzocouture
Hair – @rokkelvin
Makeup – @karlaroccuzzo
Video – @idocinema
Flowers – @aschajolie
Stylist – @wholelottalovecreative
Welcome sign – @paperpaperco
Stationary – @onthedaycollective
Disposable cameras – @rebel.reflect
Bridesmaid dresses – @biancaandbridget
Men’s suits – @menzclub
Venue – @metropolisevents
Rings – @avedisjewellery
READ MORE: GET WEDDED IN AUSTRALIA: DREAM DESTINATIONS AND EXQUISITE CELEBRATIONS
