How They Met

It all began in the charming town of Rye, where Loret and Franco had been unknowingly orbiting in the same social circles for years. They’d been present at the same gatherings, yet the universe had not seen fit to bring them together until one magical summer.

Loret and her friends were enjoying a weekend in Rye, as was Franco with his mates. Destiny decided it was high time these two crossed paths. On the evening of Franco’s last night in town, Loret’s best friend extended an invitation to join them for dinner, and that’s when sparks began to fly.

Franco’s attention was unmistakably fixed on Loret throughout the dinner, making it evident to everyone that he was utterly smitten. But in an endearing twist, he held back, fearing he’d appear too eager. So, he waited for ten days before finally reaching out, confessing his profound interest. From that moment, their love story began, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Proposal

Five years into their beautiful journey, Franco decided it was time to take the next step. Loret had a dream of being proposed to overseas or during a holiday, and Franco was about to make that dream come true.

The stage was set in the enchanting paradise of Fiji, and Valentine’s Day was the chosen date. Their private villa orchestrated a dinner for the occasion, with staff secretly preparing the scene. While Loret and Franco dined, behind the scenes, a ring, candles, and a floral sign spelling out “Will you marry me” were carefully arranged on their bed.

With everything in place, Franco received the signal that it was time. He led Loret back to their room, and, against the backdrop of a Fijian night, he proposed. Of course, she said yes, and their love story reached another milestone.

The Venue

Loret and Franco knew that their wedding should be a unique experience for both them and their guests, and they succeeded brilliantly. Their venue, Villa Eva, was the star of the show. It was a place that evolved throughout the day, offering various beautiful settings.

First, there was the balcony with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast, where they held their mesmerizing ceremony. An incomplete flower arch, a rose petal aisle, and a harpist’s gentle melodies turned it into an elegant and romantic space. Then came the garden, where their guests gathered for an aperitif hour. A mandolin duo played joyful Italian tunes while guests sipped cocktails, enjoyed canapés, and even engaged in a game of giant chess.

The marquee hosted their seated dinner, with open curtains and a roof adorned with diamond chandeliers, tall candles, and hanging fairy lights. The feast included delicious Italian food paired with matching wines. On the rooftop, a stunning firework show unfolded, providing an intimate moment for the newlyweds and their guests. Finally, the evening concluded with everyone dancing under the stars, with 50 glass bubble candles creating an atmosphere of romance.

The Brides’ Wedding Dress

Loret’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress took her from Melbourne to Sydney and into the hands of renowned designer Steven Khalil. After months of searching, Loret realized she couldn’t find a ready-made dress that captured her heart completely.

Working closely with Steven, she embarked on a creative nine month journey to bring her dream dress to life. The result was a masterpiece: a see-through corset-like top adorned with pearls and beading, paired with a skirt resembling layers of tulle flowers. The dress featured a 2-meter train and a classic long ivory veil, creating the perfect blend of extravagance, elegance, style, and European charm.

Choosing a Destination Wedding

Loret and Franco are no strangers to weddings, having attended quite a few in the past. They knew they wanted to do things their own way and create an intimate celebration. An international wedding seemed like the perfect choice, as it allowed them to spend quality time with each of their guests.

Italy was the destination of choice, a place they both loved and a country that naturally drew people in. Ravello, with its enchanting mix of greenery and ocean views, proved to be the ideal location for their special day.

Cultural Elements

For their destination wedding in Italy, Loret and Franco decided to embrace the local culture. They followed Italian traditions, starting the wedding in the late afternoon and treating guests to an aperitif hour with upbeat Italian music from a mandolin duo.

The sit-down dinner featured exquisite Italian cuisine paired with specific Italian wines, offering a true taste of the country. Guests received small bottles of Limoncello as souvenirs, a touch that would remind them of this magical celebration.

Dancing was a highlight, with a DJ seamlessly mixing Italian and Macedonian tunes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Everyone joined in, dancing in circles and keeping up with the vibrant footwork.

The Couples’ Favorite Moment

The day before the wedding brought immense excitement as all their guests had arrived in Ravello. Welcome drinks in the piazza allowed everyone to come together, building anticipation for the big day.

On their wedding day, the rooftop fireworks display took the cake for the couple’s favorite moment. What began as a Saint’s name day celebration in the town turned into a magical spectacle that they watched together on the villa’s rooftop. It was a breathtaking, intimate moment that encapsulated the magic of their day.

Advice for Brides

Loret has some thoughtful advice for brides-to-be: Plan your wedding the way you’ve always dreamt it to be. Don’t settle, don’t compete with others, and don’t be afraid to do something different. Your wedding is your special day, so make it uniquely yours. After all, it’s your chance to shine and create a day that’s unforgettable.  

The Wedding Vendors

Villa @villaevaravello

Planner @irenewp

Florist @malafrontefiori

Bride @lolemazz

Dress  @steven_khalil

Shoes @aminamuaddi

Jewelry @maisonvalentino

Videographer @tangofilms_au

Photographer @mervetogan

HMUA @beautylivery

READ MORE: A TRADITIONAL LEBANESE DESTINATION WEDDING IN LAKE COMO, ITALY