Andrea & Johnny's Elegant Real Wedding
On the 22ndof December 2018, Andrea and Johnny tied the knot in a breath taking ceremony and reception at St Mary’s Star of the Sea and QuatQuatta in Australia. The wedding perfectly embraced a classic and elegant theme that helped make Andrea and Johnny’s big day that extra bit special. We sat down with the lovely bride to get some more information about just how they created their real wedding!
How did you and your partner meet?
We first met from an Instagram story actually. My friend and I were out at breakfast and my husband asked who I was in her story. We then got talking and met up in Sydney for a first date. We ate, laughed, danced and it was this day that made me fall for him. That saying of ‘when you know you know’ is true in my story because I just knew.
How did he propose?
This was a day I will never forget. My husband and I had been renovating our home for 6 months prior to the day he proposed. I was working in Melbourne and he was working in Brisbane which is where our home was, so we were not only renovating but doing long distance. And yes, it was hard. We somehow made it work that on Christmas Day we would spend half a day with my family in Melbourne and then jump on a flight to spend the other half with his family in Brisbane. Somehow it worked. Little did I know that my husband had plans of his own.
We had never spent a night in our new home, so on Christmas, we planned to have this one night together in OUR home. As I walked in at 11pm I couldn’t believe my eyes. I hadn’t seen our home after all the renovations, and there it was right in front of my face. As I walked down the corridor there were about 100 candles lit up everywhere. So romantic right. Our home looked like a movie. He told me that my Christmas present was behind the ball on the Christmas tree. When I had a look, and turned that ball around it said on it “Marry Me”. I instantly turned around in shock and there he was on his knee, holding a box with a ring in it, asking me the most important question of my life……. in our beautiful new home. Well the rest is history.
My husband made my dreams came true and I have never been so sure of the word ‘yes’ ever in my life.
What do you love most about your partner?
I love that he is a big kid. He is the only person in the world that makes me laugh and cry all at once.
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
I would say communication, patience and faith. Never give up on your relationship and always communicate with honesty and love. Have patience with each other, forgive and let go. Lastly strive to connect and experience unconditional love. That type of love is so powerful and unstoppable and have faith that you WILL have it if you truly desire it.
Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it:
I had originally had a lot of trouble finding a dress as I knew it was going to be difficult to find something romantic, exotic and sexy. So it was about 2 months before the wedding and I actually dreamt of my dress. I woke up and drew it on a piece of paper so I wouldn’t forget what was in my dream. I then needed to transform this image in my head into real life, so instead of going wedding dress shopping, I went shopping for a designer to make my dream dress come to real life.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
Something exotic, lots of greenery, with a Hampton's/romantic vibe.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
Definitely the speeches. The whole day went so fast, but once we got to the speeches it was like we could finally breath and take it all in. The words, tears and moments that were shared during this time was unforgettable and just pure love. The words that were spoken on our special day will be with us forever and never forgotten. How lucky are we.
Any DIY décor elements?
Carmella Balbuziente (my amazing mother in law) made from scratch the Page Boy Pillow that holds our rings. What a talent
What was your biggest extravagance?
Johnny and I experienced something pretty spectacular together. We were lucky enough to be on a private Catamaran for 4 days sailing around the Whitsunday’s. We live for adventure and that trip was nothing less than that. Swimming with sharks and stingrays, paddle boarding around some secluded island spots, catching fish with our hands, and watching the stars at night surround us in the middle of the ocean. Pure contentment.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, Croatian Islands and Spain.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Breath and trust in yourself that you will be the most perfect version of you. Remember that you only get to do this once in your life so when time is going by quickly don’t forget to take a moment between your husband and yourself, away from everyone and cherish this feeling of bliss and unconditional love together. Life is just about to get even better as one.
Any advice that you’d like to add?
Love each other to the deepest of your core and everything else will fall into place.
The Team
Wedding feature thanks to: Adorn Invitations https://www.adorninvitations.co.uk
Wedding Invitations: Leigh Childs
Dress: Darb Bridal Couture http://darbbridalcouture.com.au
Makeup: Suzy Sela
Hair: Wendy
Bridesmaids Dresses: Piink
Grooms Suit: Calibre https://www.calibre.com.au/
Cake: Eifel Tower
Food: Venue
Flowers: Village Blooms Of Essendon
Photographer: Rick Liston https://rickliston.com/
Ceremony Venue: St Mary’s Star Of The Sea
Reception Venue: QuatQuatta https://www.quatquatta.com.au