Amongst the enchanting scenery of the Southern Highlands emerged a Gatsby inspired soirée for lovers Georgia and Chris. A fusion of old Hollywood glamour with Lebanese and Egyptian touches made for a soulful, sophisticated affair for the couple and guests alike. Every detail steeped in romance and whimsy - foraged blooms line metallic drapery, tablescapes styled with rich red velvets spilling with pearls and fruits, and the chicest hand pleated, basque waist bridal gown we ever did see! Here, time stood still, love became eternal, and the vision inspired us forevermore.
Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
We met through a mutual friend and initially bonded while working together at one of our first jobs. Our friendship blossomed into something more, and we realised we were best friends before we fell in love, which makes our relationship all the more special! Chris has a career in the State Government, while I work in Luxury Skincare. Outside of work, we're passionate foodies, always on the lookout for somewhere new to eat. We also both love home interiors, so always checking out new stores or vintage. And last but not least, we're proud dog parents to three adorable boys, so our weekends are filled with outdoor adventures and lots of cuddles!
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
Our wedding was held at a private estate amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Highlands in NSW. From ceremony to post-ceremony festivities and reception, each moment seamlessly transitioned into the next, effortlessly guiding our guests through the day. Our chosen venue perfectly encapsulated our vision, its natural beauty effortlessly complemented every aspect of our celebration.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
Our wedding was an opportunity to immerse our guests in an unforgettable experience, while authentically reflecting our identity and love story. Incorporating elements of our family's traditions was very important, yet we also aimed to showcase our individuality. Picture a fusion of Gatsby mixed with our Lebanese/Egyptian heritage! Collaborating closely with our stylist, every detail was tailored to perfection, merging old Hollywood glamour with understated luxury. It was a canvas where raw met refined, with a modern twist, and where florals emerged as if from ancient ruins. Our celebration embraced unconventional, bespoke design, creating intimate moments of togetherness that would stay in our hearts forever.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
Way too long! The planning journey officially kicked off a year and two months before our special day, becoming a constant presence in our lives until the very day of the wedding. Styling decisions continued right up until the eve of the celebration. Describing our venue as a 'blank canvas' posed the biggest challenge, as we aimed to personally craft and execute our vision. For almost a year, we meticulously planned every detail, from catering to entertainment, and even delved into styling elements like floristry and stationery. However, it wasn't until four months before the wedding that we decided to hire the help of an on-the-day coordinator/stylist to alleviate some of the wedding planning stress. This decision proved invaluable and is something we wholeheartedly recommend to all couples: Hire a stylist/planner/coordinator!
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
With around 150 guests, our wedding was notably small and intimate within the context of our culture and families. Embracing this intimacy, we arranged seating among our guests, with three long beautiful kings' tables set up. We were positioned at the head of the middle table, where we were able to party and enjoy a very close connection with our loved ones throughout the night.
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?
From the outset, we both wanted to deviate from traditional outfits and opt for something that truly reflected our personalities. Choosing my dress proved to be quite the journey, from months of searching with my mum and sisters, trying on various styles from large gowns to two-pieces, until I finally met the talented Flourenchia Tamia of Floure Studios. Working with Flo was a beautiful experience filled with tears of joy and lots of laughter. She effortlessly grasped my vision, patiently supported my unconventional ideas, and together we refined three different designs until we landed on the perfect gown. While I never pictured myself in a large wedding dress, I still aimed to make a statement while maintaining a sense of timelessness. Pairing my gown with classic pair of Jimmy Choos was a natural choice — they complemented my dress flawlessly. As for jewelry, I opted for minimal yet elegant pieces, including Natasha Schweitzer pearl drops and necklace, along with sentimental jewelry that holds a special place in my heart.
Chris, on the other hand, has always appreciated a well-tailored suit. He sought something distinctive yet complementary to both me and the wedding vibe. After meeting with a few tailors, he truly connected with Giancarlo Oliva at P.Johnson. Gian loved Chris's vision and ideas, and knew how to perfectly execute it — resulting in a suit that truly stood out. The intentional choice of color scheme, finer details aimed to diverge from the norm and flow with the overall vibe and atmosphere of our wedding. Chris finished his outfit with a charming gold cased Cartier tank, matching the black leather band with a pair of black Gucci loafers. The watch was a wedding gift from me to thank him for being his amazing self and supporting my wild ideas throughout our journey. Chris also wore a very special gift from my mum, my late father’s gold bracelet.
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
Our first dance was to Snoh Aalegra's 'Do 4 Love,' a cover of Bobby Caldwell's classic 'What You Won't Do for Love' — which happens to be Chris’s favorite song. This choice had been ours for some time; we were so committed to it that we even got matching tattoos with the lyric'got a thing for you' on our 5th anniversary. As for the dance itself, it was entirely improvised; we wanted that moment to be authentically ours. We decided to conclude our dance with an outdoor fireworks display. This made the moment so much more special, and ensured the moment was truly unforgettable. Our guests were surprised, and it provided some stunning photo opportunities!
Did you have any special performances or entertainment?
We had a diverse array of entertainment for our wedding! During the ceremony, a harpist played as the guests arrived, setting a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. When it was time for me to walk down the aisle, our harpist played 'The End' by November Ultra, one of our favorite songs. For the cocktail hour, we surprised our guests with synchronised swimmers and a saxophonist, to begin the party. Wanting a grand entrance to our reception, we arranged for eight traditional Lebanese drummers accompanied by a belly dancer, which was a surprise from my mum! As for our first dance, we concluded with a spectacular outdoor fireworks display, leaving our guests in awe and making our moment as newlyweds truly unforgettable.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Every moment of our wedding was so special and memorable, but if we had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the moments following our first dance, when Chris and I turned back to see our guests in awe of the fireworks display. It was such a wholesome moment, watching our family and friends dancing and laughing together. It was a perfect reminder that our special day was truly filled with love and joy.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Let's talk about our amazing wedding team! First up, our photographer, Joey Willis. Not only is he incredibly talented behind the lens, but he's also a genuinely wonderful person. We can’t thank him and his team enough for making our day so incredibly special! Next, we have our Stylist, Viv from FÖLA Styling. Viv was an absolute lifesaver, helping us finalise our plans and bringing our dream wedding to life. Joined by the incredible Poppy Alexandra who not only was our content creator for the day, but my unofficial third bridesmaid. Poppy went above and beyond, we were so lucky! And last but certainly not least, our celebrant, Elle Wesseling, also known as Konnubials by KiKi. Elle did an incredible job of capturing our love story with such precision. She truly listened to every detail and emotion, making our ceremony unforgettable.
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Always remember, your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your lives! Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to express yourselves fully. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and details, never lose sight of the love that brought you together in the first place. I highly recommend scheduling some alone time for you and your partner in your runsheet. We did this, and it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the moment and cherish the fact that we are now married!
Photo: Joey Willis
MUA: Serena Wyllie
Hair: Hair with Linda
Dress: FLOURE
Suit: P Johnson
Florals: Muck Floral
Film Director: Richie Hall
Stationery: Studio Roux
Catering: MichelONE at home
Stylist & Coordinator: Föla Styling
Drinks: Shake & Strain Bar Sydney
Celebrant: Konnubialsxkiki
Content Creator: Poppy Alexandra
Drummers: ZL Entertainment
Fireworks: Wedding Fireworks Sydney
Harpist: Rebekah Chandler
Synchronised Swimmers: Pistachio Entertainment Group
Belly Dancer: Andrea
