After meeting at school, sweethearts Giovanna and Daniel chose New Year’s Eve for their big day in honour of the anniversary of their first kiss in 2008. After a March engagement the couple only had nine months to plan their wedding, which boasted a guest list of 320.
“Eventually we came across the beautiful Leonda by the Yarra, which not only accommodated our large guest numbers but was nicely situated beside the river outside the city.” Leonda by the Yarra was tastefully decorated in keeping with the couple’s “white luxe” theme, with white Tiffany chairs, white linen, giant “LOVE” letters and an abundance of white hydrangeas, peonies, David Austin roses and lilies in glass baroque style vases.
Special touches included personalised wax seals with the couple’s initials and crest printed onto them, which were used on the invitations and favours, a storyboard charting the important dates and milestones in their relationship, and a giant Champagne flute for guests to place their cards in instead of a wishing well.
Instead of a farewell dance Giovanna and Daniel organised a giant projector to screen footage from the day that their videographers had captured, accompanied by the couple’s favourite music. “It was beautiful to watch and everyone loved it,” says Giovanna. “Our wedding day was just spectacular, I still smile every time I think about it!”
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Gown: J’Aton Couture | Photographer: Yervant Photography | Videography: Wedding Movies | Ceremony location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church | Reception Venue: Leonda by the Yarra | Reception Decorations and Stationery: Bride | Shoes: Valentino | Engagement ring: MJS | Wedding ring: Bulgari | Groom’s attire: Harrolds | Bridesmaid’s accessories: Samantha Wills | Flowers and floral decorations: Hellen Dillon | Hair: Krystal Giardina Hair Stylist | Make-Up: Victoria Komis | Cake: Splendid Servings | Music: Paint the Town | First Night: Olsen Hotel | Honeymoon: Maldives, India, Langkawi | LOVE letters at reception: palaceprops.com.au
