The first date for Nicki Hirsh and Jonathan Granek didn’t quite go to plan; Nicki was far too nervous to eat any of her pizza! Sparks nevertheless flew, and when the couple returned to the same Italian restaurant close to their one year anniversary, it was Jonathan’s turn to have a quiet panic, as he was planning to ask Nicki to marry him!
He got down on one knee during an after-dinner walk, pulled out his grandmother’s diamond in a display box, and proposed. “Of course, I said yes,” Nicki smiled.
ZINC at Federation Square was the perfect venue for both the ceremony and the reception; its modern and stylish design offers a rare private space in the heart of Melbourne, with striking features such as floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Yarra River.
Shaded by elm trees, ZINC’s outdoor deck was the ideal location for a traditional Jewish wedding with views across the river to the city skyline, and the sun shone as the bride arrived in her exquisite made to measure gown with gorgeous beaded lace.
“The ceremony was beautiful with so many of our friends and family huddled closely around us, and while I had expected to be really nervous on the day, I was amazingly calm and relaxed,” Nicki said. “With our chuppah decorated in lush green ivy and white lisianthus, it was a stunning setting with the two of us facing the gorgeous gardens in front of ZINC with views through to the Yarra River.
Canapés were served after the couple said “I do”, followed by a beautiful three course meal indoors at tables decorated with different sized vases filled with ivory blooms and lush green foliage.
“We made sure each table had candles in keeping with the theme of the Jewish Chanukah festival of lights which coincided with our wedding; we were lucky enough to receive a gorgeous Chanukiah candelabra as a gift that we used on the night of our wedding,” Nicki said.
“It’s special to think we’ll celebrate our anniversary each year during the festival and we’ll be able to use the Chanukiah to light candles and remember our wedding that was even more beautiful than we’d imagined it would be.”
Looking for more inspirational wedding stories? Visit Real Weddings to find the best wedding venues in Melbourne!
Gown: Linda Britten | Photographer: Chris Kapa | Videography: C2 Video | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Zinc at Federation Square | Reception Caterer: Epicure | Reception Decorations, Flowers and Floral Decoraions: Bud Flowers | Shoes: Jeanette Maree | Engagement and Wedding Rings: Benjamins Jewellers | Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Andre J | Bridesmaid’s Outfits: Two Birds | Stationery: Nicole Goodman | Transport: Hollywood Limousines | Hair: Violetta Alekseyev | Make-Up: Esther Posner | Music: The Baker Boys Band | Gift Registry: David Jones | First Night: The Westin Melbourne | Honeymoon: Margaret River
