There was an incredible attention to detail at Stephanie King and Joseph Rossi’s Italian themed wedding. From the wingback armchairs of the bridal table to the 6-tier Champagne tower, the wedding styling was elegant and opulent. “It was an amazing day spent enjoying the company of the people we love most in the world,” Stephanie said. 

Joseph had proposed to Stephanie a year earlier while the couple were on holiday. “The words, ‘Will you marry me Stephanie?’ were written in the sand on the beach as we flew into the Maldives. I wasn’t expecting a proposal!” 

Stephanie said. Joseph had to smuggle the engagement ring, which he’d snuck out and bought from Tiffany & Co. in Dubai, through various airport security check points. “He looked so nervous I assumed he’d eaten something rotten!”

Italian lemonade and gelato was served to guests at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, a welcome treat on the 40-degree day. “The staff from Bianco Latte and then Truffleduck at the reception, were very accommodating and wore black aprons with our names and wedding date embroidered on the front.” 

This gave a sense of coherence from the ceremony to the reception and the feeling of formal European dining. Stephanie and Joseph worked with their caterer to design a Tuscan inspired menu. The evening meal was set out in order of a traditional Italian dinner: antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci, formaggi e frutta, caffè and digestivo. In line with the theme, the menu and wedding stationery were all written in Italian. 

The couple held a marquee reception at BAIE Wines on the Bellarine Peninsula. “We were spoiled for choice because we could have our say on everything from the colour of the chairs to the flooring.” However this also meant a lot of decision-making and quote comparisons. 

The wedding’s impressive floral arrangements featured David Austin and glasshouse roses in white and ivory. Emanuel roses added a touch of colour. Hydrangeas, carnations and dahlias were also paired with lush foliage. 

“All our suppliers worked so hard in the heat of the marquee. It was so hot that the 350 pillar candles we bought for the table centrepieces melted! Our florist went above and beyond, keeping a wet towel over the vertical flower wall during the day to ensure the blooms stayed fresh for the reception.” 

Another nod to the theme was the lemon curd and olive oil wedding cake. It was decorated with fresh flowers matching the wedding’s neutral colour scheme. Instead of table numbers, each table was named after a country that Stephanie and Joseph had visited together. 

On the back was a photograph of the couple in that particular country. Larger signage was printed on foam fill and placed in ornate frames Stephanie spray-painted gold. 

Stephanie looked radiant in an ivory gown with soft pink undertone. It had a sweetheart neckline with pearl beading and a low back. It featured rose-patterned lace on the bodice and a layered skirt of silk organza. 

“I had a beautiful, cathedral-length veil with lace edging. I loved how the veil cascaded down the steps of the altar. As Joe and I sat at the altar surrounded by our loved ones, it was magical to finally experience what we had lived and breathed for the last 8 months.”

Looking for more inspirational wedding stories? Visit Real Weddings to find your perfect wedding venues in Victoria!

Gown: Baccini & Hill | Photographer: Blumenthal Photography | Ceremony venue: Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park | Reception venue: BAIE Wines | Reception caterer: Truffleduck | Flowers & floral decorations: Flowersmith Flowers | Cake: Call Me Cake Face Co. | Stationery & stylist: Intique & Co | Groom’s attire: Armani Collezioni | Bridesmaids’ outfits: Rose Rossi | Videographer: Purple Ribbon Weddings | Hair: Alana Holmes | Makeup: Blanka Dudas & Christine Gaunt | Additional suppliers: The Fozzy Book, Bianco Latte, Dann Event Hire, Place Settings, Melbourne Chandelier Hire & Champagne Towers Australia