Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Setting: Ceremony: outdoor; Reception: ballroom
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 220
How long did the couple plan the event: 11 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic and elegant.
High school is often the backdrop for young love stories that stand the test of time. For Joshua and Emmilee, their journey began in those formative years, and today, they stand together as a testament to the enduring power of love. They met in high school and instantly connected, laying the foundation for a remarkable love story that has spanned 13 years, making them childhood sweethearts.
The wedding planned by the couple was envisioned to be a celebration brimming with romance, liveliness, and warmth. Their primary focus was to create an enchanting ambiance for themselves and their guests, ensuring everyone would have a delightful time.
The couple chose the perfect venue for their wedding. Since they adhered to a classic wedding theme, they wanted to avoid looking back and realizing that their marriage had become part of a trend and had become outdated. That’s why the choice of Strickland House for the ceremony was particularly ideal. The building, constructed in the 19th century, is steeped in history and exudes elegance. From the lawn where the ceremony took place, there was a perfect view of Sydney Harbour.
It was a beautiful morning, with every detail carefully thought out and prepared, all coming together to create an unforgettable atmosphere of happiness and love.
Emmilee’s morning was truly joyful as she was surrounded by her closest loved ones, ready to share in the happiness of this important day. Exquisite appetizers and drinks were prepared for the guests to ensure a comfortable and festive morning.
For the ceremony, Emmilee made a deliberate choice, knowing that Josh adored her with her hair pulled up. She opted for a classic knotted low bun, accentuated with soft front pieces, adding a touch of elegance to her bridal look. Emmilee’s wedding dress exuded extravagance, and she wanted her overall look to strike a harmonious balance. With careful consideration, she decided to simplify her hair and makeup, creating a stunning yet approachable appearance.
Emmilee, being Greek, decided to uphold a wonderful Greek tradition – plate smashing. She broke plates alongside her friends and parents, symbolizing the couple’s departure from their old life and the beginning of a new one. Afterward, everyone danced, setting a celebratory mood.
Following this, Emmilee headed to her room to wear her wedding dress. Most importantly, her beloved Frankie was with Emmilee! Unfortunately, both of Emmilee’s grandfathers had passed away, and she honored their memory with special rosaries adorned with their photos.
From a young age, Emmilee had a deep passion for fashion. She would spend hours cutting out dresses from magazines and meticulously crafting mood boards. Often, she could be found seated on her bed, engrossed in sketching wedding dresses that bore a striking resemblance to the one she eventually wore on her wedding day.
When the time came to bring her dream wedding dress to life, Emmilee had a clear vision in her mind. She embarked on a quest to find the perfect designer who could understand and execute her vision flawlessly. After visiting several wedding designers, Emmilee was left feeling that her vision remained unperceived.
However, fortune smiled upon her when she stumbled upon the talented Holly Butler, located in Melbourne. Without hesitation, Emmilee booked a flight to meet with Holly. It was a fateful encounter where their creative energies instantly clicked. Holly not only understood Emmilee’s vision but also had the expertise to bring it to fruition. The result was a wedding dress that surpassed Emmilee’s wildest dreams, a testament to the power of vision and the expertise of a skilled designer.
Joshua spent his morning with his family and friends. He chose an elegant black tuxedo with a white rose in his lapel, looking like a true gentleman. He shared the happiness of this morning with his friends and parents, and later, their relatives joined them.
Following the Lebanese wedding tradition, the groom left his home with relatives, accompanied by musicians, to joyfully make his way to the wedding ceremony location with songs and dances.
The ceremony venue was beautifully adorned. A green arch with white flowers against the backdrop of a classic, vintage mansion looked perfect. Live music played during the ceremony, and extraordinary sun umbrellas were prepared for the guests.
The bride and groom arrived in luxurious vintage cars. The guests gathered, and Joshua stood by the wedding arch, radiant with happiness, awaiting his bride.
And there she appeared, like a beautiful princess from dreams. Arm in arm with her father, Emmilee walked to the spot where she and Joshua would unite their lives, exchanging vows of love.
Emmilee looked like a fairy-tale princess in her perfect dress; she literally radiated happiness. It was truly a dream dress, created with so much love by the talented Holly Butler.
The wedding reception venue The Grounds looked magnificent. The lovebirds wanted the decor to be manageable for the room and didn’t overpower the room. Therefore, they opted for classic floral arrangements: roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and cosmos – Emmilee’s favorite flower. They had Xela Studio write the guests’ names in calligraphy, which added a beautiful and harmonious touch to the overall decor.
As the celebration transitioned to the reception, Emmilee’s desire was to let her hair down and embrace a more relaxed, carefree vibe. Her talented hairdresser worked their magic, transforming her hairstyle into soft waves that framed her face beautifully, allowing her to fully enjoy the festivities.
And when the guests had gathered, live music began to play, and Joshua and Emmilee appeared. Considering their ethnic backgrounds (Emmilee is Greek and Joshua is Lebanese), they decided to infuse a touch of tradition. As they entered, their favorite music filled the air, accompanied by the sounds of the bouzouki and Lebanese drums. It was the perfect blend, and at some point, the atmosphere and energy in the room were soaring, and the guests could truly feel it.
Of course, the heartfelt congratulations from close friends and family are an integral part of the celebration. Each greeting was lovingly spoken to Emmilee and Joshua.
The wedding cake, also designed in a classic style, perfectly complemented the wedding’s aesthetics.
The wedding dance was terrific. These two gracefully swayed in their dance, surrounded by a gentle mist that created a magical atmosphere. At one point, confetti rained down from the ceiling, enhancing the enchantment of the moment.
Perhaps the most fun and unforgettable moment came around 10:30 PM when the guests were in high spirits. McDonald’s Cheeseburgers with the personalized sticker “McHammond” (new family’s surname) were served, showcasing the couple’s love for this iconic fast food chain.
Joshua and Emmilee’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, filled with classic elegance, personal touches, and cultural richness.
Advice from the couple:
• Everything always works out, so enjoy every moment. Soak in all the love and cherish the memories you will create that will last a lifetime. There is no better feeling than celebrating your pet with the people you love!
BRIDAL DRESS Holly Butler | PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Anemotion weddings | COORDINATION Plans made perfect | VENUE The Grounds Events | FLOWERS Azariade | HAIR Rachelle Rose | MAKEUP Tania Chiha | MC Norman Hasham | ENTERTAINMENT Jonnie S Telly Benetatos Cardinia | JEWELRY Jacobsons jewellery
