A glance at the stunning photo taken by Lost In Love Photography sets the tone for a remarkable love story. As we delve into the journey of this special couple, let’s start with how they first met. The Sydney surprise that brought them together is just the beginning of their unforgettable tale.

How The Couple Met

Rachelle and Xavier’s romance is a testament to the power of serendipity and cultural fusion. Their paths first crossed in 2016 at a bustling New York City gym, where Rachelle was climbing the corporate ladder and Xavier was honing his professional basketball skills with the Knicks. The coincidence of their shared training space in Manhattan’s heart set the stage for their initial connection.

Fast forward to 2020, when Rachelle and Xavier rekindled their friendship in Los Angeles just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. With Xavier poised to embark on an adventure Down Under in Australia’s National Basketball League, Rachelle took a leap of faith and joined him in Sydney, sealing their bond in the process.

The Sydney Surprise

In the midst of Sydney’s vibrant energy, a romantic surprise unfolded in December 2022. Xavier sealed his love for Rachelle with an unforgettable proposal at Hubert, amidst twinkling lights and a city alive with joy. The special moment was captured beautifully by Lost In Love Photography. As they basked in the glow of their engagement, they knew they had to act quickly.

With Xavier’s demanding basketball schedule looming, they had a narrow window during the off-season to plan their special day, prompting them to dive headfirst into wedding preparations.

The Wedding Extravaganza

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As the big day finally arrived, Rachelle and Xavier’s dream wedding became a reality. The couple’s vision for a celebration of love and unity came to life with a diverse gathering of loved ones from around the world. Friends, family members, colleagues, trainers, coaches, and teammates traveled from as far as the United States, Canada, Lebanon, Dubai, Paris, London, Switzerland, and even Papua New Guinea, making it a truly global celebration.

The picturesque garden overlooking the stunning Amalfi coastline served as the idyllic backdrop for their ceremony, setting the tone for a romantic union. To add a touch of elegance, colorful ottomans were incorporated for guests to relax on. However, Rachelle’s love for florals stole the show, with bespoke chandeliers made of white orchids adorning the all-white reception in the Crypt, creating a breathtaking floral wonderland.

The Bride’s Gown

Rachelle’s Pallas Couture gown was a true masterpiece of fashion design. The bespoke creation was crafted from innovative fabrics never used before, and the exquisite beading added an air of sophistication, giving the impression that it was ‘dripping’ with elegance. The intricate details were so remarkable that even one of the skilled seamstresses who worked on the gown claimed to have never encountered a design quite like it before.

This exceptional quality only serves as further testament to the gown’s breathtaking beauty.

The Dream Destination

The allure of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello was undeniable for the couple’s special day. Rachelle had long fantasized about a destination wedding, and the Amalfi Coast’s breathtaking scenery drew her in. For Xavier, it was all about ensuring his beloved’s happiness. The historic venue, steeped in European charm, doubled as an ideal gathering spot for their international guests, making it an effortless choice.

Incorporating Cultural Elements

Rachelle and Xavier’s wedding celebration was deeply rooted in their shared cultural identity. To honor her Lebanese heritage, they incorporated meaningful elements into the ceremony. A Melkite Catholic Priest from Genoa flew in to perform the nuptials, conducting most of the ceremony in Arabic – a beautiful nod to Rachelle’s roots. This thoughtful blend of cultures added an extra layer of significance and personal touch to their special day.

Words of Wisdom from Rachelle

Rachelle credits her fantastic experience planning a destination wedding to the expertise of a skilled wedding planner. Georgia from Mrs Smith Weddings proved to be a master navigator, effortlessly handling complexities such as language barriers and time zones. With her guidance, Rachelle and Xavier were able to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the process, free from stress and worry. It’s no wonder that Rachelle recommends investing in a top-notch wedding planner to all future brides.

The Couples’ Favorite Moments

As Rachelle and Xavier reflected on the lead-up to their big day, they both agreed that the genuine love emanating from the room was a truly surreal experience. For them, sharing cherished moments with their closest loved ones was the most precious thing in the world. Of course, it didn’t hurt that there were also pizza-filled rewards waiting for them in their hotel room at the end of the night – the perfect recipe for a happily ever after!

The Wedding Vendors

The wedding planning process often involves a team of experts who bring your vision to life. These include the Planner + Stylist @mrssmithweddings, who expertly coordinate every detail, and the Photographer @lostinlove_photography, who captures the special moments. The Cinematographer @sodafilms brings a cinematic touch to the big day, while the Venue @villacimbrone provides a stunning backdrop for the celebration.

When it comes to dressing up, you’ll want to check out Dress @pallascouture and Suit @belanceworld for inspiration. Florals @malafrontefiori adds a pop of color to the proceedings, as does Makeup @alexperrinmua and Hair @beautylivery. For rentals and equipment, look no further than @geg_party_service, and don’t forget to check out Stationery @maziicollection for unique invitation designs and Invites @xelastudio for expertly crafted paper goods.