Joel and Lisa’s 15-year friendship was a testament to the power of enduring relationships. As they navigated life’s ups and downs together, their bond grew stronger with each passing year. It was only natural that love would eventually flourish within this foundation of trust and understanding.

In fact, as Lisa reflects on their journey, ‘After all those years of being just friends, and experiencing the highs and lows of failed relationships, we started talking about taking our friendship to the next level. And from that moment on, we were inseparable.’ Theirs is a love story that will forever be marked by its deep roots in friendship.

The Proposal

As they embarked on their journey towards marriage, Joel chose the picturesque Château Elán in Hunter Valley to pop the question to Lisa. This idyllic setting, steeped in fond memories from past vacations, provided the ideal ambiance for Joel to ask Lisa to join him on the path of forever. With the seclusion of a charming pergola providing an intimate backdrop, Joel’s proposal was a heartfelt and emotional milestone that marked the start of their new chapter together.

‘It was the most extraordinary, perfect emotional proposal I could have ever imagined,’ he recalled.

An Ode to Intimacy and Tradition

After being postponed from its original 2021 date due to the pandemic, Lisa and her partner’s wedding finally came to fruition in 2023. In a deliberate nod to their personalities and heritage, they opted for an outdoor celebration that exuded exclusivity and simplicity. The ceremony took place at the historic Greek Orthodox church, Saint Savvas of Kalymnos in Rockdale, NSW.

‘The fact that it was an outdoor wedding allowed us to bring our little dog Chiko along to join in the festivities,’ Lisa reflects, emphasizing the intimate nature of their special day, which was attended by 57 of their closest loved ones.

The Brides’ Wedding Gown

Lisa’s decision to wear a bespoke Murashka Official gown, crafted from exquisite organza silk from Russia, was a testament to her commitment to individuality and modern sophistication. The intricately designed dress, featuring delicate handmade butterflies and flowing sleeves, perfectly encapsulated Lisa’s ethereal beauty and the extraordinary path she shared with Joel.

In a charming surprise, Lisa incorporated a Gucci fedora, a thoughtful gift for her groom that unexpectedly became an integral part of her wedding attire, imbuing her overall look with a touch of personal flair.

The Venue

The couple’s quest for an outdoor venue that embodied their refined style led them to the Intercontinental Double Bay, where they found a setting that harmonized with their vision of sophistication and luxury. As fate would have it, their concerns about inclement weather dissipated as the day unfolded under crystal-clear skies, serving as a poignant reminder of the capricious nature of love and life, and the importance of having a thoughtful plan B to fall back on.

A Celebration of Heritage and Elegance

As the day unfolded, Joel and Lisa’s wedding seamlessly merged refined black-tie sophistication with cherished Greek traditions. The Orthodox ceremony, vibrant dances, and symbolic plate-breaking all blended together to create an unforgettable celebration. According to Lisa, their vision for the theme and style was a sophisticated, exclusive, and elegant affair that combined the best of both worlds – magazine-perfect moments, traditional Greek elements, and lively entertainment.

With meticulous attention to detail from their photographer and videographer, every poignant moment, cherished tradition, and joyful expression of love and friendship were immortalized. Looking back on their journey, Joel and Lisa’s wedding remains a beacon of enduring love’s presence, a celebration worth waiting for. Their story is a poignant reminder that true love can bloom in unexpected places, weaving a tapestry of memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

The Wedding Vendors

The star-studded lineup of talented professionals who brought our destination wedding to life includes @intercontinentaldoublebay as the stunning venue. Florals and candles courtesy of @sydneyweddingflowers added a touch of elegance, while cake was provided by the exceptional @thecakestudio. sydney. Unique props were sourced from @thetreasureroom_, capturing the couple’s personal style.

Photography was expertly handled by @saltatelier_wedding, with video coverage courtesy of @xtraordinaryphotosvideo. Hair and makeup magic came from @hairbykalli, @imogenovijachmakeup, and @miaaraya. artistry. To complete the look, a flawless spray tan was applied by @blondegypsytanning. Entertainment was provided by @acaltsis on the decks and @mc_kimon as the charming emcee. Adding an extra layer of romance were the beautiful bouzouki sounds from @bouzoukientertainment_thanasis.

Bomboniere were carefully crafted by @labellemiette_. The bride’s stunning dress was designed by @murashkaofficial, with rings courtesy of @jcfinejewellers and shoes from @aquazzura. Earrings were a dazzling @dior creation. Grooms’ hats and brides’ hats were expertly curated by @gucci. To commemorate the special day, social media memories were captured by @samedayeditsydney.

Nails were beautifully done by @biab_bysophie, menu place cards featured stunning photos courtesy of @stellamariephoto, and brows were perfectly shaped by @browsbyjacintalourdes. Invitations were designed by the talented @designbydaniella, and a special bride mannequin was created by @dashingdesignco_.