[fusion_text]On the day of their 4 year anniversary. Pierre took Anne-Marie to Arthur’s Seat. There, they spent the weekend at the hot springs, they swam with seals and dolphins, and they shared intimate dinners together. To conclude this romantic weekend, Pierre had made her a little movie recapping their 12 significant places over the years. At the end of the video he presented Anne-Marie with a canvas print of each significant place in a google map reference – with the last place being where they were staying. Then, the most amazing thing happened, Pierre asked Anne-Marie to be his wife.
With such a beautiful proposal, only meant that their wedding would be a grand spectacular here at our venue – and we weren’t wrong. Pierre and Anne-Marie’s wedding day was filled with so much elegance, joy and most of all love. The love and appreciation that this couple have for each other is truly profound. We wish this beautiful couple a lifetime of happiness, and we are so fortunate to have hosted their gala wedding at our venue.
The Engagement
We were engaged for around 15 months.
The Ceremony
Pierre and I come from Greek families, so we had a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Forest Hill.
Wedding Planning
Wedding planning was a little overwhelming but at the same time it was fun but a lot of hard work. Once we had a check list going and knew what we wanted it made life a lot easier.
Styling the Venue
We wanted to go for a simplistic yet elegant look to tie in with our invitations. We choose a combinations of black white and sliver/grey.
Highlights of the Venue
For us it was the wow factor, Vogue Ballroom is a stunning venue that caters for all weddings. On our wedding we loved the way we were introduced from the balcony before entered the ballroom, we felt like celebrities.
What’s one word that your guests used to describe Vogue Ballroom?
Stunning
Unique Customs and Traditions
Pierre comes from a Greek family. For Pierre there was a three piece band at the house from the morning, one of the customs that was performed was the best man shaving the groom, there was also plate smashing and lots of dancing before heading to the church.
My family is from Cyprus and we followed Cypriot traditions which included, The Red Scarf Blessing or Zosimo (ζώσιμο), where members of your family give you their blessing before you head to church. One at a time they will cross a red scarf around the brides waist which symbolises fertility and protect her from the evil eye.
As well my family performed the kapnisma(“holy smoke”), this is where smoking olive leaves are placed in a “kapnistiri” (a small earthenware pot) and my mother waved it over my head three times with her right hand, as she does this she did her cross. This ritual symbolises a blessing and warns of evil spirits. While this is done, we has a two piece tradition Cypriot band singing.
For our church service it was a tradition greek church wedding, where we had a koumbaro (best man) who exchanged the rings and the Stefana (crowns of Glory).
Honeymoon
Pierre and I had always planned to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon, but we were also planning a trip to the states at the time he proposed. So we decided to combine the both and jet off to the USA. We went to New York, Vegas, LA and last stop Hawaii. It was for 3 weeks and it was a trip of a lifetime.
Their Suppliers
Photographer: Loco Photography
Video Production: Burgess Video
Bridal Gown: Raffaele Ciuca
Suits and Grooms Suit: Black Tie Classic
Rings: Ellissi Jewellery
Flowers: Blooms on Main
Cake: AB FAB Cakes
Bomboniere: Harti Designs and Events
Hair (and make up for the bride): Jess Jones Hair and Make Up
Makeup (Brides maid and Mother or the Bride): Emma Jane at Rejuvenate You Beauty
Transport: Always Classic Cars
Transport: Krystal Limousines
Photo Booth: Awesome Photobooths
Entertainment: Rythmos Band [/fusion_text]