After sharing a friendship for six years, and dating for ten, Stefan finally asked the long-awaited question to Vanessa, but the lead up to it wasn’t as he would’ve planned.
“My fake eyelashes and regrowth had just been ripped out and I had a wardrobe malfunction, so I was reluctant and whiny the whole way to the dinner Stefan had planned. I felt so guilty!” Vanessa told Wedded Wonderland.
The couple arrived at the Adelaide Oval, where the words, ‘Vern, will you marry me?’ were written on the scoreboard, and Stefan got down on one knee. The exciting moment was followed by a dinner, before drinks at a local pub where family and friends were waiting to share their congratulations.
Fast-forward to the wedding, set at a beautifully styled friend’s warehouse using wooden boards, share platters and white tablecloths, splashes of greenery both on the tables and hanging overhead, and a plethora of Edison lights, to truly bring the room to life.
Wearing a custom gown by couture atelier, Lillian Khallouf, Vanessa looked like an absolute vision. However, the final piece with its fabulous bow and a thigh-high split wasn’t the initial plan.
According to dress designer Lillian Khalouf, “The day Vanessa came to see me, she had all these references of dresses she thought were her style – I knew I wasn’t the right person for those styles and I could tell they weren’t her style either. After a week of meeting with me, she called me and asked to start again. I’m so grateful to Vanessa for trusting me and allowing me to lead the design process and for allowing me to ultimately interpret her style into the dress.”
With the bridal party twerking and bouncing into the reception, every guest wearing their Beyond Blue pin, and friends carrying the bride and groom on their shoulders, the wedding was a perfect celebration of love.
“The overwhelming love and support from all of our immediate and extended family, bridal party and our friends really reminded us that we are blessed to be surrounded by such loving and generous people.”
Congratulations to Vanessa and Stefan!
Photographer: Mike Hemus
Photography by: Mark Hemus, Cinematographer: Fragment Films, Ceremony Venue: St Paul of the Cross, The Monastery, Reception Venue: Plant4 Bowden, Entertainment: Stellar Music, Bridal Dress: Lillian Khallouf, Bridal Shoes: Gianvito Rossi, Bridal Jewellery: Anton Heunis, Wedding Ring: Villani Jewellers, Bridesmaid & Flower Girl Dresses: Eliza French, Groom’s Suit: Calibre, Groomsmen Suits: Institchu, Pageboy Suit: Bardot Kids, Cake: Little Lil’s Cakery, Invitation Designer: Magnolia Press, Florist: Lillianthus Florist, Favours: Beyond Blue Donations, Hairdresser: Zohair Salon, Makeup Artists: Madeleine Tirimacco & NHarb Makeup
