Ana and Eugen
We’re ending the day with a romantic Brisbane wedding! With the big 2013 Brisbane Wedding Giveaway announced, we thought it was time to revisit the winners of the 2012 competition!
Ana tells their story. “Eugen and I met in 2007 while I was backpacking through Europe. Eugen is an Albanian who had been living and working in Athens for 10 years while I had just finished up working through the Greek Islands, doing tours. We met, fell in love and moved in together. Athens was a beautiful city to fall in love in! We spent many a night together under the Acropolis, in the little cafes on those dreamy summer nights. By August 2008 we were expecting our first child and making preparations to return to Australia, together. Eugen immigrated to Australia and in 2010 we gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Eva Valentina! With all the stresses of moving to a new country and having small children, Eugen and I were never married. We both very much wanted to officiate our relationship for our little family and this new chapter in life.”
Timeless Tales by Sarzy the leading force behind the competition gave away – an engagement and wedding photography package as part of the prize, and shares her photographs with us today.
Anastasia tells, “Jo from Celebration Design Studio helped us design beautiful stationery for our invitations and reception. We were so pleased with the result, guests were remarking on how pretty they were and how well they tied in with our vintage romance theme.”
“I had a brooch and charm attached to my flowers for lost loved ones. The brooch belonged to my mothers, mother- Margaret Stuart and fondly known as ‘Peg’. Peg was a loving wife and mother, who’s love and good deeds have become folk law in our family. She was in my thoughts for all of the day. The Virgin Mary Charm was given to my grandfather, Giovanni Tognoni , by his mother in Italy when he immigrated out to Australia in 1952. It is inscribed ‘I Love You, Mamma.’ or ‘ Love Mamma’. We love and miss these family members dearly. Giovanni was killed tragically and never did return home. But I will always be grateful for his bravery and sacrifices.”
Anastasia dressed in pink, recalling, “My gown was by Jennifer Gifford Designs in Brisbane. Jennifer is wonderful! The Adele was from her 2013 made to measure collection and made in blush pink. It was certainly a once in a life time opportunity to wear something so amazing. Jennifer is a true professional. Meeting at her studio in Greenslopes, she masterfully created this gown from the ground up. It is just flawless. Jennifer always made me feel amazingly good about myself, on my visits. She is extremely perceptive and i just knew I was in safe hands when it came to how the gown looked and fitted. It was such a privileged to wear something so unique, thank you Jennifer!”
“Kelly from Bella Bloom Floral Designs put together truly beautiful bouquets, button holes and Eva’s halo. The colours were soft and romantic and pulled together the pastels worn in the bridal party. Having native Australian foliage in my bouquet was a special touch. We were all astounded that morning when Kelly delivered our blooms, they were just what we had envisioned and more.”
“I was lucky enough to design my own wedding shoes from Shoes Of Prey. They are amazing! When else was I going to get another opportunity to wear pink glitter heels?! Eva, our daughter wore a gorgeous dress supplied by My Flower Girl and a stunning halo from Bella Bloom Floral Designs. The bridesmaids wore the Allure gown in cappuccino from Hills in Hollywood, Chermside.”
“Amber Moretti from Blush & Brush transformed myself and my girls on the morning of the wedding. The make up was utterly amazing and made us all feel like princesses! I was conscious of my flaws but as soon as I looked in the mirror that morning, they all melted away because of the amazing job she had done! Amber certainly came good on our request to have Kardashian lashes that’s for sure! My hair looked amazing and stayed in place for the entire duration of the day. Amber is such a lovely lady, we can’t thank her enough!”
Anastasia and Eugen were married at Roma Street parkland, Ana explains, “Doreen from Dream Day Weddings oversaw our ceremony set up and supplied the sweetest arch and Tiffany chairs. Doreen was completely in control of coordinating the vendors and we knew everything was going to run smoothly! Thank you Doreen and Mark for greeting our guests and making everyone feel at home! Catherine from Virtual Shout had put together the floral arrangements on our arch and aisle chairs, and the results were so beautiful. They took our breath away.”
“Amanda from Adorn Event Hire styled our very own drinks table for the intimate garden ceremony. It was just gorgeous and guests were delighted to have refreshments at the end of our vows, to toast our love!”
For her walk down the aisle, Ana chose ‘Love’ by John Lennon. “It had been suggested to me by a musical friend whom I admire so much. It completely resonated with me, the lyrics are very honest and hold true.”
“Thank you to Fiona Robertson, our civil celebrant who delivered such a personal address and married us! We were so lucky to have you with us on the day!”
Of their photographer, Ana says, “Sarah from Timeless Tales By Sarzy is someone so special to us. Her photos capture all our hopes, dreams and story. She is an exceptional photographer. Her creativity and ability to seize photo opportunities effortlessly had amazing results. Sarah is such a warm and sincere person, we can’t thank her enough!
Sarah digs deep to uncover the true emotion behind the day. “We felt so comfortable with Sarah we did forget she was snapping away, working tirelessly to capture all our special moments. Its an amazing feeling to walk way from this experience knowing we have made a friend, who we regard as the best wedding photographer for us on our day. Sarzy O perceptively saw what we saw and that is so important for any life event and wedding day. Sarah we thank you!”
Hotel Urban Brisbane hosted the reception as well as providing the couple’s wedding night accommodation. Anastasia remembers, “Hotel Urban was superb! Our guests enjoyed delicious food on the 10th floor in their panorama room- offering the most amazing views! We had the classic wedding package that included a sit down 2 course meal and drinks. The whole night was faultless, the room, service and food! This is a premiere venue, and made the night unforgettable!”
“Janet from Sweet Buffets put together a stunning Candy Table at our reception that tied in beautifully with our Ivory, Sage and Blush colour scheme. And it was an absolute hit with our guests! It got devoured!”
“The reception decor was by Miss Weddings, the hotels in-house stylist. They did an amazing job. The cake: It was so delicious! Thank you Kate from Vanilla Lily!”
“The icing on the cake for Eugen and I, was the live performance by the Eastside Bells at our cocktail hour and reception. They are unbelievably amazing performers and wowed our guests!”
For their first dance, Anastasia tells, “Eugen and I chose ‘Love me tender’ by Elvis. Its a classic song that denotes both a promise and a wish. We were feeling totally overwhelmed by the day, and a little nervous about dancing in front of everybody that we forgot to include our children in our waltz! But by the end of the song, family and friends had joined us on the dance floor and it was a beautiful moment in time!”
One last thought from Anastasia. “To all the talented vendors, such creative and inspiring women – the day was truly spectacular. You all have such big hearts, you gave us something we never thought possible. We both thank you from the depths of our heart, for making our dreams come true.”
Congratulations Anastasia and Eugen on not only winning the competition but on your marriage! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Timeless Tales by Sarzy and all of the vendors involved in the wedding today!
Such a gorgeous wedding, Anastasia’s dress and flowers were a perfect match – really lovely. Julia x