Multicultural Adelaide Wedding

Alex & Imran

I love the multicultural feel to Alex and Imran’s Adelaide wedding. Between the bride choosing to wear a sari to honour the groom’s Bangladeshi heritage, to the surprise sing along, the epic space cake and family and friends pitching in every step of the way. Nicholas Purcell was there to capture every moment.

Alex tells the tale of how they came to be. “We were introduced at a friend’s place, on again off again for about 5 years. Imran proposed on bended knee in front of our dishwasher, his dad and our daughter, Olive. Our engagement was drawn out due to an unexpected birth of our second daughter, Inez.”

The wedding was truly a family and friends affair, when the florist didn’t show up, two of the bride’s friends pitched in and pulled together the floral arrangements.

Wedding Hair By Brooke and Cynthia Davies Makeup style the bride and bridesmaid’s makeup for the day, Alex noting, “I can’t recommend enough, make up artist Cynthia Davies. She did a splendid job, and knew how to bring out the best of each of the bridal party (quite a motley lot).”

Alex started the day in a sari made by Dulhan Exclusives.

Alex and Imran were married at Scotch College, noting, “We chose Scotch College because of the beautiful grounds, but particularly because of the glorious old residence including the Barr Smith Theatre. It is grand and opulent and perfect for the vibe we were striving for.”

Alex chose Bach G Major Prelude for Cello for her walk down the aisle.

Alex and Imran remember, “Despite a rather chaotic day getting ready (trying to juggle two young daughters, wedding party, hairdressers, makeup artists and our families!), once we arrived at the ceremony and our celebrant Paddy asked everyone to take a quiet moment, whilst ringing a traditional Burmese gong (from Shwedagon Pagoda). It was grounding and it really made us, and everyone, present. He then passed our rings around, in a hand-painted Iranian bowl, for each of the guests to pass their well wishes onto.”

“We really called on our amply talented bunch of friends. Our invites were to die for (designed by Grace Lin), two die hard florists (who aren’t really florists) who saved the day when our flowers didn’t arrive (Rose and Lauren), our impeccable DJs who really got the party started with records fresh from NYC (Ol and Lew Graham). Special mention must go to Paddy Duigan, our great friend, who was our un-official celebrant and Erin Gregg, our MC and Bridesmaid, who both brought a personal and meaningful element to the entire day (not to mention their unwavering help bumping in and bumping out).”

The newlyweds were surprised with a surprise recessional – sung by their guests! They remember, “A special moment for us was when, unbeknownst to us, all the guests and the wedding party broke into song (Ain’t No Mountain…) and choreographed dance moves as the ceremony concluded. It was truly overwhelming and a sight to behold. The pictures capture this moment very well. Our sneaky friends Paddy (Celebrant) and Erin (Bridesmaid/MC) arranged this in SECRET, and managed to prepare all our guests with out us knowing.”

Of their photographer, Alex notes, “He is amazing. Nicholas has an amazing flair for capturing the intimate moments that so often are missed and forgotten. He was really receptive to our requests, and really got into the spirit of the night. All our friends and family commented on how at ease he made them feel, and he certainly was not intrusive. I feel like the photos are artworks in their own right!”

Reception celebrations continued in the Scotch College Barr Smith Theatre. Alex and Imran noting, “We were able to bring in our own caterers (Two Brothers Catering) – which was paramount to us as our main concern was that we had fabulous food and wine (which we did and then some). Two Brothers surpassed our expectations, our friends and family cannot stop singing their praises!”

Sweet Disposition Cakes created a very cool wedding cake, the bride and groom telling, “Special mention must go to our cake maker extraordinaire, Lisa Grech-Staehr (of Sweet Disposition Cakes) who received our instruction for a “Space Cake” with enthusiasm! She took it on, and delivered the MOST beautiful and delicious wedding cake.”

The bride changed to a custom made emerald green gown for the reception.

Of their first dance, Alex tells, “Our great friends were roped into covering a gorgeous song by Ritchie Valens “Stay Beside Me” (by Alex). This was a surprise for Imran, and they nailed it. Benn (Oliver), who we knew could nail a ballad, was on vocals and it made our night.”