Emma & Evi

I love nothing more than getting to know the amazing couples that cross our pages and it has been an absolute delight to meet Emma and Evi. Their beautiful day, which was every bit relaxed and equally as beautiful was one of those stories that truly is “feel good”.

With stunning photography by the lovely Sarah Kennedy Photography, the pair chose a garden setting for their ceremony, before a waterside restaurant hosted their sparkling reception. But that’s not what stood out to me the most. These two added personal touches to every part of their day- from traditional Nigerian dress for the dance floor, handmade by the newlyweds wedding stationery, heartfelt readings and a pure love for not just each other, but they life they lead. It’s stories like this we live to tell.

It was nothing fancy when these two met, a suburban shopping centre holding the key! Emma tells their tale “This romance began in one of the world’s most romantic locations…no not Paris or even on a yacht in the Med…oh no it began in Westfield Belconnen! haha

We met when we were both working at Westfield Belconnen in Canberra ACT. Evi was a security guard and I was working at the concierge desk.

We have chatted a few times but one fateful afternoon when Evi was going down the escalators and I going up. As we passed each other and Evi flashed his smile, sparks flew and something special was born in that moment and the rest is history.”

Evi wore a dapper three piece suit custom made by InStitchu.

Could we be any more in love with the bride’s stunning Carla Zampatti gown? “I didn’t want a typical “wedding dress” tells Emma. “I was in the Carla Zampatti store when the dresses were first delivered. As soon as I tried it on I knew that it was the dress. It was perfectly elegant with just enough frill!” We agree!

Emma walked down the aisle with her father to William Tell’s Overture, the couple choosing the song from a recent trip to Melbourne to see the opera.

“It was perfect for the number of guests we had and had the perfect backdrop for our ceremony” tells Emma of their ceremony at the Temple Garden at Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

Emma and Evi chose  Melissa Fahey – Mine Forever Celebrant Services to officiate their ceremony. “She was amazing and made everyone so relaxed. Melissa went out of the way to really get to know us.  The ceremony was a lot about family and really showed how much we  love each other and our  families.”

Special readings personalised the ceremony. “Emma’s brother Evan did a reading “He’s not perfect” by Bob Marley as well as Evi’s twin sisters Keno & Vivien did the final blessing” tells Emma.

“I chose a simple white palette which fitted in well with the casual style of the wedding” explains Emma of the simple, white bouquet styled by  Wildflower Florist.

“She was brilliant and made us feel so relaxed on the day,” remarks Emma of their chosen photographer, Sarah Kennedy. She continues “The pictures are perfect and whenever we look at them we’re taken back to the day. She captured so many beautiful moments of the day.
We had an engagement photo shoot a couple of months beforehand which I definitely recommend. On the wedding day, we were already used to having our photo taken and posing for the camera.”

Emma and Evi chose  Level One at Harbourfront for their sit down reception, noting “We loved the outlook on the water and again was perfect for the number of guests. The food is also pretty good!! Doing the menu tasting at Harbourfront with Emma’s parents was our favourite part of wedding planning. The weather was beautiful and the food was amazing. It was a great time to relax in the lead up to the big day.”

Emma and Evi chose a cheese tiered wedding cake from Burnt Butter Cakes to honour the bride’s love of cheese.

Instead of a “Traditional” first dance, Emma and Evi joined their guests on the dance floor in traditional Nigerian dress. Emma explaining “We danced back into the reception venue to Ada Ada by Flavour & All Over by Tiwa Savage ( both Nigerian artists). Everyone else joined in dancing with us so not a typical first dance but lots of fun!”

A big congratulations to you Emma and Evi! Thank you for telling us all the stories of your day Thank you also to  Sarah Kennedy Photography for today’s wedding!