Shazana and Tom’s paths first crossed like “most modern-day millennials” on dating app Bumble. “We started chatting here and there, but it didn’t really blossom into anything until one day, my friends and I went to a night market at Carriageworks – call it what kismet but the market was called Burning Love. I remember it was a cold winter’s night and we were standing by the fire pit as the market was closing off.

I was looking around and saw the Gelato Messina booth (Tom is Head Chef at Gelato Messina). I looked at the menu and looked at the booth and straight away I saw him – the guy I’ve chatted with on Bumble. At the time, we hadn’t met in person, but he looked just like in his photos, I did what any girl would do, I simply stared and did absolutely nothing. But the next day, I messaged him again on Bumble and said “I could be wrong, but was it you at Carriageworks last night” and that was the start of Tom finally asking me out on our first date. Tom took me to Poor Tom’s for Negronis – it’s been our go-to drink since.”

And their wedding, was the ultimate celebration. The pair ditching a wedding party, and the traditions they hated, and planning something “beautiful, memorable and personal, there isn’t really a theme but I wanted to create something that was very “us”, and when guests walked in know it’s definitely Tom’s and Shazana’s wedding.”

With the help of Salt Atelier behind the camera, and floral designer Flowers by Julia G bringing the look to life with the most exquisite floral details, this beautiful Sydney wedding ticks every single box, if we do say so ourselves.

In the midst of pandemic land, November 2020 as domestic travel opened up, Tom suggested the couple head away for the week to a motel just “like in the movies”. He’s always full of random ideas so I was happy to agree” laughs Shazana, “he made a reservation at the motel and shared the details with me and I didn’t bat an eyelid. It wasn’t until we got there that I realised he had actually booked a beautiful Airbnb near Orange, NSW. It was such a good surprise but Tom is always full of surprises so I wasn’t thrown by this gesture. That night, he organised a picnic of sorts at the rooftop of the house and I believe he wanted to wait for sunset, but it was taking too long and eventually he went on his knees and asked me to marry him. He took me by surprise then and in the moment, it took a while to say yes, but I eventually did!”

Shazana’s elegant, strapless gown was a Oleg Cassini Australia creation. She tells “It was the first one I saw and I just knew I had to get it!”

Tom’s look? Classic black tells the bride,  “Tom wore a simple dark suit – his tie was from when he was groomsmen at his brother Joe’s wedding and I got him Canberra Raiders socks as an ode to his NRL team.”

In tones of beautiful poppy red and blush, Flowers by Julia G created the modern, romantic floral details. Tells Shazana “For flowers, we wanted something classy but with a pop of colour! They were done by my friend Julia – she had just started her flower and styling business and I wanted to support her new venture! For my bouquet – I asked for some orchids as an ode to home being from Singapore where the orchid is our national flower.”

“Our celebrant was a friend of Tom – we wanted someone who knows at least one of us so it’s more personal. We each wrote our own vows and we wanted to keep it light, meaningful and with a bit of humour!”

The couple’s very favourite part of the day? “I would say its family and friends! We got married right after the pandemic and it was when international travel started to get back again and we managed to get a few of my friends and family to fly in from Singapore; it was the first time we’ve seen them in 2 years!

The day was full of contributions from family and friends. “My sister who lives in Singapore designed our wedding invitations and Tom’s mum who lives in Yass, NSW and has her own food business made our wedding favours – they were her famous chewy caramels. Our amazing cake was also made by Tom’s best mate Florian (of Shadow Baking). Everyone asked for seconds and not a single piece was leftover, it was the most amazing cake!”

The newlwyed’s first dance? To the Bee Gees “More Than A Woman”. Tells Shazana “When we were thinking about our first dance, I thought it would be fun to do a dance from famous movies – I watched lots of clips and of course the dance for this song in Saturday Night Fever was such an iconic dance, but we knew there’s no way we can pull that off so we used the song and took some lessons for a much simpler routine! I am also now more than willing to admit that Tom is a better dancer than I am.”

Shazana’ s very favourite memory? “At the end of the night as we are about to call a close to the party, Tom somehow managed to get hold of a microphone and started singing Bill Wither’s Lovely Day – it was one of our song and we listen to it a lot at home. At the time everyone thought it was sweet, funny and kinda cute that he did that. What we didn’t know was that he actually had a bit to drink and didn’t realise he did what he did until someone mentioned it 2 days after the wedding!”

Congrautlations to you both Shazana & Tom! We are so thrilled to have had the honour to share your wedding day. Thank you both and thank you to Salt Atelier and Flowers by Julia G for sharing this one with us.