With romantic flair and whimsical charm, Sebastian and Joanne’s journey from friendship to matrimony was nothing short of enchanting. The couple’s special day was a masterclass in blending timeless tradition with modern elegance, as they exchanged vows amidst a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and lush florals that stole the show.
Friends To Lovers…
Sebastian and Joanne’s love story took its first steps in 2014 at social gatherings, where a friendship blossomed. Over time, their bond grew stronger until it reached a turning point when they finally acknowledged their romantic feelings for each other. As they confessed these emotions to one another, the couple came to a profound realisation: there was no one else they would rather be with, and from that moment on, they became inseparable.
The Perfect Proposal…
On May 26th, 2019, Sebastian orchestrated a fairytale proposal that would leave even the most discerning rom-com fan in awe. As they gazed out at the breathtaking view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from Copes Lookout in Kirribilli, the couple savored every moment – complete with champagne, rose petals, and the perfect blend of romance and adventure.
Sebastian’s thoughtful gestures didn’t go unnoticed; Joanne shared that her partner confessed his love to her while getting down on one knee, a moment she’ll treasure forever. As they basked in the joy of their special moment, they indulged in a glass of champagne by candlelight, savoring the romance of it all. But this wasn’t the only surprise Sebastian had up his sleeve – or rather, on the water.
With 100 close family and friends waiting at a secret location, Joanne was left stunned as she discovered that everyone knew about the proposal before her! It seemed that Sebastian had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to orchestrate the perfect day, keeping the entire event under wraps for weeks. The bride-to-be recounted the experience with glee, still beaming from the sheer excitement and romance of it all.
I’ll Meet You At The Altar…
As cultural heritage played a significant role in their lives, the couple’s Lebanese roots brought about an array of lively pre-wedding celebrations. When the big day finally arrived, Sebastian and Joanne exchanged vows at their local church, surrounded by close friends and family for an intimate and traditional ceremony.
The bride recalled that moment as the most special and unforgettable part of the day, saying it was a mix of emotions – having not seen each other for a week beforehand made it an extra-special and thrilling experience.
Colourful And Contemporary…
Sebastian and Joanne’s wedding theme was thoughtfully chosen early on. They sought a vibrant and youthful aesthetic that blended contemporary flair with timeless elegance. Their vision was perfectly aligned with Linseed House, which offered a stylish yet simple backdrop for their special day. The industrial brick walls provided an intriguing contrast to the wooden bar setting, prompting them to infuse the space with seasonal colors.
In September’s autumnal hue, they instructed their florist to incorporate harmonious shades that mirrored the time of year, perfectly complementing the venue’s unique features.
A Champagne Classic…
Surrounded by an entourage of loved ones, the couple’s special day unfolded like a fairytale. The groom’s three brothers stood tall beside him, each clad in timeless suits featuring peaked lapels, black bowties, and French cuffs that added a touch of elegance to their overall ensemble. Meanwhile, the bride was flanked by her cousin, best friend, and sister-in-law, all of whom were radiant in champagne-hued gowns that seemed to glow with an inner light.
The subtle addition of gold statement earrings to each of their outfits served as the perfect accent, casting a warm glow over the proceedings.
The Shimmering Bride…
The quest for the perfect wedding gown is a journey many brides embark on, and this bride’s story is no exception. As the daughter of a dressmaker, she had a unique opportunity to get involved in the design process from start to finish. After trying on numerous gowns, she carefully selected the elements that spoke to her – the way the fabric flowed, the cut of the silhouette, the details that caught her eye.
From there, she created a custom sketch, blending and refining until she had brought her dream gown to life. The result was a stunning princess-cut gown with a low back and halterneck neckline, its drama amplified by a flowing 3-meter train. To add an extra layer of romance, the bride chose a sheer fabric adorned with shimmering sparkles that caught the light as she walked, creating a striking silhouette against the sun.
The overall look was completed with a simple yet elegant veil, a classic bouquet featuring roses and orchids, and show-stopping stilettos that sparkled like diamonds.
A Classic Style…
Sebastian’s sartorial choice for the ceremony stuck to timeless elegance, donning a bespoke suit that showcased a refined flair. The ensemble boasted a French-cuffed white shirt with hidden buttons, paired with a sleek black bow tie that added a touch of sophistication. To inject some personality into his look for the reception, he swapped out his attire for something more formal and stylish.
This revised ensemble featured vibrant round buttons that lent a playful twist to the overall aesthetic, which was expertly tied together by a tailored vest that harmonized seamlessly with the rustic ambiance of the venue.
In Love With Linseed…
The Linseed House left us utterly captivated from the moment we laid eyes on it. As the first venue we explored, our initial impression only deepened with every glance. The space boasts an impressive array of architectural features: soaring ceilings, exposed brickwork, lush green balconies, ornate mirrors, and sparkling chandeliers that add a touch of elegance to the overall atmosphere.
Striking glass doors punctuate the space, allowing natural light to filter in and casting subtle shadows on the floor. To further enhance its unique charm, the venue was transformed with a vibrant floral theme, featuring an exquisite palette of blues, oranges, reds, pinks, and whites that adds a pop of colour to the otherwise understated decor.
The finishing touch came in the form of low table settings, carefully arranged to create a harmonious balance between the stunning florals and the venue’s inherent beauty.
Hidden in the shadows…
As they basked in the romantic ambiance of their dreamy location, the couple took a leisurely stroll around the grounds to soak up every moment and capture some unforgettable memories through photography. Working with the talented team at Salt Atelier proved to be a seamless experience, as they effortlessly blended into the surroundings to snap genuine and emotive shots that left the newlyweds utterly enchanted.
We’re delighted to report that their captured moments were nothing short of subtle, intimate, and absolutely brilliant, leaving us obsessed with every frame.
The Covid Challenge…
Sebastian and Joanne’s journey to their dream wedding was filled with twists and turns. Initially, they had planned a romantic getaway in Lebanon, but as the country faced economic and political challenges, they opted for a domestic celebration in Sydney instead. However, even that plan hit a snag when Covid-19 restrictions forced them to postpone their special day not once, but twice. Despite these setbacks, the couple remained focused on realizing their wedding vision.
Finally, after two rescheduling attempts, they achieved their goal and exchanged vows on their ideal date, September 1st.
Their Advice…
As couples who got married in 2020 can attest, there were numerous additional challenges to overcome. When asked for their advice, one couple’s response was straightforward and reassuring: ‘Don’t overthink or over-complicate the day.’ They emphasized that despite inevitable minor setbacks, the end result is what truly matters – a special celebration with your loved one, enjoyed regardless of any minor mishaps.