Real Wedding – Sophie & Fady, Richmond VIC
Relaxed pair, Sophie and Fady didn’t sweat the small stuff when it came to planning their stunning city celebration.
As Sophie made her way down the aisle, she looked a vision in an incredible gown designed and made by her maid of honour, Elly Sofocli.
With their classic and minimalist styling, they let their love do the talking and what resulted was an incredible affair captured beautifully by I Got You Babe Weddings.
In Sophie’s words…
The meeting.
Fady and I met 8 years ago. I was young, studying and working at a coffee shop and he used to be a regular customer with some friends. After weeks of general chit chat back and forth, he finally plucked up the courage to ask for my number and the rest was history.
The ‘one’.
I think it was the moment where I felt like I could share absolutely anything with him. It’s that 100% pure comfortability and confidence that you share. We formed such an awesome bond and I can truly say he is my best friend and I think that’s important.
The proposal.
It was a Saturday morning that we took our dog for a walk up to Mount Macedon National Park. There is a gorgeous track that we love taking our dog to. As we were walking, we stopped at this beautiful lake halfway through the track. It was such a beautiful still morning and overcast. Nobody was around so it was so quiet and beautiful. At that moment, he had tied our dog to a nearby tree and got down on one knee. I remember feeling like the moment wasn’t real! The moment he asked me to be his best friend and wife for life the sun broke through the clouds and the rays were beaming. It was truly a gorgeous moment.
Planning process.
We are both really chilled people so when it came time to plan the most important day, we made sure we selected vendors we could put our total faith in to turn our vision into a reality. We shared most things with each other as I really value his opinion. It was important for us to be honest with each other and really clear with what we wanted so we could have a wedding that truly reflected us as a couple.
Style inspiration.
Modern, traditional, classic and minimalist. They may sound like they couldn’t mesh together but it worked! We love the relaxed and minimalist style infused with the traditional look of our church. When it came to the reception we really wanted lush foliage that was very messy and deconstructed to compliment the amazing exterior views of Fenix. Clean, classic colours such as black and white infused with our lush greenery was just beautiful.
The dress.
That was the easy part. Longtime friend and maid of honor was my bridal dress designer. We collaborated over time on a style that would complement me and make a statement. I knew I wanted something modern but also chic. The deep neck line plunge with embellished beads was the definition of “finer details”. The cape added a soft element that complemented a fully embellished beaded gown. I felt like a goddess.
Favourite moment.
My favourite moment of the day was definitely seeing Fady for the first time. My morning was pretty chilled, laughing with family and friends whilst getting ready, but there were minor nerves of just seeing him for the first time down that aisle. As soon as I saw him, it solidified every decision I had ever made in my life! I knew this was going to be the best of things to come in our lives.
Meaning of marriage.
Having a partner in crime. Someone who will have your back no matter what (even when you’re wrong). Having a support system where you both can support each other both physically and mentally with what life brings. It’s important to be best friends and be able to have a laugh.
Wedding soundtrack.
Our bridal party walked into our reception to George Michael’s Amazing (such a classic track and perfect for our day). Fady and I walked into our reception with traditional Arabic drummers which comes from his Egyptian background. It was so fun and definitely had all our guests up on the dance floor to celebrate us as husband and wife! Our first dance song was made perfect thanks to Coldplay’s MAGIC!
Funny stories/near disasters.
In between getting some snaps and the reception, we stopped at a bar in Richmond to have a drink and a break. As we were walking in, I somehow managed to step on my dress and rip one of my capes off! Thank goodness my maid of honor was the dress designer, she came to the rescue with some needle and thread. Sitting at this bar re attaching my cape whilst having a wine was a laugh.
Planning surprises.
How easy it was! From the moment we got engaged, I had people telling me to get onto planning as soon as possible because things book out and there’s so much to do. I think because Fady and I were just on the same page about everything, it was so relaxed and effortless. My vendors and I collaborated on our vision for the big day and everything worked out the way we wanted it to.
Words of wisdom.
Enjoy the process and keep the stress to a minimum. I know it’s hard to think that with so much to do, but the planning process itself is so fun and exciting, you don’t want to look back and think of it as a nightmare. Also, do what YOU and YOUR PARTNER want to do. You will have opinions from so many people but at the end of the day, keep it true to you guys and let your wedding really reflect you as a couple. That will ensure a perfect day.
Final words.
ENJOY and CELEBRATE the whole day. From the moment you wake up, until the last goodbye at the reception, just have fun! It truly is the best day of your life so make the most of it. You don’t have time to stress about certain things if they didn’t work out the way you wanted them to, and at the end of the day, WHO CARES. You’re marrying your best friend. Party it up!
A lover of Melbourne city romance, be sure to check out Kate and Tim’s sweet celebration.
SOPHIE AND FADY’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue: St Eustathios, Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne. Father Chris is such a special and kind person who kept the ceremony light hearted and had us laughing the whole time.
Reception venue: Fenix Events in Richmond. The staff throughout the whole process were amazing. On the actual day they made sure everyone was having an awesome time by topping up drinks and keeping the amazing food coming.
Photography: I Got You Babe – Lilli is a gorgeous woman who captured our day like nobody else could. She is truly talented.
Florist: Lulu Bird – Lucie is amazing. She is one of the most down to earth people you will meet and will collaborate with you on your vision.
Hair and makeup: Kristina Canzoneri – Such a lovely and calm person and that’s something you definitely want in the morning getting ready. She made me feel so beautiful.
The Dress: Elly Sofocli – The one person who made me truly feel like a goddess. Longtime friend and amazing person inside and out.
Bride’s Shoes: Missguided – Easy, simple, nude strappy heels – It’s all you need!
Rings: Larsen Jewellery – Fantastic and talented jewelers to help create and make your dream rings!
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Keepsake
Bridesmaid’s shoes: Missguided
Groom’s apparel: David Marcs
Catering and bar: Fenix Events
Favors: Custom Mr and Mrs Cookies from Ace’s Cookie Dough Co – She is the most beautiful and professional person to work with. A truly gifted and talented lady who creates delicious favours.
Cake / Cake topper: Bakery Lane Cakes – another talent and amazing lady who made our cake not only look amazing but taste even better!
Stationery / Signage: Minted – but also I had made a lot of it on my own!
Entertainment: Dj Michael Masri and Event Entertainment Group – both Michael and Patrick (from event entertainment group) were so professional and ensured the party stayed alive all night!
Transport: Black Beauty Limousines
Honeymoon: United Arab Emirates! – Dubai and Abu Dhabi (amazing places to travel).
