Real Wedding – Lee & Sacha, Petwood SA
Laid back groom Lee had never set foot in his reception venue until the day he said ‘I do’ to Sacha.
Not because he didn’t care, but because he knew his soon-to-be wife had spent years dreaming of every detail, shortlisting potential suppliers, and keeping screenshots of style inspiration.
Above all, he trusted her to deliver on the most important elements to them as a couple – good food, great music and their favourite people.
Their South Australian soiree was a timeless and elegant affair set among a manicured garden oasis that added vibrant texture to their crisp black, white and green colour palette.
In an extra-sweet surprise, Sacha’s second look of the night was a shortened version of her Mum’s wedding dress, which she had kept a secret from all but her sister.
Their deeply sentimental wedding soundtrack featured a first dance to the same song that played during their proposal, and custom mix of Higher Love, by Kygo and Whitney Houston, blended with traditional Lebanese drummers for an impactful reception entrance that carefully fused their love of cultural and contemporary sounds.
Scroll on to experience the sophistication and simplicity, as captured by Richelle Casson Photography.
The meeting.
Lee and I met through a very close cousin of mine on a night out during Fringe Festival at 2KW Rooftop Bar in Adelaide. We hit it off going back and forth with some playful banter, he kissed me on top of the ferris wheel in The Garden of Unearthly Delights and we have been inseparable ever since.
‘The one’.
Lee was so different from my usual ‘type’. He was the first guy to ever pick me up from my house for a date, cook for me, and really just make an effort to remember all the little things. The earliest defining moment for me was when I went on a pre-booked family holiday overseas, and all I wanted to do was be back home with Lee – he was home to me. Having been together, lived together and had a child together so early on in our relationship, we knew we had met our other half – it all felt so natural.
The proposal.
Lee had convinced me that an engagement wasn’t going to be happening for a while, so I had made my peace with that. Naturally, it was totally unexpected when it did happen. My best friend (and maid of honour) organised a girls’ winery day in McLaren Vale, which my sister was notably absent from due to “work”. When I returned home I opened the front door and heard Falling Like The Stars by James Arthur playing, saw a candle lit path and scattered roses leading all the way to the backyard, and then found Lee standing there with our daughter, Eva, who was one-year-old at the time with a big ‘marry me’ sign in lights. (This later became our first dance song).
Planning process.
We started planning two years before our wedding date. With two kids and businesses, I wanted to ensure there was no pressure, and we could take our time and really enjoy the process. I say we, but Lee actually had no idea about anything when it came to our wedding – he was a guest at our own wedding! He never even saw the venue until the day of the wedding – he gave me total creative freedom so that the day was exactly how I had always envisioned it would be and trusted me to ensure that all the things he/we cared about were included in the day – good food, a fusion of both cultures, good music and surrounded by our nearest and dearest. I always knew what I wanted my wedding to look like and which vendors I wanted to work with to bring that vision to life, so when it came to the wedding planning process, it was really quite enjoyable – I loved every minute of it. I want to do it all over again!
Style inspiration.
We wanted something timeless, elegant and classy. We knew we wanted a venue that really represented that vibe, and Mandalay House was perfect for that – it was a magically manicured garden oasis in the Adelaide Hills, which was so us. We had a black-tie dress code to fit the theme, and I chose a palette of white, green and black to complement that. Simplicity is timeless for a reason, and I think we reflected that a lot throughout our day.
Real weddings, Pinterest and Instagram were such a big part in offering endless inspiration and curation. They really helped to refine and bring to life the vision for the day. My algorithm for a full year was just all things bridal!
The ceremony.
We originally wanted to have a catholic ceremony in the garden at Mandalay; however, that wasn’t possible, so we chose to get married at The Monastery, which is the most gorgeous church. Walking down the aisle and seeing Lee with both kids waiting for me at the end is truly a core memory and one that makes me tear up every time I think about it. Our ceremony was traditional in every sense of the word and the fact we could include our kids in it will always be the most treasured memory for sure.
The outfits.
Dress shopping was my favourite part of the whole process. I spent a lot of time travelling interstate, trying on plenty of dresses, visiting designers until I was comfortable with ‘the one’. Rose from Annette of Melbourne Couture was fabulous; she was like my fairy godmother! Working with her on my custom-made gown was an absolute dream, and she really saw my vision and brought it to life. I paired my dress with a pair of Amina Muaddi heels and the most gorgeous Swarovski earrings.
My second dress of the night was actually my Mum’s wedding dress that I got altered shorter and refitted to size. No one, except my sister, knew that I was going to change into it, so it was a real surprise for all our guests – and most importantly, my Mum – when she saw me in it. Unfortunately, my Dad passed away a few years ago, so I thought it was the perfect ode to my parents’ marriage to wear it at my own wedding.
Lee’s suit was a custom-made black tux from Joseph Uzumcu.
Favourite moment.
There were so many that it’s hard to choose! Walking down the aisle, being pronounced husband and wife, our reception entrance, first dance; the whole day!
Meaning of marriage.
It’s a forever partnership and commitment. Having someone who respects you, loves you, accepts you and cares for you regardless of your downfalls and wakes up choosing you every day. When we think of home, we think of each other and our children. It’s an amazing feeling.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle – A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (played by a keyboard trio)
Signing – Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez (played by a keyboard trio)
Recessional – A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay (played by a keyboard trio)
Reception – A custom mix of Higher Love by Kygo & Whitney Houston blended with traditional Lebanese entrance music and drummers
First Dance – Falling Like the Stars – James Arthur (with the addition of a saxophone player)
Funny stories.
We actually moved houses four weeks before the wedding, which meant I had to also move both kids’ schooling! Organising the final parts of the wedding day and coordinating a move and touring new schools was hectic to say the least!
Planning surprises.
All of our preferred vendors being available on the same date! Also, how easy it actually was.
Words of wisdom.
Plan the day for you and not anyone else – the day is a reflection and celebration of your love not others! Choose what traditions and details are important to you both and then remove what isn’t. Also, don’t sweat the small things – not matter what happens it will still be the best day of your lives.
For more stunning South Australian real weddings, browse our back catalogue here.
LEE & SACHA’S SUPPLIERS
Ceremony venue: The Monastery
Reception venue: Mandalay House and Garden
Officiant: Father Loubnan Taraby
Photography: Richelle Casson Photography
Videography: I Do Cinema
Florist: Stem Haus
Hair: Zohair – Massimo Tirimacco
Make-up: Madeleine Tirimacco
Dress & veil: Annette of Melbourne Couture
Shoes: Amina Muaddi
Rings: Harry and Co Jewellery
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Dio
Suits: Joseph Uzumcu
Catering: Chopping Board Catering
Favours: Three Foxes Cocktails
Cake / Cake topper: Azure De Lis Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Class Ink Designs
Entertainment: DJ Sami & Sax & Love
Marquee and lighting: Olympic Party Hire
Bar, plinths, custom bridal table, custom wall and dancefloor: Friday Hire
Linen, seating, tables, glassware & dinnerware: White Marquee
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Events by Charlotte
