Real Wedding – Mathew & Karina, Mount Lofty SA
Everything about Mathew and Karina’s wedding was pure magic. There were touches of classic elegance that suited the vibe they were after for their day, but they also included traditional Lebanese elements that was a nod to their heritage.
Their ceremony had them strutting down the street with a cacophony of drums following closely before making their way to their dreamy venue; Mount Lofty House. The gardens, with whimsical tangerine roses stemming out from all angles provided the perfect backdrop for photos of Mathew in his custom ‘Beg your Pardon’ three piece suit and Karina looking deliriously delicate and divine in her Alexis George gown.
Richelle Casson caught all the glam on camera and it’s an absolute feast for the eyes – especially those wild and playful floral arrangements. We’re loving it all!
The meeting.
A friend and I snuck out to a club one night when she asked if her cousin could meet us out. We didn’t hit it off right away. Give it a few months and a drunken long weekend and he finally won me over with one word “coffee?”
The ‘one’.
Karina – our trip to Lebanon.
Mat – When she fell asleep on me on a plane.
The proposal.
It was Mat’s birthday and Karina was not easily surprised, so while Karina had a whole day planned Mathew had other ideas. After a picnic in the sun Mathew suggest a walk when he led Karina to a hidden rotunda. He had decorated it with photos of them and her favourite flowers.
Planning process.
We were pretty relaxed throughout the planning process despite restrictions, cutting down guest and the weather. In the end we decided that we may as well enjoy the day despite any disruptions.
Style inspiration.
The inspiration for the wedding came from the garden in the movie the secret garden. I wanted it to look magical and naturally put together with colourful flowers and classical themes.
I had an idea of what I wanted from the get go but I found Pinterest super helpful.
The ceremony.
We had a traditional Lebanese ceremony when the groom’s family comes to the brides side. Usually they would come to the brides house walking from down the street with drums and music. We used this idea but instead had the grooms family and friends meet us at a park. The ceremony consisted of music and dancing before we left to take the bridal party photos.
The look.
Knowing what we wanted for the most part, we went to Pinterest to find photos of what we liked. Both of our outfits were custom made so we got to be a little creative and working with the designers, we designed exactly what we had pictured.
Favourite moments.
Mat – Dancing outside in the evening.
Karina – Our reception entrance.
Meaning of marriage.
Being able to wake up and wanting to do life next to the person you care for the most.
Wedding soundtrack.
Ceremony: ZafitSa Drummers (live drummers)
Reception entry: Prince Ali from Aladdin / Ti Rashrash (Arabic)
First Dance: Best Part by Daniel Caesar
Funny stories or near disasters.
On the day I woke up to do my makeup, when I looked outside it was pouring with rain. The weather changed to 80% showers and most of the day was outdoors.
Planning surprises.
How early on venues book out and how long quotes can take to come through.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t let anything ruin your day because in the end you’ll mostly remember the way you were feeling.
On the hunt for some tips and tricks from couples who have been through the whole wedding planning process? Head over to our blog here to find some real and insightful words from our couples.
MATHEW & KARINA’S VENDORS
Ceremony location: Linear Park, Athelstone SA
Reception venue: Mount Lofty House – Mount Lofty, SA
Photography: Richelle Casson Photography – words cannot explain Richelle’s work, photography was invented for her. She made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole day.
Videography: Infinity Films – Brady; his passion for his work and positive energy on the day is incomparable.
Florist: Day – Fresh Stems, Evening – Adelaide Flower House (honestly created the wedding of my imagination)
Hair: Salon Fletcher
Make Up: Glow by Krishelle – she is pure Talent
The Dress & Veil: Alexis George – The quality of his work is amazing. Exactly what I asked for and more.
Head Piece: AEL Este – such magical creations.
Shoes: Kate Spade
Rings: GW Cox
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Winona the Label – So accomodating, they delivered a custom order dress the week of.
Suits groom and groomsmen: Beg Your Pardon – Has the best eye for suits.
Bow ties / ties: Beg Your Pardon
Catering: Mount Lofty House
Cake / Cake topper: Rebeccas Cakes
Stationery / Signage: Made By J Design – so so much effort into creating the vision we had for our invites.
Entertainment: Zaffit, SA
Transport: Adelaide Mustangs
