We envisioned bright, classic and cosy.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Chris has a background in healthcare but has recently switched gears and embarked on a pathway to become a mechanic. In his spare time he loves to keep active and get outdoors, and has a particular affection for water sports.
Yannis is a doctor who loves being outside kayaking or hiking and curled up with a book and a cup of tea.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met at a Bible study Yannis had been going to for a while before Chris joined. This gave us a unique setting to get to know each other well, share our highs and lows, and build lots of mutual friendships. We were actually great friends for a couple of years before Chris eventually decided he was ready to take on a relationship and plucked up the courage to ask Yannis out.
Yannis’s first impressions of Chris were that he was thoughtful, polite, and a little bit shy as the new guy in the Bible study. Chris’ first impressions were that Yannis was clever, insightful, and beautiful.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Yannis: Honestly, probably after our first date, which was not a date. It was the first time we caught up, just the two of us. We met for lunch, but that turned into dinner. We spent 8 hours together that day. I went home thinking, “Chris would be an amazing life partner,” and it was the first time I considered him marriage material.
Chris: I put a lot of thought and careful consideration into our potential compatibility and choosing to pursue a relationship with Yannis. With each date, week, and month that passed, I became more and more confident that my initial judgement had been a good one. I wasn’t surprised by our deepening relationship and compatibility but rather was grateful that God had brought us together in his good timing. I found myself falling in love quickly and was head over heels in a matter of weeks.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Amidst a month of busy schedules and shift work, there were only two full free days that month that we were free to spend together. We love the outdoors and have done a few hikes together. So on one of these days, Chris planned a hike about an hour from the city. While we were dating, Chris had written a few poems for me. I knew a proposal was happening because, at each lookout, Chris decided to recite the poems he had written. He proposed at the highest lookout at the halfway point of the trail with a beautiful view of the valley. I answered, saying it was the easiest ‘Yes’ of my life. We spent some time together in prayer, had a picnic lunch at the lookout, and then enjoyed the rest of the trail with gorgeous views and the new joy of being engaged.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
We envisioned bright, classic and cosy.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
We talked about investing in a good photographer and videographer. We did not regret this at all, and love looking at the beautiful moments that were captured. The first time we watched our wedding video, it was like reliving the day. It actually still felt so surreal for us – that we got married and that so many of our loved ones were in the one place at the one time.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
We were literally the last to leave our reception venue! Chris did not know that this was not the standard protocol. He is extremely considerate and wanted to help pack up, say goodbye to everyone, and thank all the staff. At the end of the night, as we stood outside waiting for our ride to the hotel, Yannis told Chris that he definitely missed the memo about not being the last to leave.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Chris: I was keen to have a classic, traditional look for my suit. My groomsmen and I had a great experience having our suits custom-designed and made. It was the first time any of us had a tailor made suit. I enjoyed that I could choose little details like the embroidery of our wedding date inside, and the pattern of the lining. Putting the suit on for the first time made everything feel real.
Yannis: I took my mum and sister to look for a wedding dress. I initially had simpler designs in mind but after trying on a few, I realised that I didn’t feel that different to other big events which I had worn full length gowns to. If there is any day to feel special and gorgeous, it’s your wedding day. When I tried on my dress, I fell in love with the lovely beaded back, the floral lace and the sparkle.
CEREMONY LOCATION St Edmund’s Anglican Church RECEPTION LOCATION Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, @rfbyc_events BRIDAL PARTY PHOTO LOCATION University of Western Australia, Sunken Gardens PHOTOGRAPHER Kenny Ngoo Photography, @kennyngooweddings VIDEOGRAPHER Jaycee and Angelie Cruz, @j.cruzi, @angeliecrz.inc FLORIST Flowers for Weddings Perth, @flowersforweddingsperth CELEBRANT Reverend Ben Underwood ENTERTAINMENT DJ: Western Sounds DJ Entertainment, @westernsounds HIRE & CATERING Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, @rfbyc_events STATIONERY & SIGNAGE DIYed RINGS Pinnacle Jewellers, @pinnacle_jewellers SUIT Institchu, @institchu GROOM’S SHOE Aquila, @aquila_est1958 ACCESSORIES Cufflinks – 7 Camicie, @7camicie.official BRIDAL DRESS True Society by Tuscany Bridal, @truesociety_tuscanybridal BRIDE’S SHOE Nina Shoes, @ninashoes MAKEUP Tian Soon, @tiansoon_makeup HAIR Sarah’s Mobile Hair Dressing; Moores Hairstyling, @mooreshairstyling GROOMSMEN SUIT Institchu, @institchu GROOMSMEN SHOE Aquila, @aquila_est1958 GROOMSMEN ACCESSORIES Cufflinks – 7 Camicie, @7camicie.official BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Billy J, @billy_j_boutique
