Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I am an audiologist and Sai is an engineer. We both come from very different upbringings and when we were first getting to know each other we realised we are very very different people. Having those differences has made our relationship pretty exciting. I really love baking and, after styling our wedding, I’d really love to get into that a bit more! Sai loves boxing and is a devoted Carlton supporter (poor thing).
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
SP: We met on a dating app 4 years ago and decided to meet at a local bar. Sai says he knew he liked me by the time we ordered our first drinks, however I needed a bit more convincing. Sai rocked up to the date with a bandaid on his face looking like Nelly, which I thought was quite a bold fashion choice. I learned a few dates later it was due to an injury, not just an interesting choice in accessory. I found the first date quite odd, but clearly our mutual firm grasp of sarcasm and love of Guy Sebastian’s Battle Scars won me over.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
SP: I don’t think there was a light bulb moment that made us realise we’d be spending our lives together. We both realised early on we could see ourselves raising a family together, which was quite terrifying, but obviously very exciting.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
SP: When Sai proposed, it was the first weekend during the endless Melbourne 2020 lockdown that we were allowed to sit outside for a couple of hours. Sai planned a picnic, set up by friends and family, with croissants from Lune, homemade cocktails and a few bottles of sparkling. I had known we were having a picnic, but I was completely unaware a proposal was about to happen! As we were walking up, I noticed the picnic out of the corner of my eye, but being a bit pessimistic, did not think it was for me. Sai then got down on one knee and said “..may as well do this now” and proposed. It was beautiful.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
SP: Our venue, The Post Office Hotel, has a very earthy vibe, with beautiful greenery on the walls which really inspired the vision I had for the wedding. We decided on earthy tones which we incorporated into our wedding invite, handmade wedding arches and our table decorations, with native flowers throughout. I really enjoy being creative, so I styled a lot of the wedding myself.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
SP: There wasn’t one particular area we splurged on, and were happy to spend the required amount to ensure our desired aesthetic was achieved. Photography, the celebrant and venue were the most important aspects to us. The photographer captures the event for you, ensuring those memories last a lifetime so investing in that was so important to us. We luckily found the most brilliant one in Meleah of Lovegoodimages. We felt the ceremony should be the highlight of the day, and again were happy to invest in that. Ally of Ceremonies by Ally delivered such a funny and heartfelt ceremony, it was amazing.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
SP: Not really actually! Everything went so smoothly, which was a surprise in itself! I am normally a very anxious person, and avoid being the centre of attention, but I felt so incredibly calm the day of the wedding and walking down the aisle to meet Sai. We both felt a sense of relief that the day had finally come and all our isolation to avoid COVID paid off! It was such a fun day.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
SP: Wedding dress shopping was done during COVID restrictions, so I could only ever have 2 people with me, limited time and zero champagne, which made it a bit tricky! However after a fair bit of searching I found the perfect dress at Made With Love bridal. It was incredibly comfortable which was super important to me. Sai’s suit choice was also a bit tricky as we knew we wanted a green suit, but had trouble finding that perfect shade until we found The Suit Concierge. They were so helpful and made the most perfect suit.
Ceremony + Reception: Post Office Hotel / Videographer: Monique Pizzica Media / Photographer: Lovegood Images / Celebrant: Ceremonies by Ally / Entertainment: Jordan Barczak + Lewi Lewi / Styling: Bride / Menus + Signage: The Post Hotel / Flora: Bride & Friend / Catering + Beverages: Post Office Hotel / Cake: Pastry Paradise Lalor / Brides Attire: Made with Love Bridal / Grooms Attire:The Suit Concierge / BowtieL: Peggy and Finn / Ring/s: Cape Diamonds / Shoes: Bared Footwear / Jewellery: Colette + Thomas Sabo / Makeup: Yen Loves / Grooms Hair: Barber of Pascoe / Bridesmaid: Simones grandmother made the bridesmaid dress / Shoes: Tony Bianco / Groomsman: The Suit Concierge
