
Think old-Hollywood meets Italian countryside.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
(Stefania) I work alongside my family in the stone industry and run my own business specialising in Italian porcelain products, blending tradition with elegance in every piece. (Andrew) I am a business analyst in property investing, bringing a sharp eye for opportunity and strategy. Together, we share a love for gathering with family and friends around good food – always Italian, of course. After all, you can never go wrong with a plate of pasta and a glass of vino. We also have a strong passion for style and fashion, embracing timeless elegance in both our personal lives and celebrations. Beyond that, we cherish music and creating unforgettable travel experiences overseas, weaving our love for culture, beauty, and connection into everything we do.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met by chance at a restaurant, one of those beautifully unexpected moments that felt so natural and meant to be. From the start, we knew we shared a lot in common, including the fact that our grandmothers had been lifelong best friends. We also both came from the same small town in southern Italy, and our families had known of each other for years. Still, it felt almost unbelievable that our paths had never crossed until that moment. There was something deeply special about meeting in such a traditional, effortless way, no setups, no apps, just a real connection that unfolded naturally. From the very beginning, it felt like love at first sight.












Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
Coming from a modern yet deeply rooted Italian family, we wanted our wedding to reflect both tradition and sophistication. Our vision was an ‘Italian-themed’ celebration, but with a refined twist, something that felt timeless, elegant, and reminiscent of old-world glamour. We drew inspiration from classic Italian cinema and the iconic style of films like The Godfather, not for the drama, of course, but for the atmosphere: rich with family, warmth, and understated luxury. Think old-Hollywood meets Italian countryside velvet textures, candlelight, classic tailoring, and a sense of effortless class. It was important to us that every detail reflected both our heritage and our personal style, elevated, romantic, and unforgettable.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
One of the most remarkable aspects of our wedding was, first and foremost, the location, not only for its stunning beauty but also for the convenience of having both the ceremony and reception in the same place. Our ceremony was truly magical, with the stylist and florist creating a breathtaking scene that felt like something out of a fairy tale. Having our parish priest, who travelled all the way from Sydney, officiate and bless our wedding outside of the traditional Catholic church was an incredible privilege, making the moment even more meaningful and personal.
Equally important, if not more so, was the food and service, and Pepis truly did an amazing job. The culinary experience was a highlight of the day. Our cocktail hour was, without a doubt, one of the most successful and memorable moments featuring carefully curated background music inspired by the timeless Hollywood charm of classic Italian crooners like Dean Martin, setting a charming and elegant mood, an afternoon aperitivo, and thoughtfully designed stations including antipasto and fresh seafood.
Entertainment was another key highlight, with DJ Danilo playing a pivotal role. As an Italian himself, he perfectly balanced traditional Italian music with contemporary tunes, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and everyone on the dance floor all night. Italian music was such an important part of our celebration, especially with close family coming from Italy. Through his thoughtfully curated selections, DJ Danilo truly united us all, creating moments of joy and connection that made the night unforgettable.
As Italians, we cherish gathering to talk, laugh, and enjoy great food. Coming from two large Italian families, it was important for us to create an environment where everyone could comfortably mingle and connect before the reception began. This thoughtful flow allowed our loved ones to truly savour each other’s company in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making the celebration feel even more intimate and joyful.
The combination of exquisite food, attentive service, and the breathtaking scenery created an atmosphere that was both elegant and effortlessly seamless.












What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
We truly enjoyed the entire journey from start to finish. While it had its stressful moments, we made a fantastic team. Andrew trusted me with the creative side of things, and I relied on him to manage the invoicing, supplier payments, and budget. Naturally, I found planning the most enjoyable, being a girl with a clear vision of everything I wanted for our wedding, from the location and florals to the furniture, car, stationery, food, and of course, my dress.
My advice to all couples is to work as a team. Planning a wedding isn’t easy; it can be overwhelming and stressful, but try to make it fun by doing it together. Share your likes and dislikes openly and be willing to compromise. While many men leave the decisions to their partner, involving your fiancé and listening to his preferences will make your wedding feel like a true collaboration, something you both created and cherish.
And for all brides (and grooms, too!) Pinterest will be your best friend. It’s the perfect tool to help you curate every detail of your day, whether it’s your dress, styling, stationery, table settings, invitations, or anything else related to your vision.
Don’t stress if you go slightly over budget; staying perfectly on budget is nearly impossible. One key lesson I learned is that this day is yours and yours alone. You only get one chance to make it special, so follow your heart and do what feels right for you.
Finally, on the day itself, be fully present. Take time with your partner to enjoy the moments together. Don’t worry about saying hello to every single guest; remember, everyone is there to celebrate you both. Make sure to sit down, savour your meal, and soak in every detail, because before you know it, the day will pass in the blink of an eye.
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
All of our vendors were truly amazing, and we’re so grateful for each one of them. But if we had to highlight two that made an especially lasting impression, it would be Joe from Ciao Pepis and Brooke from The State Of. From the very beginning, they completely understood our vision and were instrumental in bringing it to life.
Joe, the owner of Ciao Pepis, absolutely understood the assignment. Coming from the same hometown in Italy as our families, he recognised how important food is in our culture, not just as a meal, but as a way of bringing people together and celebrating tradition. Guests were warmly greeted upon arrival with chilled water, setting the tone for the day with a touch of thoughtful hospitality. From the beautifully curated cocktail hour to the incredible reception spread, every detail was executed flawlessly. Not only was the food delicious and full of flavour, but it was also styled to perfection—visually stunning and in perfect harmony with the elegance of the day. The service throughout the entire event was exceptional—attentive, seamless, and professional. Our guests haven’t stopped talking about it!
Brooke brought that same level of dedication and vision to the styling. Throughout the entire planning process, she was consistently attentive, supportive, and incredibly detail-oriented. Her ability to translate ideas into a cohesive and elevated design was truly impressive. She captured the timeless elegance we were dreaming of and brought it to life with a refined, effortless touch. Every element—from the floral arrangements to the tablescape—felt intentional, thoughtful, and so uniquely us. She created a setting that felt warm, romantic, and unmistakably Italian.










Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
The vision for both of our outfits was inspired by classic Italian elegance, drawing from old-school Hollywood glamour with a nod to The Godfather. We wanted to reflect a timeless, refined aesthetic that honoured tradition while still feeling personal and stylish.
Andrew’s vision was rooted in Italian sophistication with a touch of iconic cinematic flair, strong, refined, and effortlessly cool. He wore a beautifully tailored Italian-made suit by Belance, styled from head to toe with intention and presence. From his classic bow tie to his custom-made Italian leather shoes, every detail spoke to timeless style and quiet confidence. His look embodied poise, elegance, and the unmistakable charm of traditional Italian menswear.
Stefania’s gown was a dream brought to life by designer J. Andreatta, who curated the most breathtaking dress using fabric sourced directly from Lake Como, Italy. The design carried the same sense of timeless Italian sophistication that mirrored Andrew’s vision, elegant, refined, and with a subtle nod to classic cinema and heritage. The gown was the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, romance, and tradition, soft, structured, and dripping in detail. It was more than just a dress; it was a work of art rooted in both legacy and love.
One of the most meaningful details for Stefania throughout this journey was the presence of a rose in every one of her outfits leading up to and on the wedding day. From the rose on her engagement gown, to the elegant rose detail on her bridal shower dress, and again on her party gown at the reception, it became a quiet but powerful symbol woven into each moment. Even her main bridal gown was covered in a soft, romantic rose print, bringing everything full circle.
The rose is such a classic symbol of love, beauty, and devotion, but for Stefania, it also reflected the path they took to get here. It represented the blooming of their relationship, the depth of emotion behind the celebrations, and the timeless nature of the love they share. Including it throughout wasn’t just a style choice; it was intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
Both of our rings were simple and timeless. The bride wore a 2-carat oval diamond engagement ring with a slender band, paired with a marquise-cut diamond wedding band. The groom wore a classic, polished gold band.












What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
The two areas we chose to invest in the most were videography and food, both of which felt deeply important to us. As we mentioned, high-quality service and an abundance of incredible food were essential. Being Italian, it goes without saying: we love to eat. Food is a love language in our culture, and we wanted our guests to feel that from start to finish.
From the cocktail hour to the final course, we made sure there was never a moment without something delicious to enjoy. The cocktail hour featured a rich spread of canapés, antipasti, and beautifully presented bites that set the tone for the night. Then came dinner, an artisanal gelato cart, and late-night pizzas, all thoughtfully planned to reflect warmth, abundance, and celebration. We didn’t just want to serve a meal, we wanted to create a full food experience that our guests would remember.
For videography, we didn’t want just a short highlight clip; we envisioned something cinematic that would capture the entire essence of the day. Every emotion, every detail, every little in-between moment. Our incredibly talented videographer, Tarek from Anemotion, truly brought that vision to life. He did an amazing job capturing our story in the most authentic and beautiful way. We can’t wait to relive every moment through his lens and one day share it with our children.
Every decision we made, every detail we invested in, was intentional and meaningful. Everything we put into this wedding was so worth it a true reflection of who we are, what we value, and the love we share.
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Every moment of our wedding was truly special, but one of our favourite memories, the one we will treasure forever, was just before entering our reception. We had planned a grand entrance, arriving in our 1969 vintage Mercedes convertible. As we sat together in the car, parked a little way from where the marquee was located, we took in the stunning view of the beautifully lit marquee and the elegant garden surrounding the building. Just moments away from entering, we shared a quiet glance and both whispered, “Wow, this is really our wedding.”
Looking out toward the marquee, we felt as if we were in a dream. We saw all our guests enjoying themselves, but most importantly, we saw our closest loved ones, our parents and bridal party, hearing the laughter and applause as they made their way inside. Pride and emotion overwhelmed us, and tears welled up, because in that fleeting moment, we truly recognised what this day was about: us and the beautiful wedding day we envisioned and created. It truly felt like a fairytale come to life.












BRIDE Stefania, @stefaniaadavino_ GROOM Andrew, @andydavino VENUE Redleaf Wollombi, @redleafwollombi PHOTOGRAPHER Street and Studio, @streetandstudio VIDEOGRAPHER ANÉMOTION, @anemotionweddings CONTENT CREATION By Lucy, @bylucy.weddings STYLIST The State Of, @thestateof.studio FLORIST Petal Bang, @petalbang CELEBRANT John Alten, @johnalten ENTERTAINMENT DJ Danilo, @djdanilo; Gaetano Bonfante, @gaetano_bonfante_music HIRE Bennelong, @bennelong_sydney MARQUE KataLane, @katalanetents CATERING & CAKE Pepi’s, @ciao_pepis STATIONERY & SIGNAGE The State Of, @thestateof.studio CAR The Vintage and Classic Car Hub BRIDE’S DRESS J. Andreatta, @j.andreatta_ BRIDE’S SHOES Amina Muaddi, @aminamuaddi MAKEUP Ann Hassarati, @annhassarati HAIR Hair by Montana, @m.ontaana BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Summer Vibes – Dolce & Gabbana, @dolcegabbana BRIDE’S PARTY DRESS J. Andreatta, @j.andreatta_ BRIDE’S RECEPTION SHOES The White Collection, @thewhitecollectionau BRIDE’S RECOVERY DRESS Ance Gria, @ancegria BRIDE’S RECOVERY ACCESSORIES Bag – Aje, @_aje_ BRIDE’S RECOVERY SHOES Billini, @billinishoes GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES Belancē, @belanceworld GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Watch – Omega, @omega GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Ombre Leather – Tom Ford, @tomford BRIDAL PARTY OUTFITS Effie Kats, @effiekats; Billini, @billinishoes; Peter Jackson, @peterjacksonau



