Olivia + Xenofon
How did you and Xenofon meet?
I love my pasta. I used to order pasta for lunch almost everyday from this Italian Restaurant & Bar in the City. Xenofon managed this venue. So technically I was his customer! We had lunch together once, and the rest is history!
How did he propose?
We were in Hawaii for my twin brother's wedding. He took me out for a nice intimate dinner at the Halekulani- there's a beautiful semi-outdoor restaurant called House Without a Key. We were sooo sunburnt from kayaking earlier in the day, he couldn't get on one knee!
How did the wedding planning start?
We naturally prioritised our focus and time on what was most important first- Venue, Date, Church! Everything else, we wanted it to be a stress-free organic process. Staying open-minded, staying true to ourselves and of course not forgetting the fact that it's just one big party and to have fun during the process. I remember when I was in Capri, Italy for a short work trip, I came across a very small jewellery store in Anacapri. The owner was very friendly and down-to-earth. He showed me some beautiful baroque pearls and I asked if he could make me earrings the way I wanted. He was so lovely, he called his wife over to start the making process straight away on the spot! Another story... I've always wanted to have white peonies for my bouquet. I went to the Sydney Flower Markets the week of the wedding to check, but all the vendors confirmed that peonies were out of season and due to NYE holidays there weren't many open deliveries. Despite the feedback, I turned to my florist (who is also my BFF) and said, 'There will be peonies for me on Friday, I'm going to believe it!’ Miraculously, the Friday before the wedding, my florist went to the markets and found one vendor with one large bunch!!
Were there any challenges because you're both from different cultural backgrounds?
Surprisingly none at all. I think we're very much on the same page when it comes to family values and honouring each other's backgrounds. We wanted to make sure we incorporated and celebrated all things cultural! e.g The Korean Paebaek Team Ceremony at the reception and many Cypriot traditions from morning to night.
What made you choose Blanche Bridal for your gown?
I guess you can say it was love at first sight. I randomly came across it on Instagram, and I immediately booked an appointment. There are times in your life you just have to make decisions with your heart and not overthink it.
What was your favourite moment when purchasing your gown at Blanche Bridal?
Seeing and trying on your very own dress for the first fitting appointment! Because it's made to measure, it was the first time seeing it on the body properly. Fell in love even more!
Did you have a theme or look in mind for your wedding?
More than having a theme, I just loved the idea of having an outdoor summer wedding. The ambiance The Grounds of Alexandria offered was perfect. We didn't like decor that was too perfect or too 'done-up'. As we were in a garden, we just wanted a really summery magical vibe. So I requested to have 'raining' purple delphiniums in the reception area and also above the fountain, all hanging from the ceiling. And of course tall dinner candles for the long tables.
Any funny stories about the wedding day you’d like to share?
Not really! But we're very grateful that we chose the 12th January 2020 for our wedding date, we really prayed about it! (Especially during this COVID-19 period)
Was your wedding experience everything you dreamt of?
It was everything and more than I dreamt of! The most important thing that we promised to each other was to make sure that we enjoyed every single moment of the day no matter what happens. (Also, the day goes really fast!)
Is there anything interesting about your wedding journey you'd like to add?
I think it's important to stay true to yourself and not get caught up in Bridal Pinterest boards! We wanted everything to be meaningful and honest. For our bonbonnieres, we wanted to think of a way to say Thank you without making it look like an obligatory checklist! I ordered these hand-woven fans from Colombia, and I hand painted each one for each person which took 2 months! Some had images that represented our favourite memory, or something they loved.