A whole new world: Joanna and Michael celebrate luxury wedding

Joanna and Michael walked in as newlyweds to saxophone players playing ‘A Whole New World’ from the Disney movie Aladdin as the bride is a big Disney fan.

“It was important for us to incorporate elements into the day that give our guests an insight into our relationship because whilst our families may know us as individuals, distant relatives may not know who we are as a couple,” explains the bride.

For the Sydney couple, the priority when planning their wedding for 511 guests was ensuring the day reflected them and at the same time keeping to certain traditions.

“We had Lebanese drums at our houses as well as at the reception and the priest who married us is a very close friend so his homily and words of advice were unique and special to us,” recalls Joanna.

The celebration of love began bright and early on August 31, 2019, with an intimate ceremony at St Charbel’s Church where Joanna grew up going to and the couple first laid eyes on each other. Afterward, the newlyweds’ reception was held in a ballroom featuring a stunning 24K chandelier at The Highline Venue, which was decorated collaboratively by NC Weddings and Events and Clementine and Rose.

“Somehow, even though we had over 500 guests, our wedding felt very personal and intimate and it was exactly what we both wanted.”

Photos courtesy of Splendid Photos and Video.

“As soon as I put my dress that Joseph from Amarige Bridal Couture had created, I instantly fell in love and it definitely made me feel like a princess for the day…complete with a tiara!” Joanna says of her wedding dress.

The groom and his groomsmen look dashing in their custom-made suits by InStitchu.

“Michael and I are not naturally photogenic. However, when we got the photos back, everyone looked stunning! The photographers from Splendid Photos and Video gave us lots of guidance so that our photos look nice and candid.” the bride praises.

The bridal party turned heads in the luxury cars provided by Roll Up in Style.

The newlyweds spent their first night as a married couple at The Langham Sydney.