Melbourne magic: Vanessa and Matt’s classic wedding

High school sweethearts Vanessa Lapira and Matt De Stratis created a classic wedding that represents everything they love.

Vanessa, 27, and Matt, 28, met when they were 15 and almost a decade later Matt popped the question.

As the Melbourne couple went about planning their classic wedding, Vanessa says it was important the day was a true reflection of them and their relationship.

“Our wedding really reflected who we are, from choices to music that we love, styling, the cars down to the menu,” she says.

“It was really about having the celebration.”

The couple wed at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral on March 25, 2017, in front of 200 guests.

The reception celebrations were held at the San Remo Ballroom in nearby Carlton North. The elegant setting was enhanced with white blooms and greenery.

Vanessa says the whole day went off without a hitch, and if she had her time again she would tell herself not to get nervous.

“There was no need as everything went perfectly!”

Photos courtesy of White Chilli Photography.

Matt and his groomsmen had their tuxedos custom made by Briggins.

Vanessa’s custom-made wedding dress featured lace detail and an on-trend off-the-shoulder style.

The couple’s flower girl dressed up in an adorable tulle dress by the same couturier, and their page boy strutted a mini tuxedo found at Ollie’s Place Kidswear.

“After almost 10 years Matthew finally asked me to marry him, in the simplest ‘so Matthew’ kind of way. One day after work it was a Tuesday he came home to me and handed me a box with my amazing engagement ring inside and asked ‘Will you marry me?’ It came as a total surprise,” recalls Vanessa.

“Rev-head” Matt ensured the couple had some stylish wedding transport, courtesy of a few muscle cars belonging to friends.

 

LilyPad Flowers created elegant bouquets with a neutral colour palette.

The bridesmaids’ dresses featured similar styles but different necklines to cater for every girl.

Mercury DJ Hire helped keep the party going well into the night.

https://vimeo.com/215920427

Video by Mode Video Productions.