It was June, 2011 – three years and three months after sales rep Sophia Gagliardi and tradesman Jon Yacoumis met through mutual friends – and fell in love at first sight.
Jon, 32, was planning to propose in Bali later in the year and the engagement ring had just been completed. Upon its collection the jeweller predicted he would not be able to last longer than 48 hours without proposing. Sophia, 25, tells, “Two days later Jon decided to leave work early and visit my dad. He got down on one knee and asked my dad for permission to marry me, presenting him with the ring and bringing my dad to tears.”
Jon’s proposal to Sophia occurred that evening at one of their favourite restaurants – Windy Point, Belair. Sophia explains, “As the night was coming to an end Jon asked for the bill. The waiter carefully placed a long plate in front of me, covered in flowers and sweets. Written in chocolate were the words ‘will you marry me’ and the most amazing ring I’ve ever seen was placed beside it. Jon got down on one knee, said the most beautiful words to me; I of course said ‘yes’ and we drove straight to my mum’s at midnight to share the news.”
The couple’s stylish and chic wedding was held in the gardens of Adelaide’s iconic Carrick Hill estate with a sit down reception in the ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel.
Jon and his three groomsmen were dressed by Adelaide tailor and outfitter, Joseph Uzumcu. Jon’s stylish black three-piece suit was custom made whilst the groomsmen hired the same styles with contrasting black ties.
Not only did the respective bridal parties arrive at the wedding in style – with the groom’s party travelling in VC Valiants and the bride’s party arriving in a white Hummer stretch limo – but they were both also escorted by friends riding sleek and shiny Harley Davidsons.
Of her breathtaking wedding gown, by Red Pearl Couture, Sophia describes, “It was a structured, sweetheart bodice covered in a delicately beaded lace with a full skirt layered with silk organza, silk dupion and tulle frills. There was over 100 metres of fabric used. It was truly amazing.”
Sophia’s cathedral length veil was by the same couturier and she found her hairpiece at Melbourne boutique, Linda Gorringe Couture.
The bride tells, “I’m a girl who loves my shoes so I HAD to have two pairs. I wore lace covered ivory Valentino heels for the ceremony and blue Miu Miu stilettos with crystal covered heels for the reception.
The girls’ demure bouquets were a mixture of peonies and David Austin roses in muted pastels by Adelaide Flower House.
Sophia recalls, “When I arrived home after getting my hair done my mother had covered our entire lawn in floating white balloons. I had never seen anything like it. It was a great surprise.”
Sophia’s bridesmaids wore full length shell pink chiffon gowns by Adelaide fashion boutique, Wild Child Stylelab. They featured a crystal-adorned sweetheart neckline, crossover ruching and a soft, full length, empire line skirt.
“The feeling that I felt when I saw Jon for the first time as I made my way down the aisle was nothing like I had ever experienced before,” expresses the bride.
The pair were married by Catholic priest, Father Brian Angus, who also performed a Greek Orthodox crowning ceremony to incorporate Jon’s heritage into the wedding.
Of the reception styling at the InterContinental Adelaide, Sophia explains, “We went for an all-white theme – chairs, table, centrepieces. It looked amazing and the ballroom had beautiful spot-lighting on each table.”
The couple’s impressive three-tier cake was created by aptly-named cake maker, 2 Nice 2 Slice. Sophia explains it was “covered in hand cut lace and pearls. The flavour was banana and caramel with Lindt chocolate truffle filling. It was delicious.”
A white and mocha themed candy buffet and dessert table by Style and Grace Candy Buffets doubled as bomboniere for the couple’s 140 guests. “Lolly boxes were left at every seat for our guests to fill up as they pleased,” explains the bride.
Sophia’s advice to other brides-to-be: “Don’t be afraid to ask those around you for help and take advantage of resources for ideas like websites, books, expos etc. I found it really helpful to keep a bridal diary and I had a folder [in which] I kept all my pictures and ideas that I could always refer back to.”
Photos courtesy of Panache Photography.
