Sharlene & Craig were married on the 30th of July 2016 at the Villa La Vedetta in Florence, Italy. Forty of their nearest and dearest traveled from Melbourne, Australia to share the most magical experience of their lives. Sharlene says, “It was simplicity meets grandeur combining our decoration with the villa and views. After 10 years Craig and I have shared together, with our love for family, friends, travel, and our engagement in Florence, this day encapsulated everything we ever wanted, needed or dreamed possible.” Sharlene shares the details of their proposal and engagement with us.
The Proposal
Craig and I first met studying together in 2004. At only 19 I fell completely in love with his kind heart. Our relationship progressed as we slowly set up our future together, and after 8 years he proposed. It was the most incredibly surreal moment I have ever felt. We were on a holiday traveling through Europe, when one beautiful evening in Florence we stood on the Santa Trinita Bridge, to the left a view of the Ponte Vecchio and to the right the sun setting over the Arno River.
I have always told Craig, sunset is my favourite part of the day as I love watching the colours of the sky change. It was then he dropped to one knee, told me he loved me and asked me if I wanted to return to Florence one day as husband and wife. With tears streaming down my face I said yes, never thinking almost exactly two years later we would return to our favourite city to become husband and wife
From Melbourne to Florence
The original plan was to get married in our hometown Melbourne, Australia with a guest list of 120 people. With the venue booked, and plans unfolding, my Grandmother sadly lost her battle to cancer 9 months prior to our wedding date. With heavy hearts, we continued with the preparations, never anticipating losing my Grandfather 3 months later.
With a giant void in my life, this great loss was enough for us to reassess what we truly believed our wedding should be. The decision was made to cut our losses and stay true to ourselves, to travel to a beautiful destination with our closest friends and family, and what place would be more meaningful than Florence.
On the day of our wedding, once I was dressed my mother handed me a ring my grandfather had given her, it was a pearl and topaz ring. This was my something old, borrowed and blue, along with a lace and pearl horse-shoe she had made for me for my something new.
Advice to Coordinated Brides
Don’t stress over the small things, the day will always turn out the way it is meant to, so enjoy every minute, it goes so fast!
The couple’s honeymoon was spent on the Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri, South of France, and the Greek Islands. And now, on to the breathtaking photographs of Sharlene and Craig’s wedding.
Vendor Collaboration
Photographer: Facibeni Fotografia // Dress: Steven Khalil // Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent Accessories: Dior & Love On //Bridesmaids Dresses: Zimmermann //Stationery: Adorn Invitations // Flowers: Stiatti Fiori // Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa La Vedetta //Celebrant: Blessings From Italy// Cinematography: Gattotigre – Destination Wedding Videography || Submitted by Adorn Invitations
