Wedding featured and written by Ivory Tribe.
In Cass’ words…
The ‘one’.
We always talk about this moment, as we both had a feeling that we were soulmates when we first spoke to one another. Literally sparks flew, people around us felt it, there was something magical about our connection. A higher power led us to each other, and we discussed the significance of the moment on our first date a few weeks later!
The proposal.
In June 2016, we got engaged on our balcony in Santorini watching the sunset on the Caldera. It was so much fun getting engaged while on holiday! We also decided to keep it a secret for a little while, and only shared it with family while still on our holiday and told everyone else later. I couldn’t recommend this more!
The gown.
I went into Suzanne Harward and found I was drawn to a design that I had never seen before. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was what I wanted to marry Adem in. I could breathe, walk, dance and move so freely. I felt confident and myself, which was the most important thing. Suzanne Harward also created a custom wedding veil for me, as my dress had no train, I think the veil was the finishing touch that made me feel like a bride!
The process.
For the lead up, I took the week-and-a-half of our wedding off, and Adem took the last couple of days off to assist me with the minor details. We had a few close friends and family come from interstate, so we actually hosted dinner parties at home most nights of the week leading up, and spent the days getting what need needed done together. We didn’t want a bridal party, so I actually designed/organized everything myself. The planning process is really easy if you stay on top of it, create lists as the weeks/months pass, and get it done ahead of time so you can enjoy a few days of downtime together on the lead up.
Style inspiration.
Both having European backgrounds, and the fact that Europe has such a special significance to our story, we wanted a venue that had a euro-mood. French Saloon in Melbourne has that, and the staff of the venue are so wonderful. We loved the food and drinks on the night, and our guests still talk about it today! We used my business “motto” which I use across all my branding…‘For The Lovers’ and we got a neon sign of it made. The sign enclosed the courtyard, and it really made the space feel a part of our wedding. My uncle created us a custom wishing well that also said ‘For The Lovers’, so I decided to make it the hashtag/theme of our wedding, kind of by accident!
Favourite moments.
I think the most memorable moment was the first time we saw one another. We decided to do a ‘First Look’ at our house. The moment Adem saw me, we both melted. Our family and best friends were at the top of the stairs watching it all unfold, it was so special. Another that comes close was after the speeches, we did a few rounds of Greek and Bosnian dancing. It was pretty special that everyone got involved (including our amazing grandparents.)
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage means to become a family. Having a three-year engagement was a blessing! We had so much time to knock off things we wanted to achieve together and as individuals, and by the time the wedding came along it just felt like the right moment to become a married couple. We can’t wait for what’s to come! Both being brought up as traditional Europeans, marriage is a big part of life, and it was something that was important to us from the moment we met.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t forget to love each other. In moments of stress, we would just simply try to giggle it out, and just focus on other things in our lives. It’s really only one day, and there is no need to let it take up more time than is required. We’re both busy in our businesses, and the house move was a larger hurdle than the wedding planning. So, don’t forget to love each other and giggle it out.
Do things your own way! We sure did. I have seen it all throughout my career, and I took what I loved from it, and designed our day to suit us best. We got to enjoy the whole morning together in between makeup/hair/getting ready and doing some portraits after our First Look was so special as we got an array of photographs we will cherish forever. We also went into the ceremony together which made it less stressful, and more fun!
