Exclusive: First look at Paolo Sebastian designer’s wedding

It’s only the second week of January but we’re calling it – this is the wedding of the year. And a fairytale one at that. See the first picture here.

They say it’s bad luck for a groom to see his bride in her wedding dress before the big day.

So how do you honour that tradition when you’re Paul Vasileff, the founder of internationally-renowned Adelaide couture house Paolo Sebastian?

And you’ve designed not one, but three bridal gowns for your future wife Anna Frangiosa?

Why, you make sure you don’t see the final fitting.

That is what Vasileff did.

And on Saturday the 32-year-old king of couture couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his princess bride Frangiosa, 31, walking towards him in the first of three exquisite dresses.

Moved to tears, Vasileff did not takes his eyes off her as they said their vows before 230 family and friends in the picturesque garden setting of Mandalay House at Petwood.

Giving The Advertiser the exclusive first look at the black-tie nuptials, Vasileff chose an image captured by Dan Evans Photography.

Paul Vasileff and Anna Frangiosa married at Mandalay House on January 7, 2023. Picture: Dan Evans Photography

It was taken during the ceremony when Vasileff and Frangiosa walked down the aisle as husband and wife to applause and rose petals.

Capturing their elation, it showcases the stunning first bridal gown, which Vasileff also spoke about in his wedding speech.

As with all three wedding dresses which Frangiosa wore at different times during the night, it was created with help from his team who were all present. Describing them as the “Paolo Sebastian family”, Vasileff said his present and past staff were “talented, kind and generous”.

“Twenty hands worked on that dress,” Vasileff told the wedding reception guests.

“There was so much love and care.”

In a beautiful touch Vasileff’s mother, Franca, nonna, Domenica and now mother-in-law, Maria, all helped sew a beaded flower on the gown.

During the vows and speeches, Vasileff and Frangiosa were described as “being on the same page”, and their wedding is a beautiful chapter in what has been a fairytale romance since they met three years ago.

Anna and Paul at Festival Theatre in 2019. Picture: Supplied.

Paul and Anna during Adelaide Fashion Week in 2022. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The couple, who bonded on their first date over a mutual love of Disney and Paris, asked their guests to relax and enjoy the occasion.

With catering by Indulgence Food Design, Bird in Hand wines and a Lyons Den wedding cake, they dined under the stars in a stunning setting complete with crystal chandeliers and candles. Vasileff and Frangiosa wowed their family and friends as they took to the dance floor for a breathtaking bridal waltz to La Vie en Rose.

The dance floor then became a disco as a DJ played party anthems starting with Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, followed by other favourites such as ABBA’s Dancing Queen and The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back.

Paul Vasileff and Anna Frangiosa became engaged in October 2021. Picture: Supplied

Anna Frangiosa’s 1.01 carat solitaire diamond engagement ring. Picture: Supplied

A year in the planning, the wedding came 14 months after Vasileff and Frangiosa announced their engagement in The Advertiser.

He proposed in October 2021, presenting her with a 1.01 carat solitaire diamond ring from JW Jewellery.