Famous faces and special celebrations: Inside nine of SA’s most lavish weddings

From 700-guest extravaganzas and couture gowns to bespoke florals and dazzling pyrotechnics, here are nine of Adelaide’s most breathtaking “I do” moments – and how they came together.

Whether it’s custom couture gowns, extravagant floral archways, bespoke decorations or larger-than-life cakes, these couples have pulled out all the stops at some of Adelaide’s largest and most lavish weddings.

According to Lucy Temme – of bespoke creative service Hygge Studio, which she runs with co-director Rachel Evans – pulling together a unique wedding tailored to each couple’s taste can take anywhere from one to two years.

“We would usually meet about four to six times before the event to bring everything together, spending about two hours each time going through all the details,” Ms Temme said.

“The couple will give us an idea or a feel and we will just run with that, we believe each wedding should look and feel like the couple.”

From famous SA faces and big name designers to couples simply going the extra mile to make their day special, here are some of our state’s most beautiful – and breathtaking – “I do” moments.

Lauren and Pasquale Esposito

Dress: Varacalli Couture

Photographer: B Captured by Ky Luu

Venue: The Grand Ballroom, Fulham Gardens

Lauren Tedesco wore a Vacarelli Couture gown with an incredible train for the couple’s ceremony at St Patrick’s Church, followed by a reception at The Grand Ballroom. Photographer: Ky Luu/B Captured

A spectacular floral chandelier and pyrotechnics greeted the happy couple at the reception. Photographer: Ky Luu – B Captured

Under an incredible neutral-toned floral chandelier, Lauren and Pasquale kicked off their life together with a pyrotechnics-filled bang at The Grand Ballroom in Fulham Gardens.

With a capacity of between 120-500 guests, Lauren’s stunning Vacarelli Couture gown right looked at home in the glitzy venue.

Floral touches were provided by Angelik Blossoms, with white roses adorning the tiered cake stand and head table.

Aya Shahin and Bassam Safieddine

Planner: Mrs Smith Weddings

Dress: Paolo Sebastian

Photographer: Lost in Love Photography

Reception venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, CBD

Aya Shahin wore a custom Paolo Sebastian couture gown with a 4.5 metre train. Picture: Lost In Love Photography

Aya Shahin and Bassam Safieddine tied the knot in a spectacular ceremony. Picture: Lost In Love Photography

More than 700 guests filled the Adelaide Convention Centre for the event. Picture: Supplied

Local baker Terresia Welch created the 2m high, 100kg wedding cake for the lavish event. Picture: Supplied

Lawyer Aya Shahin, daughter of Peregrine boss Khalil (Charlie) Shahin, tied the knot to beau Bassam Safieddine in a joyous, lavish wedding believed to be one of Adelaide’s largest.

The couple’s reception, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, was attended by more than 700 guests.

Wearing a design by internationally-renowned couture house Paolo Sebastian, Aya accessorised the spectacular gown and its 4.5 metre train with Christian Louboutin shoes.

The groom wore a suit by Hugo Boss and Dior tie, complete with a Cartier wedding band.

Thousands of dazzling lights adorned a massive chandelier hanging from the centre of the room, with a floral archway marking the guests’ entrance and a string quartet and, later, DJ providing the entertainment.

Friends and family were treated to an almost-100kg, 2m tall wedding cake covered in white roses by Lyons Den Cakes – handmade by local baker Terresia Welch.

Andrea Nicolas and Andreas Zinonos

Dress: couture+love+madness

Photographer: Yanni Stath Photography

Reception venue: Sunnybrae Estate, Regency Park

Adelaide's lavish weddings: Andrea Nicolas and Andreas Zinonos. Picture: Yanni Stath Photography

Andrea and Andreas' romantic first dance, with a sparkling backdrop filled with friends and family. Picture: Instagram

Channel 7 reporter Andrea Nicolas said ‘I do’ to partner Andreas Zinonos in December 2022, in a beautiful, family-filled extravaganza at Sunnybrae Estate.

Wearing a dress by Adelaide fashion house couture+love+madness, the couple celebrated their special day in stunning style with a reception MC’d by close friends Channel 7 weather reporter Amelia Mulcahy and ABC Breakfast presenter Stacey Lee.

In a dazzling marquee adorned with fairy lights and florals by Willow and Wisteria and Parafield Gardens Florist, Andrea and Andreas were surrounded by smoke during their romantic first dance.

The couple also had a custom three-tier cake by Goodwood Road bakers Sugar & Spice, complete with flowers to match the decor.

Emma Michell and Oliver Greenwell

Planner: Hygge Studio

Dress: Paolo Sebastian

Photographer: Blake Heywood Photography

Reception venue: The Brick Dairy, Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville

Emma Michell wore a Paolo Sebastian gown for her special day. Picture: Blake Heywood Photography

The Showgrounds’ Brick Dairy was transformed into a green oasis. Picture: Blake Heywood Photography

It was all in the spectacular details for Emma and Oliver. Picture: Blake Heywood Photography

You’d be forgiven for expecting more animals than florals in this space, but local event experts Hygge Studio brought together a unique, luxe day for Emma and Oliver – who celebrated their love in the heart of the Adelaide Showgrounds.

With styling, planning, floristry and installations all done in-house, The Brick Dairy was transformed into a green oasis for the special day.

Wearing a bespoke gown by Paolo Sebastian, Emma danced the night away alongside husband Oliver with tunes provided by former Sugar nightclub owner, DJ Driller Jet Armstrong, and jazz group Will Metzer Trio.

Anthea and Andrew Orphanou

Dresses: Alexis George Couture

Photographer: Travis & Benny Weddings

Reception venue: Sunnybrae Estate, Regency Park

Anthea Orphanou wore two Alexis George Couture gowns. Picture: Travis & Benny Weddings

Anthea and Andrew Orphanou celebrated in style with more than 280 guests. Picture: Travis & Benny Weddings

Described by Sunnybrae’s event co-ordinator as “one of our favourite winter weddings”, Anthea and Andrew’s fairytale came to life in a spectacular 280-guest affair.

The bride exchanged vows in an Alexis George Couture gown with a tulle skirt at Greek Orthodox Parish of the Prophet Elias in Norwood, before the couple popped in for a pre-reception drink at trendy Prospect restaurant and bar Anchovy Bandit.

Anthea swapped the train for a sleek second gown to celebrate the reception, also by Alexis George couture.

At Sunnybrae, the couple danced the night away to tunes by Band Kosmos under glittering chandeliers and pastel-toned florals by Blooming Bridal.

Paul Vasileff and Anna Frangiosa

Planner: Mia Gambranis

Dresses: Paolo Sebastian

Photographer: Dan Evans Photography

Reception venue: Mandalay House, Petwood

Paul Vasileff and Anna Frangiosa married at Mandalay House in a fairytale day. Picture: Dan Evans Photography

The founder of internationally-renowned Adelaide couture house Paolo Sebastian, Paul Vasileff created not one, but three bridal gowns for future wife Anna Frangiosa to wear in the couple’s fairytale wedding.

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.

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

Alana Civitarese and Nathan Meersman

Planner: Hygge Studio

Dress: Toni Maticevski

Photographer: Luke John Photography

Reception venue: Mandalay House, Petwood

Alana Civitarese and Nathan Meersman said ‘I do’ in front of a custom Hygge Studio backdrop. Picture: Luke John Photography

Disco balls, sepia-toned florals with pops of colour, neon lights and a custom bar completed the couple’s special day. Picture: Luke John Photography

Alana and Nathan’s nuptials were another bespoke event by Hygge Studio, with the bride wearing a gown by Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski in the stunning Adelaide Hills backdrop.

The couple said ‘I do’ in front of a custom black-and-white cloud backdrop among sepia-toned florals, before moving into a groovy marquee finished with disco balls and a silver balloon entryway.

Their 130 guests danced the night away in front of a custom, ‘Til death’ neon sign.

Aleesha and Brady Krawczyk

Stylist:The Stylist’s Guide

Dress: Varacalli Couture

Photographer: B Captured by Ky Luu

Reception venue: Sunnybrae Estate, Regency Park

Dazzling pyrotechnics were the backdrop for Aleesha and Brady’s special moment. Picture: B Captured/Ky Luu

Aleesha and Brady celebrated in style among incredible floral surroundings. Picture: B Captured/Ky Luu

No stranger to a wedding, Adelaide videographer Brady Kraqczyk (Infinity Films by Brady) swapped his behind-the-scenes role for the main event on his special day.

With a custom dance floor by Starlight Entertainment, glittering pyrotechnics and an incredible white floral display by Angelik Blossoms, Brady and his wife Aleesha partied the night away at Sunnybrae Estate last September.

Aleesha wore a custom Varacalli Couture gown, paired impeccably at the bridal table with a custom cake by Lyons Den – the same baker behind Aya Shahin’s incredible creation.

Nicole and Sam Viola

Planner: Rocky Rech Event Management

Dress: Varacalli Couture

Photographer: B Captured by Ky Luu

Reception venue: Eos by SkyCity, CBD

Nicole and Sam Viola married at Sacred Heart College, with a reception at EOS Sky City. Photographer: B Captured by Ky Luu

Glitz, glamour and the iconic Riverbank skyline made this celebration one to remember. Photographer: B Captured By Ky Luu

Floating above the Riverbank skyline, Nicole and Sam Viola partied the night away with friends and family under a stunning chandelier in the Ballroom at SkyCity.

Glamour was found in every touch of the event, with a champagne tower, luscious white florals by Angelik Blossoms and towering candelabras on every table.

But don’t let the breathtaking decor fool you – the real heart of this celebration was the dance floor.

Did you have a spectacular wedding you’d like to be featured? Get in touch with the reporter: [e-mail]