Ten-year journey to wedding day

Eloise and Joshua met when they were 16 and celebrated their marriage with a classic romantic ceremony and reception.

Childhood sweethearts: Eloise Macpherson and Joshua Traficante.

Childhood sweethearts Eloise Macpherson and Joshua Traficante set their hearts on a classic wedding with the emphasis on romance.

The couple, of Stafford, in Brisbane’s north, married at The Gap’s St Peter Chanel Church, where Eloise was baptised and attended primary school.

They threw a lavish reception for 171 guests in the grand ballroom of Brisbane city’s Stamford Plaza. With the help of wedding planners, they made their dreams a reality.

“Carly Reason from the Stamford was so amazing in helping to plan the day,” says Eloise.

“It was classic, romantic and ethereal.

“Tamra Clayton from The Styled Group was also fantastic. The Styled Group did our bridal backdrop, ceiling lights and our seating chart.”

A honeymoon to Thailand completed the celebrations, with the newlyweds visiting Phuket and Koh Samui.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

How did Joshua propose?

Josh surprised me by taking me to the Gold Coast for the Queen’s birthday long weekend in October 2018. Rainbow Bay is our favourite beach and we have had many holidays there, which is where Josh popped the question. We then went for a beautiful dinner at Omeros Bros at Southport. The waiters kept pouring us champagne and made us feel really special.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

First dance?

So Into You (Cover) – Childish Gambino.

What made this uniquely your wedding?

Josh and I met when we were 16 and have grown up together so that made our wedding day really special. Also, at our reception our photographer Josie Martin put together a photo slide show of the day so far which all of our guests watched after the speeches.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

Special memories?

At the reception my older sister, who was my maid of honour, gave a beautiful speech, which was a letter to my mum who passed away when I was five. She told my mum and everyone about me growing up, the similarities I have with my mum, meeting Josh and the special times we’ve had together as sisters. It was a memorable and unique take on a wedding speech and I loved it.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

Funny moments?

Getting my dress made by George Wu was definitely a highlight of the planning stages as we had so many laughs every appointment I had. He is incredible.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

What would you spend more or less on?

I would recommend people spend more money on photos as they capture each moment of the day which you have forever. I did a lot of research into the photographer I chose and was so incredibly happy with the pictures. I chose to spend less money on the invitations as they can be expensive and end up in people’s bins. We had a website which worked really well for RSVPs. It was better than requiring guests to post their reply in the mail.

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante and their bridal party

THE BRIDE

Eloise Macpherson, 26

PROFESSION Executive assistant

PARENTS Brian and Anne Macpherson (deceased) and Josie Macpherson (stepmother)

BRIDESMAIDS Julianne Shaw (maid of honour), Elena Rosa, Cassie Strazzeri

DRESS George Wu

HAIR Petula Jade Hair Stylist

MAKEUP Jessica Peacock Makeup Artist

FLOWERS Anna Anderson – Bits and Buds

ENGAGEMENT RING Brilliant cut diamond with rose gold

Eloise Macpherson & Joshua Traficante

THE GROOM

Joshua Traficante, 26

PROFESSION Sports management

PARENTS Don and Michelle Traficante

GROOMSMEN Antony De Simone (best man), Morris Serravalle, Johnny Niko

SUIT Stuart Suit Specialist

TRANSPORT Brisbane Limousines

ENTERTAINMENT Singer Nicole Skye (ceremony), and DJ and singer Adam Richards (reception)

CAKE Four tiers – two white chocolate vanilla bean and two lemon cream cheese butter cake (Gina D’Arcy from Cakes Actually)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Josie Martin of Evoke Studios.

CONTACT

[e-mail]