‘White roses, orchids and chandeliers’: Journalist ties knot in glamorous wedding

In scenes reminiscent of a hit rom-com, this groom changed faith to give his journalist bride the glamorous, big wedding of her dreams.

Leanne Edmistone

4 min read

February 14, 2023 - 2:00PM

QWeekend

Penelope and Lorenzo - pictured here on the dance floor - married at The Greek Orthodox Church, West End. Picture: Evernew Studios

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Scenes from the preparations and celebrations for the marriage of Lorenzo Scalabrini and Penelope Pelecas could have been lifted from the 2002 rom-com blockbuster My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Just as John Corbett’s character Ian did to marry Nia Vardalos’s Toula, Italian Catholic Lorenzo was baptised in the Greek Orthodox faith to fulfil Penelope’s wish to be married in the same West End, Brisbane, church as her parents, George and Liza, and sister, Sapphiroula.

The couple, who have been together eight years, wed in the St George Greek Orthodox Church last year, before dancing the night away with more than 200 guests at The Greek Club. Penelope, a journalist, and Lorenzo, a mechanical engineer, now live in Wynnum West, on Brisbane’s bayside.

“We’re super excited to start this next chapter as husband and wife,” Penelope says.

Penelope and Lorenzo married at The Greek Orthodox Church, West End. Picture: Evernew Studios

How did you meet?

Penelope: We met while we were studying at different universities, me communications at Griffith University, Lorenzo mechanical engineering at QUT, and working part-time at Grill’d Garden City. The rest is history. I was 18 turning 19, and Lorenzo was 19 turning 20.

How did he propose?

Lorenzo surprised me with a long weekend on Hamilton Island in late December 2020 and proposed by the water. I thought we were just going for a walk. He also organised for a professional photographer to be there. This was followed by sunset drinks and dinner at Qualia Resort.

Hens’ night?

My girlfriends and I stayed at a house on the canals in Surfers Paradise. The first night, nine of us had an intimate dinner at The Tropic in Burleigh Heads. The second night we held a dress-up party for about 20 people, and I went as American singer Ariana Grande.

We also hosted an afternoon tea bridal shower at my parents’ Rochedale home earlier in the month, attended by my girlfriends and the women of my family and Lorenzo’s family. A stylist and florist transformed the place into a perfect venue, with lots of flowers.

Penelope and Lorenzo married at The Greek Orthodox Church, West End. Picture: Evernew Studios

Bucks’ night?

Lorenzo and about 16 of his mates – all revheads – went to Melbourne for the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in April, and enjoyed a long weekend together.

Wedding theme?

Sleek, contemporary, modern and elegant. Think white roses and white orchids, with a hint of warmth from nude roses and the chandeliers from Sydney.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

Lorenzo and I always spoke about getting married one day, and I wanted to get married in the St George Greek Orthodox Church where my parents and my sister, Sapphiroula Condoleon, were married. While Lorenzo’s family has a Catholic background, he was never christened which meant he could not be married in my church. So in January, Lorenzo was baptised into the Greek Orthodox faith, which meant the world to me.

We each went to a number of lessons with Father Stavros Karvelas, who also blessed our engagement and married us, and Lorenzo chose my cousin Themistoklis Barimis as his godparent. On the day of the service, Lorenzo stood in a little tub, dressed in board shorts and a white robe, while oil and water was poured over his head. It really was a scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

After, we hosted a lunch at Prova Pizzeria, Stafford Heights.

Penelope and Lorenzo. Picture: Evernew Studios

First dance song? Keep On Loving You, REO Speedwagon. We still hadn’t decided our song when we were driving to our second or third dance lesson and Lorenzo played this.

Within about five seconds, I knew it was the one. It was perfect because we wanted a song different to the typical modern choices, a bit of a rock ballad and to have some fun with it, by not taking ourselves too seriously.

What was the standout moment of the day?

Oh, everything. The ceremony was really special and I loved making our entry into the reception as Mr and Mrs to I’d Go With You Anywhere by Birds of Tokyo and Mr Brightside by The Killers.

It was such a vibe, everyone was dancing. I also loved our first dance, listening to all the speeches and then just getting down on the dance floor with our guests afterwards. I just loved everything.

Penelope and Lorenzo. Picture: Evernew Studios

What would you do differently?

Absolutely nothing. It was the most perfect day. Everyone always says your wedding day is the best day of your life and it truly is. It’s the happiest we’ve both ever been, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?

How expensive it is!

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Just enjoy every moment because the day/night goes so quick! You spend months and months planning, and it’s just gone like that. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Impact of Covid?

When Lorenzo proposed, we decided to make the wedding 18 months out so we could have a big Greek/Italian wedding attended by overseas relatives, followed by a European honeymoon. It worked out perfectly.