How these four successful Melbourne newlywed couples met, fell in love
From radio hosts to doctors, these four Melbourne couples lead very different lives but all fell in love at first sight.
Fiona Byrne
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Sarah Maree Cameron and Yonis Dawd
Triple M radio host and comedian Sarah Maree Cameron loved getting married to Yonis Dawd so much she did it twice.
Sarah Maree and Yonis tied the knot in a joyous ceremony at the Polly Woodside Museum at South Wharf, a rustic space that transformed into a stunning and intimate venue, on Friday.
“Our reception (on Friday) was located further down the wharf at Showtime Events Centre,” Sarah Maree said.
“The room was draped with black curtains, fairy lights complemented by beautiful native plants, green foliage and an assortment of white flowers.”
Sarah Maree wore a Jason Grech bridal gown while Yonis opted for a Dom Bagnato suit.
The bridesmaids selected individual boutique dresses in a champagne colour and the groomsmen wore classic black suits with bow ties.
“We had quite a few family and friends travel from overseas and interstate to be with us,” Sarah Maree said.
“It’s not often you get to be in a room with almost all of your favourite people.
“For those who were unable to join us, Turbo 360 who did our photography and videography, had a live stream for them so they too could share in our special day.”
Their first dance was Snoh Aalegra’s Find Someone Like You. The wedding and catering were managed by Showtime Events. Flowers were by Botanics of Melbourne.
The couple further celebrated their love with an Ethiopian themed wedding on Saturday.
Sarah Maree and Yonis’s romance started thanks to Bumble.
“Our first date was at a cafe for brunch and what was originally a coffee meet up turned into an extended walk and talk which lasted for hours. We’ve been almost inseparable since,” Sarah Maree said.
Peter Drozd and Timothy Adamidis
A memorable mid-air proposal culminated with Peter Drozd and Timothy Adamidis tying the knot at an elegant ceremony conducted by celebrity celebrant Gina Liano at Leonda By The Yarra.
Peter and Timothy, who are both automotive aftermarket sales managers, met in 2017. While they had crossed paths several times at Alumbra Nightclub in Docklands, they did not start chatting until they both swiped right on Tinder.
“From our first date, we clicked instantly … we both knew we had something very special,” Peter said.
The mid-air helicopter ride proposal in February 2019 was carefully planned by Peter.
“I had the rings stashed under the seat and as we were about to land at
Crown, I said to Tim, ‘Will you Marry Me?’ He responded with a big ‘YES!’”
“I had organised our family to be hiding in Spice Temple’s private dining room (for a celebration lunch) where they yelled ‘Surprise!’ Tim was so overwhelmed that he passed out.”
Their wedding on November 13, 2022 was an elegant party filled with love and personal touches.
“We had a strict black and white formal theme,” Peter said.
“We encouraged white dresses as it’s normally quite taboo to wear white to a wedding, but as there was no bride in a white gown, it was perfect.”
Both the ceremony and reception were held at Leonda with the Ballroom transformed into a monochrome wonderland by Amica Event Hire.
Peter wore a custom three-piece suit by Couture Menswear with a stunning Balmain Blazer with black Swarovski details and shoes by Christian Louboutin.
For the ceremony, Timothy wore a custom hand beaded, white blazer by Couture Menswear.
He had a second white blazer with black detail, also by Couture Menswear, for the reception. His shoes were Christian Louboutin.
“Our wedding day was the perfect reflection of Tim and I as individuals and as a couple,” Peter said.
“We went for that timeless and chic vibe because our love for each other is
timeless, and we love all things chic.
“The joy and love we shared with our loved ones on the day is beyond words.”
The couple’s first dance was to Adele’s One and Only.
Flowers were by Village Blooms of Essendon and photography was by APL Photography.
The wedding was conceptualised and planned by Haus of Pedro, Peter’s recently launched event and styling business.
“I have always curated our own family and friends’ events and designs, but now I’m spreading the love and helping others bring their visions to life with my designs and concepts.”
Priyanka Lalji and Dishan Wickramasinghe
After a proposal over a picnic Priyanka and Dishan wasted little time in creating their perfect wedding day.
The couple wed on the Mornington Peninsula on April 1, 2023, less than four months after getting engaged.
Priyanka, a public servant, and Dishan, a corporate lawyer, met via Tinder in 2017 when they were based in Canberra.
As Christmas approached last year, Priyanka said she suspected a proposal was not far away.
“I started to meticulously get my nails done every two weeks in preparation,” she said.
About a week before Christmas Dishan asked her to meet him at the park for lunch.
“He had a picnic set up, beautiful red roses and snacks from my favourite bakeries. As soon as I got there I knew what I was there for,” she said.
“Flash forward three and a half months later, and I was walking down the aisle.”
The couple chose the Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill for both their “romantic and relaxed” wedding, which was conducted by celebrant Shelley Amar from You’ve Got The Love, and reception.
“Our priorities were good food, good music and good wine. The wine and food at Lancemore
Lindenderry was sensational.”
Priyanka wore a gown from Luv Bridal in Oakleigh while Dishan wore a green suit (“his favourite colour”) from Politix.
“We didn’t have a bridal party, which I actually liked, as it meant we could just focus on each
other,” Priyanka said.
Priyanka said their first dance was special.
“Dishan really wanted to surprise our guests, so he spent every evening for about three weeks learning a couple of Bollywood numbers,” she said.
“We first danced to La Vie En Rose then Dishan broke out into a solo Bollywood number.
“We felt so privileged to be able to celebrate our love and commitment for each other with
those who mean the most to us.”
Alicia Lu and Matthew Shen
Alicia and Matthew, both doctors-in-training, met on their first day of medical school at Monash University in 2012 as 18-year-olds. Eleven years later they tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Geelong’s Campbell Point House on February 18, 2023.
“Our ceremony took place at the serene waterfront harbour located in front of the mansion, while our reception unfolded within the elegant dining hall,” Alicia said.
“Our wedding embodied a simple and timeless style that resonated with our personal tastes. We sought to incorporate hints of European elegance, drawing inspiration from the enchanting vibes of France and the romantic allure of Italy. One of the things we adored was the enchanting drive through the forested entrance, which opened up to reveal lush green gardens and magnificent estate.”
Alicia wore a wedding gown by Mori Lee and a reception gown from Bariano, with a pearl-studded lace outer layer. Matthew wore a bespoke black tuxedo by Oscar and Hunt.
They were married by celebrant Shelley Amar. Their first dance was Moon River by Audrey Hepburn. Flowers were by Peony and Weasel. They were assisted by wedding planner Sam de Silva. Photography was by Emotions and Math.
Alicia’s father travelled from Singapore for the wedding, while her maid-of-honour flew in from Hong Kong.
“At the end of the night we gathered in a circle outside the mansion, embracing our friends while gazing up at the cloudless night sky,” she said.
“Seeing the Milky Way for the first time added to the magic of the occasion. In that special moment, we expressed our love and exchanged heartfelt well wishes.”
Fresh from an “epic European trip” Matthew proposed at Alowyn Gardens in the Yarra Valley on March 28, 2020, just days before Victoria entered its first Covid lockdown.
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