Melbourne couple Amanda D’Arienzo, Gordon Gerada tie knot with Disney theme
After a sweet Disney-themed proposal a loved-up couple said ‘I do’ in a castle, walked into their reception on a magic carpet and shared their first dance to the sounds of a Disney hit.
Fiona Byrne
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After the Covid lockdown scuttled their plans for a lavish, large wedding twice, Luke Hally and Benjamin Vasiliou decided to elope and share their wedding day with a handful of their nearest and dearest.
After the Covid lockdown scuttled their plans for a lavish, large wedding twice, Luke Hally and Benjamin Vasiliou decided to elope and share their wedding day with a handful of their nearest and dearest.
Luke and Ben wed in Hepburn Springs on January 11, 2023.
“Our wedding day was a beautiful elopement, easily described as a garden wedding held in a beautiful manor house in Hepburn Springs called Mawson House,” Ben said.
“The vibe was Australiana Botanicals; natural, elegant, beautiful.
“Our reception was held in the private dining room, Oxford Dining Room at Hotel Bellinzona in Hepburn Springs.”
Luke wore a stunning outfit by Con Ilio, featuring a delicate French lace shirt and custom pants.
Ben’s three piece suit was by YSG Tailors.
Ben’s two sisters and his two children from his first marriage were present as was Luke’s sister.
Luke walked down the aisle to Chateau by Angus & Julia Stone and the wedding was officiated by celebrant, Debra Cerasa.
Flowers were by Gardenia Magnifica, Ballarat and photography by Daylesford Wedding Photography.
“We had planned to have a large wedding with a big guest list but the pandemic cancelled those plans twice,” Ben said.
“So we decided on a small elopement just with our sisters and kids and this made it so intimate and special.
“Without the large crowd we felt like we could really enjoy each other’s company all day long.
“It was a strong bonding moment for us as opposed to having to entertain the masses.
“The best part was that it allowed us to then take a month-long honeymoon to LA and Mexico which was amazing.”
Luke and Ben met through friends and just over a year later Ben proposed to Luke in February 2020 in San Francisco on the beach under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Following their elopement the newlyweds held a wedding after-party for 80 guests in late February down on the Mornington Peninsula with a taco truck and a mini art gallery display in which their wedding photos were featured.
Amanda D’Arienzo and Gordon Gerada
Amanda D’Arienzo’s wedding was fit for a princess.
The romance and whimsy of Disney inspired the nuptials of Amanda and her fiance Gordon Gerada. The couple wed at Overnewton Castle in Keilor on March 19, 2022 with their reception at Wattle Park Chalet.
“The castle was perfect as it related so much to Disney and the reception was a rustic and magical location,” Amanda said.
Amanda wore a grand princess ball gown for her wedding before changing into a figure-hugging dress with heels that lit up for the reception.
The groom wore a dapper black suit from M.J Bale.
“Our wedding was performance based with our bridal party dancing down the aisle as they entered into our ceremony and our reception to a range of Disney music, as well as performing a choreographed bridal dance later in the evening,” Amanda said.
“We (she and Gordon) entered the reception on a magic carpet from Aladdin, which we made with several different bits and pieces from Bunnings - which meant lots of Bunnings sausages in the lead up to the wedding.
“Another unique part of our wedding was our incredible Disney-themed, light up castle cake created by Melbourne Cake Studio.
The couple’s first dance was I See The Light from the film Tangled.
Flowers were by Floral Accent and photography by Tree Studio.
Pete the Celebrant officiated.
Amanda and Gordon first met at La Trobe University in 2018 when they were studying primary teaching.
Gordon proposed in August 2020 during lockdown.
“It was a Disney themed proposal at home, with a mix of Disney songs being sung by Gordon with personalised lyrics. The remix ended with ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin which is when Gordon popped the question,” Amanda said.
“It only made sense to follow the Disney theme proposal by having a Disney themed wedding.
“Our wedding was the most amazing day ever, one that we will remember forever.
“Every part of the day was a highlight to us, and if we could do it again, we would. Having everyone there to celebrate this day with us made it so much more special.”
Amanda and Gordon welcomed their son Elio on May 30, 2023.
Jess King and Michael Podlesny
Jess King and Michael Podlesny met in Mornington in 2015 with Michael proposing at Cape Schanck, the location of one of their early dates.
The couple wed overlooking the lake at Tanglewood Estate in Dromana on March 25, 2023 and held their reception at the winery on the property.
Jess wore an elegant gown by Grace Loves Lace with beautiful lace detailing and an open back.
Michael complemented Jess in a light coloured linen jacket and vest with chinos.
Jess said a special moment of her wedding was the role played by the page boys.
“Our nephews were our page boys and they were dressed as ring security,” she said.
“They both had ear pieces, a brief case, and a badge saying ‘Ring Security’. The guests all loved this and the boys felt very important.”
“Michael (a carpenter) also made the arbour we stood at for our ceremony, our welcome sign and seating sign. This was a special part of the wedding for us as they were all unique and made with raw timbers which suited the venue and surroundings.”
Celebrant Shelley Amar officiated. Flowers were by Millicent Green. Photography was by Eliza Tate Photography. Their first dance was Grow Old With You from the Wedding Singer movie.
“Our wedding was the most special day of our lives. The day was filled with a lot of humour, fun and partying which is a perfect reflection of us as a couple. We have wanted to be married since we met, so waiting eight years to do so made it all the more significant to us on the day.”
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