donna & somah

MODA EVENTS PORTSIDE, HAMILTON QLD

Photography by Blumenthal Photography | styling by: Celebrations by Alysia

Donna and Somah met in their first year of university at The University of Queensland. “We started off as best friends and our relationship progressed throughout the years as we went on to finish both our Science and Engineering degrees.” Somah proposed to Donna during a pizza picnic at UQ. “Unbeknownst to me, Somah had organised a cameraman to ask us questions about how we meet for an alleged university assignment about UQ alumni. I soon figured out there was no assignment when Somah said, ‘Marry Me Donna!’”

“Our wedding day was like a dream. I remember walking down the aisle and wanting to pinch myself because I was in awe of how perfect everything was and it hadn’t yet sunk in that I was getting married. The most meaningful part of the ceremony was saying our vows. We had decided to write our own separately and I was so touched with how Somah’s vows perfectly aligned with my own.”

OUR PRIVATE YACHT | “After our ceremony, together with our bridal party and their partners we embarked on a yacht ride. We had our photos taken on the Brisbane River, and were able to relax and unwind before the reception. “There was a moment when our cars were lost as we had disembarked at the wrong dock so we were running a bit late to our reception but I think my bridesmaids were more stressed than I was!”

RECEPTION STYLING | The couple chose riverfront venue Moda Events Portside as it was large enough to seat their 300 guests. The venue was transformed with black draping, chandeliers and heavenly flowers. Table centrepieces were adorned with 18 caret sprayed gold leaves, luscious green foliage and white phalaenopsis orchids. The tables were set with leather tablecloths, rose gold and gold cutlery, personalised black linen napkins and personalised Chanel chairs. The reception room was filled with the fragrance of French pear from gold wrapped candles. Elements of black and gold marble were featured as part of the bridal table and the look was complete with a monogrammed black mirror dance floor.

SWEET POSIES | “I STATIONERY | Their wedding invitations had been delivered to their guests in a black, laser cut hardcover box, with their emblem in gold foil. Inside the box was a white hard cover fold out invitation with gold embossing and foil font. “We used the same emblem for all our wedding stationery including our menus which had a suede hard cover. As Somah and I both love travelling, our wedding favours were black leather luggage tags.”

FROM RUNWAY TO WEDDING | “Long an admirer of Paolo Sebastian’s work, Donna knew that she wanted Paolo to design her wedding dress. Donna chose a long sleeve gown with an invisible sheer design that Paolo is synonymous with. “Needless to say he did not disappoint. I also had a second gown from Paolo that was a snap decision but love at first sight!”

THE VISIONARY | “Somah and I knew exactly what we wanted in terms of venue and suppliers however we needed someone that could bring all the aspects together for us as we are both busy people. It made sense that we should have a wedding planner and stylist turn our vision into a reality. Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia went above and beyond to produce a wedding design that was ‘us’ to a tee. Together we chose a colour palette of black, emerald green, gold and white with florals as a feature of the day. Orchids, peonies and roses were our flowers of choice.”

“The theme was ‘Modern Luxe’. Their ceremony arch was filled with large clusters of peonies as well as oversized gold leaves which matched buttonholes and the bouquets,” Alysia said.

A GLOWING SURPRISE | “Alysia came up with the idea of having a chandelier cake. It was 1.3 metres in length hanging upside down from the ceiling and disguised as one of the many chandeliers we had around the room with flowers and crystals. I don’t think any of our guests realised what it was until it was lowered and ready to cut with a sword!”

LET'S ENTERTAIN YOU | Donna and Somah’s reception
entertainment featured a live band, aerial acrobat, lion dancing, fireworks, photobooth and DJ. “The reception went like a blur and I didn’t want the night to end. We had a lot planned for a few hours! One of the highlights and one of my fondest memories was when Alysia revealed the room to us.
I could not believe my eyes!”