Some love stories begin with a spark, others with a glance—and for Marisa and Joshua, it all began with a bottle of champagne at Sydney’s iconic Ivy in 2011.
“I didn’t even want to go out that night,” recalls Marisa. “But my friends convinced me. Josh was working that night and I spotted him walking toward us—those piercing blue eyes! I turned to my friend and said, ‘There’s something very special about that guy.’”
Luckily, Josh had the same feeling. With a nudge from Marisa’s friend, he asked for her number—and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Proposal: A Rooftop Surprise
Fast-forward to March 12, 2023, and that fateful meeting came full circle in the most romantic way. Marisa was getting ready for her cousin’s wedding, makeup done and plans in motion, when she arrived home to the soulful sounds of “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye floating through the air. Walking upstairs, she found Josh—dressed to the nines, surrounded by flowers and balloons on their rooftop—ready to ask the most important question of their lives.
“I don’t want to go to your cousin’s wedding as boyfriend and girlfriend,” he said. “I want to go there with my fiancée and future wife.”
Spoiler: She said yes.
The Vision: Black, White & Gold Glamour
For their wedding day, Marisa and Joshua envisioned nothing short of a modern-day fairytale. They chose Le Montage as their reception venue—a stylish, waterfront location that was not only part of their community but also perfectly matched their desired black, white and gold aesthetic.
“We wanted the elegance of black, the purity of white, and the magic of gold,” Marisa shared. “From enchanted floral arrangements to candlelit tables and royal-inspired details, every element felt like a chapter in our fairytale.”
The reception space shimmered with white rose arrangements, chandeliers, and mirrored walls, while quilted white and gold menus, custom invitations, and elegant bomboniere added layers of luxury. A black gloss dance floor, monogrammed with the couple’s initials and wedding date, became the stage for heartfelt moments and laughter-filled dances. The pièce de résistance? A lush six-tier cake adorned with florals and gold embellishments.
The Gowns: A Dream in Couture
Of course, no fairytale is complete without a showstopping gown—or two.
Marisa's first gown was a princess ball gown from Demetrios Platinum at The Sposa Group Australia, complete with a glitter tulle overlay, plunging neckline, and a four-metre custom detachable train.
“I felt like a Disney princess in it,” she said—and she looked every bit the part."
For the reception, Marisa changed into a Galia Lahav couture gown called Evelyn, a dramatic dress crafted in Israel featuring Spanish floral embroidery, an exposed boned corset, and detachable illusion sleeves.
Joshua and his groomsmen wore sharp, classic designer tuxedos from Mr Fierze, while Marisa’s bridesmaids floated down the aisle in dusty pink floor-length gowns from White Runway.
A Grand Entrance & Magical Moments
If there was ever a wedding that felt like it stepped out of a storybook, it was this one. The highlight? Marisa arrived at the ceremony in a white horse-drawn carriage, her gown flowing, her heart full.
“It felt like something out of a fairytale… it was unforgettable.”
Later, guests were treated to a night of opulence and entertainment: ballerinas twirled alongside a violinist in a golden princess gown, while fireworks and live performances brought the couple’s vision to life.
One of the most memorable (and hilarious) moments came during the couple’s first dance. Marisa, dressed in her second gown, quickly discovered that couture fashion and choreographed spins don’t always mix.
“I kept stepping on my hem… almost pulled a Titanic move! We ended up just swaying romantically—it was imperfectly perfect.”
The Honeymoon of a Lifetime
After their enchanting wedding, Marisa and Joshua whisked themselves away to London and Paris for a honeymoon filled with old-world charm, love, and unforgettable memories. Strolling through cobblestone streets, enjoying sunrise walks along the Seine, and stealing kisses under the Eiffel Tower—it was the ultimate romantic escape.
“It was the beginning of our forever,” Marisa says.
Words of Wisdom
Marisa’s advice to other brides?
“Stay true to your style and love story. Don’t worry about what’s expected—create what feels right to you. And make time on the day to just pause, look around, and say to each other, ‘We did it.’ You’ll treasure that forever.”
Marisa and Joshua's wedding was a breathtaking celebration of love, elegance, and timeless romance. Their unforgettable day is sure to inspire other couples to dream big and create their own magical memories.
For more information about planning your dream wedding, visit Realweddings.com.au for exclusive wedding packages and special offers.
Supplier Highlights
Church: @stmaryscathedralsydney
Photography : @emiliobphotography
Videography : @anemotionweddings
Ceremony Dress: @demetriosbride @thesposagroupaustralia
Reception Dress: @galialahav @eternalbridal
Bridal Shoes: @jimmychoo
Makeup: @simonefortemakeup
Hair: @andiasmarohair
Tiara & Jewelry: @ronzageorge_jewellery @windsorbridaljewellery
Styling, Decor & Florals: @blingevents
Chandeliers: @starlightchandeliers
Cars: @uniqueweddingcars
Horse Carriage: @castlereagh_wedding_carriages
Flowergirl dress: @anniebelleboutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: @whiterunway
Venue: @bynavarra
Hotel: @sheratongrandsydney
Entertainment: @jacobhacklany, @pistachioentertainment, @alexdjentertainment
Stationery: @rossibydesign
Bomboniere: @amourbyfleur
Fireworks: @weddingfireworks.sydney
Content Creator: @svnsocials_
Rings: @lindaandcojewellers
Suits: @mrfierze
Photobooth: @photoboothcondotti_
