Bride’s Maiden Name: Caroline Fernandez Occupation: Personal Trainer
Groom’s Full Name: Filippo Assini Occupation: Insurance Manager
Wedding Date: 10.03.2018 How many guests? 22
Wedding Budget: $10,000-$15,000
How did you and your partner meet?
We worked together for 6 years until one day we just started chatting randomly about our same interest – fitness.
Before Fil left for Europe for 6 weeks, he came over daily to my house and on the last day before he left, he kissed me.
He was at my doorstep the day he returned.
How did he propose?
My sister asked me to come and do my nails that evening and Fil was at work (mind you I told him once that if he was ever to propose to make sure my nails were done first lol).
Not thinking anything of it, I came home and the garage wasn’t opening so I had to use the front door.
When I walked in, there was a trail of candles lit that lead to the lounge and he was standing (with a suit) in the middle of the circled candles and asked me to marry him.
Fil organised with my sister the day before to get me out of the house and do my nails and he came home early from work!
What do you love most about your partner?
He is extremely organised and thoughtful.
He thinks of others before himself and helps me out immensely.
He is very loving and loves the things I love!
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
Other than being honest with each other, we always make decisions together and make time for each other.
We know each other’s likes and dislikes and steer clear of negativity or pessimistic people that surrounded us.
We are optimistic together even when things dip a bit low and make sure we are always communicating and helping each other.
Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it:
Fil and I watched MAFS (Married at first sight) and I spotted the gown of my dreams worn by Irish girl, Cheryl, from the 2017 series.
As soon as we found the dress was from, Q’nique from Pearl Bridal based on the Gold Coast, we placed a deposit on the gown prior to attending the fitting and flew over there for one night.
The dress was perfect (luckily) and they shipped it to Melbourne for me! Mind you, I had spent a day in Armadale looking for the dress and as beautiful as some of the gowns are, I know my gown was the right one for me.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
We had visited Labassa Mansion a few years before during a tour as we always enjoyed visiting heritage homes and beautiful mansions in Melbourne as a small hobby/interest.
We both always knew that it would be classical (French/Italianette).
However, prior to thinking about Labassa Mansion during the arrangements, we had booked another venue.
We wanted to make our wedding a small and intimate and then changed the plans and booked in Labassa.
It suited all our needs from comfortability to classical and prestige.
On a beautiful 28-degree day, caterers, Libby Reid, placed the table bar on the front porch and prior to entering the home, was greeted with a beverage of their choice.
The groom arrived shortly after in his black Jaguar MKII and so did the bride, parking the two classical cars out front for photos!
The light raw colours of the flowers and bridesmaid gown all corresponded and matched the whole theme.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
The anticipation was so heart beating that when it was over, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders!
My favourite part was walking down the aisle though when I look back, it is a moment in time.
Name your wedding soundtrack (aisle, reception entry, first dance songs):
Aisle/walk-in: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
First kiss after names husband and wife: Perfect by Ed Sheeran/Beyoncé
First dance: We didn’t do a first dance however after small speeches, DJ played some tunes and everyone danced together
Where did you go on honeymoon? Having the children, we couldn’t go away. Fingers crossed for a belated honeymoon!
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Plan well ahead.
All you want to focus on the day is your hair, make-up and dressing.
Try get some very good rest the week leading up to it as the night before is usually restless.
Organise and make sure a mirror is in the room prior to walking down the aisle as a ‘last touch up’.
Write out your budget and if your family traditionally wants to give gifts or presents, ask them to put it towards the flowers/catering/DJ.
It’s at least one thing less on our budgets!
The Team
Wedding Invitations: Giant Invitations http://giantinvitations.com.au
Dress: Pear Bridal – Designer: Q’nique Bridal https://www.pearlbridal.com.au/
Makeup: Vivian Ashworth (Prahan) https://vivianashworth.com.au
Hair: Vivian Ashworth (Prahan)
Shoes: Part of the “something borrowed” wedding rule
Accessories: Part of the “something old” was Fil’s grandma’s earrings. Also, ‘something blue” was my garter
Bridesmaids Dresses: Purchased from Ferrari (Narre Warren)
Grooms Suit: Ferrari Formal (Narre Warren
Cake: Vanilla Cakes (Oakleigh)
Food: Libby Reid Catering
Flowers: Woops A Daisy
Photographer: Con from CK Photography http://www.ckphotography.com.au/
Ceremony Venue: Labassa Mansion
Reception Venue: Labassa Mansion
Entertainment: Lionel from Wedding DJ Hire
Celebrant: Geraldene Fleishman
Car/Transport: TripleR Cars https://tripler.com.au/
Bonbonnieres/Favours: Small Tiffany & Co hand held purse boxes, which was ordered via ‘Etsy’. Designed by ‘Sophia Rita’ once they were assembled, contained a slice of our wedding cake.
Engraved on it said ‘Mr. & Mrs. Assini – Est. 2018’