Taking her sweet time moving to Brisbane from country Queensland, Claudia’s connection with Jack was true love at first sight. Whirlwind courting led to an engagement within eight months of setting their eyes upon one another. Jack asked Claudia’s mother for her hand in marriage, before surprising her with a suite at the Sofitel. In a candlelit room filled with rose petals and Elvis Presley’s I can’t help falling in love with you playing, Jack got on one knee and proposed with the diamond ring he handpicked. With close friends and family celebrating Jack’s father’s 70th birthday downstairs, the couple hijacked the event to share their news.
The couple dreamt of a sharing a simple and elegant ceremony with loved ones who have shaped their lives sharing their happiness. Claudia and Jack embraced family and friends in planning their dream day. The couple’s koumbaro (best man) made all the bonbonniere, and Jack’s mother created the sweets for guest gifts. Guests indulged in an afternoon tea prior to the reception at The Greek Club, grazing on handmade sweets. With a clear idea of their dream wedding day, the couple allowed their love for one another to guide their decisions. They chose a theme of white, cream and gold to radiate understated elegance. Stylist Athena Amarandos made the magic happen with chandeliers throughout the venue.
Jack is Greek Orthodox, and it was important for him to get married in The Greek Orthodox Church of St George. As a Roman Catholic, Claudia was able to be married in the Church, with Priest Father Stavros. “He was so wonderful in guiding us; we cherished our ceremony and how special he made us feel.” Jack and both of the groomsmen wore classic elegant Lancewood tuxedos from TM Lewin, the bridesmaids wore blush gowns from ASOS. Claudia chose the Augusta Jones dress from White Lily Couture, with Ella Moda altering the dress and hand tailoring the bride’s lace veil. Dear friend Sasha Maree did make up for the bridal party, hair was by Beccy D, and female relatives were made up by Michelle Wicklandt.
The couple’s wedding rings were handmade by the family jeweller, Bill Gardik, both simple and gold, Claudia’s with traditional claw-set diamonds. Jack’s wedding band was made with gold from the ring of his grandfather, the very man he was named after. Always Fabulous Flowers created the bouquets, and Vanilla Pod Specialty Cakes created a fourtier multi-flavoured cake. Claudia and Jack hope to keep the top fruitcake tier for future special celebrations as a married couple.
Working seamlessly with Athena and Victoria at The Greek Club, the reception space was transformed into an elegant dream. Representing the couple perfectly, I can’t help falling in love with you is both a quote and meaningful song played at their proposal and first dance. Claudia and Jack “would not have changed anything for the world”, still full of smiles when remembering the day that began their married life. After the wedding, the pair spent a week in Queenstown, New Zealand indulging in gorgeous scenery, delicious food and drinks.
