Tell us a little about yourselves!
We’re two Inner Westies who met in 2018 and moved in together six months later—because when you know, you know (and because Sydney rent is criminal).
Our life together has been a mix of great food, too much wine, and impulsive decisions—like adopting our French Bulldog, Rubble, with 24 hours’ notice. He now runs the household, and we simply live to serve.
After years of bouncing around, we finally put down roots in 2022 and bought our first place. On the first Sunday we weren’t making a mad dash to Bunnings—Al proposed in our bedroom. And just like that, we swapped DIY projects for wedding planning.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We always wanted to host an intimate, black tie dinner party, somewhere that felt homely with really good food and wine, so that’s what we did. Osteria Russo & Russo is a small Italian terrace restaurant in the heart of Enmore (we’re Inner Westies!) and we took it over on a warm Saturday night during the October long weekend. Russo & Russo is two levels, we hosted dinner upstairs and turned the bar downstairs into an Italian disco.
How many guests did you have?
36 at the reception. Only 7 at the ceremony!
What was your budget?
<$30K.
Tell us about your outfits.
Tay’s dress was from Prea James and shoes were Tony Bianco. Tay’s dress had small floral appliques from her mum’s wedding dress hand sewed on the inside of her dress as well.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
The first things we booked in were our photographer and our restaurant. We knew if we could lock them in, we’d basically just build the rest of our wedding around them!
We wanted the night to be full of good food, and wine and dancing and the people who mattered most to us. It seems simple but it was the dream day and night and exactly what we wanted.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
We wanted the ceremony to be just us and our families. Al’s mum is Filipino and we both knew that incorporating the traditional elements of a Filipino wedding was important for us. Being able to have our siblings and parents involved in the veil, unity cord, and coins part of the ceremony was really special.
Having Marie Maiit as our celebrant made our ceremony light and full of love and laughter. We also wanted the day to feel easy and low stress. We all stayed at the The Old Clare the night before, so there was no commuting or wrangling of people to worry about, it was just us and our families.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Do exactly what you want and don’t feel pressured, as hard as that can be. The day is ultimately about you so both of you should focus on what makes you happy, whether that’s an intimate ceremony, a big party, or skipping traditions that don’t feel like you.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Damien Milan is an incredible photographer. The Old Clare was incredibly accommodating. Marc and the team at Osteria Russo & Russo are amazing and I’m starting the petition for everyone to have tiramisu as a wedding cake!
Photographer: Damien Milan @damienmilan_photographer | Flora: From Iris Studio @fromirisstudio | Ceremony Location: The Old Clare @theoldclare | Reception Location: Osteria Russo & Russo
@osteriadirussoandrusso | Celebrant: Marie Maiit @marriedbymarie | Makeup Artist: Melanie
@melirenemua | Hair Stylist: VarVar Hair @varvarhair | Dress: Prea James @preajames_bridal | Suit: Belancé @belanceworld