MW-Logo_#white
Menu
  • Find A Supplier
  • Blog
  • Galleries
  • Categories
  • Wedding Dresses
  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding DIY
  • Honeymoons
  • Wedding Planning Tools
  • Advertising With Us
  • Modern Wedding Academy
  • Login

Tips and Articles by category

Dresses
Cakes
Flowers
Honeymoon Ideas
DIY
Photography
Venues
Wedding Themes
Invitations
Wedding Ideas
Music
Videos
Wedding Hair and Makeup Ideas
Cars
Destination Weddings
Speeches
Gift Registries
Wedding Favours
Grooms

FIND A LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIER

Reception Venues
Dress Retailers
Dress Designers
Cakes
Photography
Bridesmaids
Flowers
Video
Hair
Theming and Styling
Entertainment and Music
Makeup
Ceremony
Celebrants
Rings
Cars, Transport
Invitations
Bridal Accessories
Destination Weddings
Gifts and Gift Registries
Shoes
Accommodation
Honeymoons
Beauty Services
Hire
Hens & Bucks Parties
Flowers Girls/Page Boys
Caterers
Bomboniere
Alternative Bouquets
Planner
Photo Booths
Formal Wear
Speciality Services
Finance
Groom and Groomsmen

Sebastian And Joanne’s Colourful, Contemporary Celebration

Modern Wedding Posted: November 14, 2020

Sebastian and Joanne went from friends to forever with a wedding day that will make you swoon! Featuring colourful decor and the most delightful florals, this spectacular love story was celebrated in the most classic and contemporary way.

Friends To Lovers…

Sebastian and Joanne’s love story began when they met at various social functions back in 2014. Their connection started with them building a friendship, and then one day, everything changed. “We had been friends for so long, it eventually came to a point where we began developing feelings for one another. Once we shared those feelings with each other, Sebastian and I both realised that there is no one else we would rather be with and we became inseparable.” the bride shared.

The Perfect Proposal…

The couple’s magical proposal took place on May 26th, 2019. One gorgeous, sunny day, Sebastian surprised Joanne with a picnic up at Copes Lookout in Kirribilli. The couple enjoyed the atmosphere with champagne, rose petals, and the most mesmerising view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. “He confessed his love to me and went down on one knee and the rest is history!” the bride shared. The next few hours were spent admiring the view and enjoying a glass of champagne by candlelight…but the story doesn’t stop there! It turns out sneaky Sebastian had arranged for a private boat to take them to a second location for dinner, where 100 of their closest family and friends were waiting! “It turns out that everyone knew before me!” the bride tells us. “Sebastian had planned the whole event with our closest family and friends keeping the secret from me for weeks!”

I’ll Meet You At The Altar…

With both Sebastian and Joanne having Lebanese backgrounds, it meant there were many fabulous pre-wedding celebrations! When the big day arrived, the couple walked down the aisle at their local church for an intimate and traditional ceremony with their closest friends and family in attendance. “The church ceremony was the most special and unforgettable moment of the day for us. We didn’t see each other for a week before the wedding so it makes it a pretty emotional, yet exciting moment.” the bride shared.

Colourful And Contemporary…

Sebastian and Joanne had the theme for their wedding picked out early on! “We wanted colourful, bright, young, fun, contemporary but still classic at the same time. We wanted to capitalise on the stylish, yet simple canvas they had at Linseed House and complement it in any way we could. With the industrial brick finish of the interior walls that contrasted the wooden finish of the bar setting, I felt that it needed some seasonal colour and so we advised our florist to put some colours that matched the time of September.” the couple explained.

A Champagne Classic…

On the big day, the couple was surrounded by loved ones! The groom had his three brothers by his side, each dressed in a classic style suit with a peaked lapel, black bowtie, and french cuffs. The bride had her cousin, best friend, and sister in law next to her on the day. Each of the lovely ladies was dressed in chic champagne coloured gown with some gold statement earrings to match.

The Shimmering Bride…

The bride went through quite a journey to find her dream gown! As her mother was a dressmaker, she wanted to choose a designer that would let her be part of the process. After trying on a range of gowns, she picked the pieces and parts that she loved and combined them together to create a sketch of what her dream gown would be. The princess cut gown featured a low back and low cut halterneck and was finished with a 3 metre long train! Wanting a gown with see-through detail, the bride picked a sheer fabric that was covered in shimmering sparkles so that you could see her silhouette as she walked against the sun. The look was completed with a plain veil, a bouquet of classic roses and orchids, and stunning, sparkling stilettos.

A Classic Style…

Keeping with the contemporary theme, the groom opted for a classicly styled suit. The custom design featured a french-cuff, hidden button white shirt, and black bow tie. Wanting to change up his look for the reception, Sebastian changed into a more formal fit. This look consisted of coloured round buttons to add character and was finished with a tailored vest matching the rustic theme of the venue.

In Love With Linseed…

“The Linseed House was the most unique venue we had ever laid eyes on. It was the first venue that we looked at and we fell in love with it straight away” the couple tells us. The space features high ceilings, brick finishes, green balconies, gorgeous mirrors, shimmering chandeliers, and striking glass doors throughout. The venue was then decorated with a colourful flower theme, bringing blues, oranges, reds, pinks, and whites to the draped floral displays. Lastly, low table settings created a subtle layout so that the magical florals could stand out.

Hidden in the shadows…

With such an incredible location to celebrate their love, the couple couldn’t help but stroll around the grounds so that they could capture some dreamy shots. When it came to working with the photography team at Salt Atelier, the newlyweds said “perhaps the most notable thing we found was that we didn’t even know they were there! They were hidden in the shadows getting all the natural and emotion-filled shots of us. We are obsessed with the moments they captured. Subtle, intimate, brilliant”.

The Covid Challenge…

Like many couples who were planning to wed in 2020, Sebastian and Joanne had to change their initial wedding plans. “We had actually planned our wedding to be held overseas in Lebanon, but with Lebanon struggling with economic and political issues, we decided to move it to Sydney. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, we had to move the date from June to September. So after moving it twice, planning and booking the third date was awesome. We kept our eyes on the prize and we had the wedding of our dreams!”

Their Advice…

All couples that have tied the knot during 2020 have faced so many additional struggles, and they have some advice to share! “Don’t overthink or over-complicate the day” the couple shared. “Things will go wrong but just remember that at the end of the day, regardless of what happens, it is your special day with your loved one and you will enjoy it regardless of what happens.”

Want to see more gorgeous real weddings? Click here!

Photographer/Videographer: Salt Atelier / Reception Venue: Linseed House at The Grounds of Alexandria / Ceremony Venue: Saints Michael and Gabriel Orthodox Church Ryde / Florist: Ohara Flora / Seating Chart and Table Numbers: Kindly Invited / Entertainment: Next Entertainment / Singer: Jacob Hacklany / Cars: Hashtag Events Wedding Cars / Wedding Dress: Micheline Mokdassi / Makeup: Christianne Abou-Sleiman / Bride’s Hair: Ashleigh Maroun Hair & Makeup / Bridesmaids and MOB Hair: MT Hair / Bridal Pyjamas: Amanda Barden / Bridal Headpiece: Exquisite Jewels Australia / Grooms Suit: Tailor & Co Sydney / Groomsman Suits: MJ Bale / Rings: Tok Jewellers / Pyrotechnics: SparkFX / Illustrator: Afavaloro Fashion Illustrator / Wedding Stationery: Kindly Invited

Previous Blog
Next Blog

Find a wedding supplier

OR
  • like us on facebook
  • follow us on instagram
  • follow us on pinterest
Colour Wheel

Blog Categories

Planning Tools

Checklist Budget Manager Guest List Seating Planner Supplier Shortlist
Visit Modern Wedding's profile on Pinterest.

Your next read!

Top 2025 Wedding Destinations

Are you considering getting married in 2025? Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, your closest loved ones, and the kind of vibe that makes everyone whisper, “This is the […]

The Best Pre-Wedding Treatments For Picture-Perfect Skin

Me Clinics are on hand to share some of their top recommended pre-wedding treatments for your best wedding day skin.

7 Reasons You Should NEVER Wear Your Engagement Ring to Bed

Your engagement ring is one of your most cherished possessions, a symbol of love and commitment. But did you know that wearing it to bed could be causing damage – […]

Laura’s Bridal Weight Loss Journey With Super Fast Diet

After getting engaged to the love of her life, Laura found that she was struggling with weight gain. With a busy schedule already filling up her life, the added stress of planning a wedding wasn’t helping! With only eight weeks to go until the big day, Laura is feeling fabulous after losing 9kg’s with Super Fast Diet

Win An Iconic Luxury Wedding At The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

NOTE: THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED Say “Je t’aime” at one of Australia’s most iconic hotels! Modern Wedding and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth are offering an extraordinary opportunity to win a […]

Top Wedding Trends for 2025

2025 is here, and with it comes a whole new wave of wedding trends that are set to dazzle brides, grooms, and guests alike. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement […]

More Blogs

Popular Galleries

  • Real Weddings
  • Dresses
  • Cakes
  • Flowers
  • Theming & Styling

From Our Blog

  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding Fashion
  • Wedding Themes
  • Wedding DIY
  • Wedding Hair & Beauty

Wedding Tools

  • Seating Plan
  • Guest List
  • Check List
  • Budget

ModernWedding.com.au

  • Wedding Tools Login
  • About
  • Advertising Information
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
Modern Wedding

Copyright © 2025 Modern Wedding PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Website by The DMA.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Our other brands: Luxury Wedding Blog / Sydney Wedding Blog