Ishoa and Mauro were brought together by a shared love of food and music.
After falling in love, the pair moved back to Mauro’s native Wollongong and were on their way home from a weekend away in Tasmania when Mauro proposed. But an affectionate Ishoa almost ruined the surprise when her hand brushed over a box shape in his pocket as they walked to the Opera House to watch the Sydney Light Festival. Luckily, Mauro quickly found the perfect spot and got down on one knee to pop the question.
When planning her dream wedding, Ishoa turned to her close friend, stylist and designer Donny Gaella. As well as helping with the preparations, Donny also gave Ishoa a hand picking out the perfect dress – a cream-coloured Grecian-style gown by designer Daniel Avakian.
As true connoisseurs of wine, it was no surprise that Ishoa and Mauro chose to have their wedding at Southern Highland Wines in Moss Vale. The theme was set by the bride’s chosen colours – cocoa and green. The bride walked down a cream carpet with the gorgeous summer sun setting on the lush green vineyard. The pair exchanged simple vows that were handwritten and heartfelt.
Entering their reception was like entering a magical world. Hundreds of candles gave the space a warm glow. The tables were decorated with crisp linens and green napkins tied with cocoa-coloured ribbons. The centrepieces were made from oversized wine glasses filled with small black pebbles and a large green candle sitting on a square mirror.
The couple cut their two-tier chocolate and ganache cake as soon as they arrived at the reception, and then settled in to relax and enjoy the festivities. When it was time for the couple to perform their first dance, they headed outside to dance under the stars.
The pair completed their fairytale union with a two-week getaway in Koh Samui, Thailand.
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