Rugby league star Mark Minichiello, 27, proposed to a surprised Milena, 23, at the Songbirds restaurant North Tamborine, Qld, before whisking her away by helicopter to Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island. "All of a sudden a helicopter landed nearby," says Milena. "It was unbelievable!"
THE DRESS Milena wore a white chiffon gown by Leonard Derecourt with silk underlay and lace bodice threaded with various crystals and beads to accentuate the design. The back was open and low-cut with chiffon loosely draped along the sides, complemented by a floor-length chiffon veil tucked into the back of her hair. "The final product was amazing - I felt like an angel." says the bride.
THE CEREMONY Milena arrived by rare 1951 Vintage Rolls-Royce to the spectacular Cardinal Cerretti Chapel in Manly. "I'm originally from Manly, so it was special to be able to get married at a location overlooking Manly beach. The church is gorgeous, as are the grounds, and we couldn't go past it," Milena explains.
THE RECEPTION The Opera Point Marquee decorations followed a stylish black and white theme. Black napkins and goblets on white floor-length tablecloths contrasted beautifully, as did the black and white velvet draping. "Anthony Del Col from Weddings by Staging Connections was our stylist - and an absolute gem," says Melina. "It was such a privilege to work with him and his team."
FLOWERS "I didn't have a traditional bouquet. My mum made me a rosary with pearl coins and silver beads threaded with fresh flowers on the day, which I had wrapped around my wrist throughout the ceremony," Melina explains.
DECORATIONS Reception tables were brought to life by long mirrors, an abundance of tea light candles and individually arranged vases of lily of the valley, tulips, roses, white Casablanca lilies, freesias and arum lilies. To finish, glass baubles with tea lights were suspended from the ceiling.
BOMBONIERE Melina and Mark surprised their 86 guests with bomboniere of small, funky two-cup espresso coffee machines from Italy. "We wanted the guests to have something they could use after the wedding and remember us by," says the bride. They were packaged in white boxes and black ribbon to suit the couple's modern theme. In return, guests contributed to a wishing well in lieu of gifts.
FIRST DANCE For their first dance the couple chose So Amazing by Beyonce and Stevie Wonder. "We loved the lyrics and it was different to other bridal dance songs we have heard," explains the bride. "We had three dance lessons leading up to the wedding - a salsa and traditional waltz - which were loads of fun and a great chance to have a laugh at each other."
