Olivia & Bernard - Studio Shubin

Olivia & Bernard |The Monastery

9 JUNE 2018, LEBANESE MARONITE WEDDING

When Bernard saw Olivia’s photo on her cousin’s Facebook page, he sent her a message and they started chatting. As she was traveling overseas, they got to know each-other online.

Their wedding day had the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary elements with a Lebanese Maronite ceremony officiated by their family Priest at The Monastery, followed by a magnificent reception at San Giorgio La Molara Club.

Olivia and Bernard, your wedding was a celebration of family and love. The Parish and dance-floor were full with people joining you to celebrate!

As family friends, we were honored to capture your day and can’t wait to watch you move into the home you’re building, travel more, have babies, and grow old together. Thank you for choosing us to play a part on your wedding day. With much love, Allen & Melissa xo

TESTIMONIAL

Honestly the photos are incredible!!! We love our photos, thank you so much. Sill going through to decide which ones to put up; can’t decide haha xoxo

THE GIRLS

After visiting her family hairdresser and Makeup Artist in the morning, Olivia got ready at her parent’s home. Inside was lovingly decorated with arrangements of fresh floral arrangements and a sign saying from “Miss to Mrs,” and the stem of Olivia’s bouquet was adorned with memory brooches.

THE BOYS

Bernard got ready at his Mother’s home, decorated with green foliage and a the most delicious Lebanese grazing platters. And what a burn-out at the end!

CEREMONY

Olivia and Bernard were married with a traditional Lebanese Maronite service, all spoken in Lebanese.
After exchanging their marriage covenant, Olivia and Bernard joined their right hands on the bible. The Priest covered them with his stole and placed his hand over theirs, declaring them joined in marriage. The Priest then blessed and placed the rings on their fingers (with Olivia & Bernard thankful they were able to finish putting their rings on themselves) then the Priest crowned them to signify their new kingdom based on mutual love.
The grand-Spanish architecture at The Monastery makes it one of the most majestic buildings in Adelaide and photos followed the service in The Monastery’s beautiful, spacious gardens.

INTERLUDE

After family photos, Bernard and Olivia spent some time just the two of them. Bernard lovingly changed Olivia’s shoes and we respected their privacy, capturing them from a distance.
After a couple of photos with the bridal party at The Monastery, Olivia and Bernard traveled onto the River Torrens and University of Adelaide for more photos while the bridal party traveled on to the reception venue.

RECEPTION

Olivia and Bernard made the traditional Lebanese Grand Entrance Zaffe drummer, dancing into the center of the dance-floor. Everyone surrounded them, clapping, cheering and joining the newlyweds.
Middle Eastern tradition is that the bride and groom are then lifted onto the shoulders of strong men as they dance & everyone looks on with joy.
Lots of fun, energy, loud music and fine-dining!
It was very clear to see that Olivia and Bernard are loved and welcomed by their families on both sides.