School teachers Charlelie and James met through mutual friends in their first year of university, their friendship growing into something deeper.
After James proposed on the top of Prague Castle during a trip to Europe, the couple walked down the aisle at St Paul of the Cross. They celebrated James’s Lebanese and Greek background with Lebanese drums and traditional dances including Zorba and Zembekiko. Creating something meaningful, James had his suit jacket lined with handwritten love letters the couple had written to each other over the years. “When he opened his jacket and I saw our handwriting and shared memories, I was completely overwhelmed,” Charlelie says. “It’s a keepsake we will treasure forever.”
Ceremony St Paul of the Cross, The Monastery
Reception Sunnybrae Estate
Bridal gown Jack Sullivan Bridal
Cake Lyon’s Den Cakes
Flowers Bloom Theory
Reception stylist Brooke Warnest, The Beautiful Life
Photographer Kimberley Marjas, My Little Light Photography
How did you meet?
James and I met in our first year of university through mutual friends. I was friends with Emmeline, and James was friends with Oliver. When Emmeline and Oliver became close, they introduced us – and from there, everything unfolded naturally. What makes our story even more special is that our original university friendship group is still so close today, a reminder that our relationship was built on friendship from the very beginning.
Tell us about the engagement.
I had always dreamed of being proposed to in Europe, and during our 2023 trip, James secretly brought the ring with him – knowing he wanted to propose, but not quite sure where.
By complete chance, one of James’ closest friends, Richard (who later became one of our best men), sent a Snapchat saying he was heading to Prague. Little did he know, we were already there. After spending the day sightseeing together, Richard asked what our plans were for the next day. James casually replied, “I think tomorrow might be the day I propose.”
From that moment on, Richard was all in – helping James plan the perfect proposal and offering to capture the moment with his professional camera. Early the next morning, James and I made our way to the top of Prague Castle. As I stood admiring the breathtaking view, James said my full name and got down on one knee. I instantly knew, burst into tears and, of course, said yes.
The photos Richard took that morning are some of our most treasured possessions, made even more meaningful by having such a close friend there to share such a defining moment in our love story.
What were some personal elements that were important for you to have at your wedding?
With James coming from a Lebanese and Greek background, it was incredibly important for us to honour his culture throughout the day. From our grand entrance with clarinet and Lebanese drums, to traditional dances including Zorba and Zembekiko, culture played a vibrant role in our celebration.
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Equally important were deeply personal touches. My Nonna, who has passed away, was with me in spirit through a charm on my bouquet, and we created an “In Loving Memory” table to honour our grandparents who were so dear to us. We wanted the day to feel romantic, meaningful and joyful – from our emotional first dance to what became the biggest party of our lives. The balance felt perfect.
What did you love about your dress?
My mum has always been my muse. When she got married, she wore a strapless A-line gown, and I remember thinking she was the most beautiful bride I had ever seen. I’ve always loved full skirts and that classic, true-bride feeling.
The moment I tried my dress on, my mum and I both cried – we just knew it was perfect. I loved the shape it gave my body and how it made me feel. It was everything I had ever dreamed of.
James’ suit also held incredible meaning for us. For years, we have kept love letters and notes to each other in a glass jar. James secretly designed his suit jacket so the lining was made from these messages, with his Aunty, who is a seamstress, bringing it all together beautifully. As we walked out of the church, he told me he had a surprise. When he opened his jacket and I saw our handwriting and shared memories, I was completely overwhelmed. It’s a keepsake we will treasure forever.
What was your inspiration behind the styling?
We envisioned a black-tie wedding that felt timeless, classic and elegant. We were drawn to a palette of whites and soft greens, paired with warm candlelight and table lamps to create a romantic atmosphere. Our stylist, Brooke Warnest, brought our mood board to life and curated a look that felt refined, cohesive and completely us.
What was one of your favourite parts of the day?
One of the most special moments for me was standing behind the church doors with my dad, waiting for them to open. I am incredibly close with him and had dreamed of that moment my entire life – knowing he was about to walk me down the aisle to the love of my life. Seeing James standing at the altar for the first time is a memory I will treasure forever.
For James, one of the most meaningful moments was standing at the altar, watching the doors and waiting for me to walk in. His heart was racing, and he has since told me how overwhelming and emotional that moment was – taking in everything we had planned, and realising we were about to begin our marriage together.
Looking back on your day, what would you recommend for anyone else planning their big day?
My biggest piece of advice would be to include the mums in as many ways as possible – and this is especially important for grooms to remember. For your mum, this is one of the most special days of her life too.
James’ mum spent countless hours supporting him with his personalised suit and lovingly renovating their home so it was perfect for his wedding morning – and just as perfect for everyone to return to the next day. Her care, time and quiet dedication meant so much to us.
Throughout the planning process, my own mum was my biggest supporter – from choosing my wedding dress together to calming me and guiding me through every step. While fathers often take very visible roles on the wedding day, our mums are so often our biggest cheerleaders and supporters behind the scenes. Finding meaningful ways to acknowledge them – whether through special roles, moments or gestures – is something I will always cherish. For me, this meant giving my mum her own entrance down the aisle with my brother, and asking both of our mums to be our witnesses – moments that meant more to me than I can put into words.
This article first appeared in the March 2026 issue of SALIFE magazine.
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