AN INTERNATIONAL WEDDING CELEBRATING LOVE AND CULTURE IN POSITANO
Julie Ly and Zachary Wardrope first met through mutual friends at a lively bar in the heart of Melbourne, Australia.
“It was one of those nights where the city felt alive,” recalls Julie, “and everything seemed to hum with excitement. Zac, with his infectious banter and quick wit, immediately stood out. We were part of a larger group, but as the evening progressed, we found ourselves in our own little world, laughing and joking as if we had known each other forever. That night, though, we left as friends, not knowing how significant this friendship would become.”
“He balanced me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed at the time.”
Zac brought humor and levity to Julie’s “often stressful life,” and it was those contrasting qualities that made their connection so unique and strong. While Zac was the life of the party with his energy and charm, Julie was more reserved and easygoing in nature.
“He balanced me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed at the time,” Julie says.
The Proposal
A few years year, the couple’s relationship had blossomed into something much deeper. On a beautiful day in Melbourne, they decided to take a walk through Carlton Gardens with their beloved fur baby, Banksy.
“As we strolled,” Julie shares, “Zac began to act a bit nervous, which was unusual for him. Suddenly, he tried to pull something out of his pocket and get down on one knee. Just at that moment, Banksy decided it was the perfect time to chase some ducks, nearly causing Zac to lose the ring in the pond! Despite the chaos, Zac managed to catch Banksy, save the ring, and propose. It was stressful and hilarious, a perfect reflection of our life together.”
Planning an International Wedding from Australia
For Julie and Zac, the wedding planning process turned out to be an adventure in itself. Coordinating an international wedding from Australia was no small feat. The couple chose to host a destination wedding in Italy and wanted their guests to experience the magic of the country; but getting everyone to Italy and ensuring everything ran smoothly was a challenge.
“Thankfully,” Julie notes, “we had Simona from Happy Brides, our amazing wedding planner, who took a lot of the stress off our shoulders. Her expertise made the planning process much easier, and her coordination on the day ensured everything went smoothly. We cannot recommend having a reputable wedding planner enough, especially for international weddings.”
Celebrating Love and Culture in Positano
The wedding day started off slowly and calmly, gradually building in emotion and nerves as the day progressed.
“Little things always try to disrupt a wedding day, and ours was no exception,” says the bride. “Despite the weather and some health issues I experienced, the wedding itself was beautiful. We couldn't control everything, but what mattered was the love and joy we felt as we said our vows.”
The couple’s international wedding was the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and culture in Positano, with its storybook ambiance and iconic scenery. Even with the imperfect weather, guests were in awe of the setting, the food, the entertainment, and the sheer beauty of being together in such a stunning location.
“Our guests were enchanted by the harpist playing as they descended a long staircase and captivated by a live painter capturing the essence of the day,” Julie describes. “A highlight for me was the Chinese Lion Dance blessing – a beautiful nod to my culture that surprised and delighted everyone. And then, there was Positano, with its breathtaking views that truly cannot be compared to anything else. It was pure magic.”
The couple credits their talented roster of wedding vendors for bringing their wedding vision to life. From the exquisite flowers to the hair and makeup, every detail exceeded their expectations.
“We had moments of humor and unexpected events,” Julie adds, “but each one added to the tapestry of our day. One particularly funny moment was when Zac’s groomsmen attempted to surprise him with a traditional Aussie prank, only to be thwarted by our ever-watchful wedding planner. It was a light-hearted moment that still makes us laugh.”
A Month in Europe
The newlyweds’ honeymoon involved spending a month in Europe, exploring the countries, soaking in the culture, indulging in the cuisine, and soaking in the beauty of each location. Their European honeymoon tour included stops in Puglia, Sicily, Paris, Amsterdam, and ending in Dubai before heading home. Each destination offered its own unique charm, but the best part was being able to experience it all together. With the couple sharing a love for traveling, eating, and shopping, their honeymoon was truly a dream come true.
“In reflecting on our journey from friends to life partners,” Julie shares, “we realize how fortunate we are to have found each other. Our story is filled with laughter, love, and a few unexpected twists, but each moment has brought us closer together. Our wedding and honeymoon were perfect in their own imperfect ways, and we wouldn’t change a thing. Here’s to many more adventures and shared dreams.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Villa Oliviero, Positano, Italy; Planning & Event Design: Happy Brides Wedding Planner; Floral Design: Kuts Flowers; Engagement Ring: Saphira Diamonds; Wedding Bands: HLSK Jewellery; Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav; Bride’s Earrings: HLSK Jewellery; Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Groom’s Attire: YSG Tailors; Hair: Beauty Livery; Entertainment: Wedding Dee Jay; Invitations: Paige & Co; Menu & Cards: Hello Magnolia Studio; Guest Book: Amalfi Calligraphy; Cinematography: Sergio Eblo Wedding Films; Photography: Cristiano Ostinelli