Celebrating Diversity // African and Fijian cultures collide for Robynne and Isireli’s wedding
A Love Story steeped with tradition
Robynne first spotted Isireli on the dance floor of a South American bar. “He, beer in hand, was doing his best interpretation of salsa but I offered to teach him how to dance anyway,” laughs the bride.
The pair, aged 29 and 32, tied the knot with a ceremony at the She-Oak Grove and reception at Centennial Parklands in Sydney.
“Our priorities for our wedding day were fun, great food, lots of music and dancing,” says Robynne. “We wanted to make sure our guests were transported to our world to celebrate with us.”
The groom dressed for the occasion in a traditional Fijian Masi.
A celebration of culture
The aim was to create a rustic garden wedding with a blend of South African and Fijian cultures. The colour scheme a reflection of their fun and loving personalities, and featured African, tropical and native flowers.
Love, Family and Culture
It's our passion at de lumière to capture the raw emotion of a couple's wedding day, and a day like Robynne and Izzy's special celebration makes our job easy. A wealth of love, surrounded by family, and literally soaked in culture and tradition.
Tradition and Culture
“The night before, friends and family helped us to complete our DIY set up inside the marquee – elevated wooden runners, charcoal tablecloths and turquoise napkins accentuated with copper numbers and African animals along with fresh coconut to tie together our two cultures.”
The Celebration
Robynne and Isireli credit Duan & Only for creating the party atmosphere they were after. “It was incredibly hard to get everyone off the dance floor – guests were either at the pop up bar, the kava circle or having dance offs – hardly anyone was sitting down all night. The party ended at the Sydney Casino at 4am, even with a big cleanup the next day!”
Family members surprised the newlyweds with a traditional Fijian Meke dance.
Bomboniere: Earth Africa Curio, Etsy , DIY
Brides Gown: Christine R Couture, Sarah Dressmaking Bridal and Alterations
Brides Shoes: Novo Shoes
Bridesmaids Accessories: Etsy, Lovisa
Bridesmaids Dresses: Showpo
Cake: Sandra King
Caterer: Art Kitchen
Ceremony Music: Duan & Only
Ceremony Venue: the She-Oak Grove at Centennial Parklands
Entertainment: Duan & Only, DJ Roni
Flowergirl Dress: Arabella and Rose, Cotton On
Flowers: Beautiflor by Nicola
Grooms Attire: Traditional Fijian masi, YD
Grooms Shoes: Myer
Groomsmen Attire: YD
Groomsmen Shoes: Novo Shoes
Hair: by Juliette
Honeymoon: Fiji
Invitations: Creative Circle Design
Makeup: by Juliette
Pageboy Attire:Traditional Fijian masi
Photographer: de lumiuére photography
Reception Venue: Centennial Parklands
Rings: Jacobsen's Jewellery, Gordon's
Transport: Bramley Transport
Videographer: David Stoelhurst
Wedding Night Accommodation: The Residences
We're de lumière photography
Our calling is to tell your unique love story through vibrant and light-filled images. Treasure them as a true reflection of your special day. While you get lost in the moment, we work our magic with candid shots that capture the snippets of the day you’ll be talking about in years to come. Letting the day unfold is our special ingredient. We’re based in Sydney, but love working with couples in all corners of Australia and overseas. We'd love to share your journey too!
