TSG Couple - Gabriela & Nicholas

Last year was a time of uncertainty and unknowns, so many couples had to adapt their wedding celebratory plans and overcome challenges thrown their way. There are so many unique and individual stories varying between couples and how they chose to handle these challenges.

We have loved hearing all the positive stories that have been born from such a difficult time. We have spoken to one special TSG couple Gabriela and Nicholas to get insight on their special day of hosting a wedding through the coronavirus season. 

Newlyweds, Gabriela and Nicholas had to reorganise and alter their wedding through the ever-changing hardships of the pandemic. With border closures kicking in from late March, Gabriela and Nicholas knew they lost the flexibility to invite guests and family from Italy and Victoria.

With restrictions constantly changing, Gabriela and Nicholas decided to have an intimate ceremony with loved ones in September 2020 and have a bigger event on their one-year anniversary in 2021 with plans to celebrate on a larger scale.

Originally they planned a guest list of 250 people, including guests from South Australia, Victoria, and Italy. The wedding ceremony was planned to be held at the Rostrevor College chapel and then continue the reception at the International Rose Gardens in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. We had a chat with them to learn a little more about their wedding planning journey. 

Despite the hardships of last year, Gabriela and Nicholas found out they were pregnant with twins, which was welcomed news for them! On 9 April this year, they were introduced to two beautiful baby boys, Jude and James Piotto. They are now overjoyed to celebrate their special day with their children. 

What was the biggest obstacle while planning your wedding through COVID-19 in 2020?

The Unknown - not knowing what tomorrow will bring was the hardest challenge. We always had to be prepared for change and to be flexible with our plans. At first, when restrictions came in we were optimistic about our special day being six months away and we had a backup date organised, so we weren’t overly stressed. A few months forward to late June the restrictions changed to “Weddings limited to 25sqm with no caps”, we were thrilled because our selected venue was 400sqm and due to border restrictions we managed to reduce our number of guests to 200.  

With our anxieties running high, it felt too good to be true. Every time there was a press conference, our hearts would instantly stop as we never knew what they would bring… until it was that dreaded Friday in late July where weddings were capped at 100 guests with the 25sqm rule, and no dancing and drinking was permitted. We both made the decision to ‘screw it’ and get married on our original date and postpone our reception to our one-year anniversary. That was definitely the best decision we ever made. For our wedding day, we just had our nearest and dearest join us for an intimate, cozy eight-course degustation at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Restaurant. 

 How was your wedding planning experience with The Stylist’s Guide?

Where do I begin! Alyse from TSG was seriously our saving grace. Both her and the team were incredible and really accommodated every need and want. She was always available to listen to our frustrations, let us vent and never failed to have a plan for whatever obstacle the year had to bring us. Working with TSG reduced all the pressure off us and made sure our beautiful day sailed smoothly. I could not thank Alyse and her team enough for creating an intimate day to remember while in the middle of a pandemic. 

When the day came around, what was your favourite part about the wedding you both decided to have?

Being married – yes, we didn’t have the day as originally planned but we got the outcome we planned… WE’RE MARRIED. Now we’re getting the chance to celebrate the special day with our twins. Also, I’m excited to wear my dress for the second time. When do you ever get to do that?

Here are some of the details from Gabriella and Nicholas’ special day

Dress: Greta Kate

Suits: Joseph Uzumcu  

Original Ceremony & Reception Venue: Rostrevor College Chapel and International Rose Garden – Adelaide Botanic Gardens  

Plan B Ceremony & Reception Venue: Rostrevor College Chapel and Adelaide Botanic Restaurant Gardens  

Photographer: Evan Bailey Photography

Videographer: The Film Room  

Hair: Gecko Hair

Make Up: Makeup by Vicky