George Katsabaris proposed to his makeup artist girlfriend Melissa Sassine by flying her over the beautiful Hunter Valley wine region and spelling out ‘Marry Me Melissa’ on the ground underneath.
So when it came time to planning the Sydney-based couple’s nuptials it was always going to be a luxurious and well-planned affair.
Melissa, 36, spent six months with esteemed wedding planner Diane Khoury organising the event, which was held on August 25 at the Four Seasons Grand Ballroom.
Melissa, 36, spent six months with esteemed wedding planner Diane Khoury organising the event, which was held on August 25 at the Four Seasons Grand Ballroom
‘Most brides normally get to design one dream wedding dress but I was lucky enough to wear 2,’ she told FEMAIL of the custom crystal-encrusted Steven Khalil and George Elsissa gowns
‘Most brides normally get to design one dream wedding dress but I was lucky enough to wear two,’ she told FEMAIL of the custom crystal-encrusted Steven Khalil and George Elsissa gowns.
‘From the moment I described what I had visioned my gown to look like, I knew you were the one for me,’ she wrote on Instagram, paying tribute to Khalil’s work.
‘I will always look back at my wedding pictures and love my gown. It was so regal, timeless and elegant.’
‘From the moment I described what I had visioned my gown to look like, I knew you were the one for me,’ she wrote on Instagram, paying tribute to Khalil’s work
But it wasn’t just her dress that stole the attention of spectators and friends at the wedding, but her incredible accessories
The Jeanette Maree headpiece she wore to keep her veil in place covered a chic chignon created by hairstylist, and Melissa’s friend, Natalie Anne
But it wasn’t just her dress that stole the attention of spectators and friends at the wedding, with her incredible accessories also a highlight.
The Jeanette Maree headpiece she wore to keep her veil in place covered a chic chignon created by hairstylist, and Melissa’s friend, Natalie Anne.
Some of the more lavish additions to the reception were a seven-tier Sweet Bloom Cake made entirely out of sugar – including the flowers – and an incredible flower wall by John Emmanuel Floral Events, the likes of which Kim Kardashian would be jealous of.
‘We had custom-made curved tables hugging the dance floor and a 12-metre video wall as well,’ Melissa added.
‘It’s safe to say it was definitely over six figures.’
Some of the more lavish additions to the reception were a seven-tier Sweet Bloom Cake made entirely out of sugar – including the flowers – and an incredible flower wall by John Emmanuel Floral Events
To prepare for the highly anticipated wedding Melissa said she didn’t follow a ‘crazy’ diet or fitness regime
To prepare for the highly anticipated wedding Melissa said she didn’t follow a ‘crazy’ diet or fitness regime.
‘I live for food and anyone who follows me on social media knows I’m always eating. Basically I ate anything I wanted just in small portions more frequently throughout the day,’ she said.
And as for her beauty routine, she followed one simple trick.
‘My rule is to not try anything new before your wedding day. I cleanse, tone, use eye cream, hydrate my lips and moisturise my skin everyday therefore my beauty routine stayed the same just to be safe,’ she admitted.
The gorgeous brunette met George over three years ago through her sister Fiona.
The gorgeous brunette met George over three years ago through her sister Fiona
‘During the three years we were dating I got to know George a lot better and I knew he was the one because we are compatible in so many ways,’ she said
‘During the three years we were dating I got to know George a lot better and I knew he was the one because we are compatible in so many ways,’ she said.
‘We share the same family values, he makes me laugh 24/7 and ensures I always have a smile on my face, he is kind and generous, and he treats every person with respect and values all his friendships.
‘Most importantly he loves me for me.’
Melissa has forged a very successful career in the beauty industry, starting in 2001 when there was no social media to boost your public profile.
‘I had to work a few part time jobs to support my career wanting to be a makeup artist. Back then the demand for a makeup artists wasn’t as high as it is now,’ she said.
‘I had to work a few part time jobs to support my career wanting to be a makeup artist. Back then the demand for a makeup artists wasn’t as high as it is now,’ she said
So while her life ordinarily revolves around work, Melissa took some well-earned time off to enjoy her luxurious honeymoon in the Maldives
‘I started my beauty salon from a tiny bedroom at home and once my bridal makeup business was introduced to social media, it didn’t take too long before my name was the most requested bridal makeup artist in the wedding industry,’ she said
‘I started my beauty salon from a tiny bedroom at home and once my bridal makeup business was introduced to social media, it didn’t take too long before my name was the most requested bridal makeup artist in the wedding industry.
‘Over 18 years later and I have a very successful makeup academy, my very own product line and an incredible team of professional makeup artists who strive to keep our customers happy every day.
‘The best part of my job is knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s a client or an employee. It could be the way the clients looks and feels after makeup or how I have helped train and mentor a staff member.’
‘The best part of my job is knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life,’ she said
‘We chose to honeymoon at one of the Maldives most exclusive resorts called Soneva Jani. One word to describe it is ‘PARADISE’ followed by a little shopping and food adventure in Singapore,’ she said
She has almost half a million followers on Instagram and two million on Facebook.
So while her life ordinarily revolves around work, Melissa took some well-earned time off to enjoy her luxurious honeymoon in the Maldives.
‘We chose to honeymoon at one of the Maldives most exclusive resorts called Soneva Jani. One word to describe it is ‘PARADISE’ followed by a little shopping and food adventure in Singapore,’ she said.