A love that felt meant to be
Some love stories unfold slowly, and others arrive like a spark – unmistakable from the very beginning. For Marina and Nathan, everything simply clicked.
“We were engaged in just six months,” Marina shared. “We started chatting online even before meeting, and we knew there was something special.” What began as messages soon became a connection that felt natural, certain, and wonderfully right.
Where romance meets underwater magic
Once engaged, the couple began exploring venues across Melbourne, keen to find a space that reflected their personalities. They visited many options, but nothing felt quite like them – until SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
“We saw lots of venues but I fell in love with the fish and the vibe of the aquarium,” Marina recalls. “It brought out the child within us, it was within our budget, and it occupied the number of guests we had in mind.”
Their ceremony took place at their church – a meaningful, spiritual home where they attend liturgy and prayer every Sunday. From that sacred moment, they stepped into a reception filled with colour, movement and a little magic.
A Disney-inspired celebration
From the start, Marina wanted a wedding day that felt “cute and fun,” full of sweetness and personality. Their inspiration came from the classics: Disney films, timeless songs, and the joy of childhood wonder.
“Our bridal party and we entered on Disney songs, and our first couple’s dance was a Disney song as well,” she says.
Instagram and DIY videos helped bring the vision to life, but the real magic was Marina’s hands-on creativity – she styled the entire day herself. Everything from the stationery to the decor was lovingly made by her.
A pop of sunshine
Marina wanted a palette that felt joyful and true to her personality – something bright, feminine and full of warmth. “I wanted something cute and girly… so I chose to go with yellow,” she shared. Against the shimmering blues of the aquarium, the sunshine tones created a beautiful contrast that made the entire celebration glow.
A feast for the dance floor
Nearly every detail of the day was lovingly DIY – from the styling and florals to the stationery, all created by Marina herself. She wore a gown from Always and Forever Bridal Boutique, with hair and makeup by Monique de Vercelli. Their cake, made by Eiffel Tower, was a sweet highlight, while ATIA Photography captured every moment.
The couple’s DJ blended English and Arabic music to honour both cultures, creating the perfect party atmosphere beneath the aquarium’s glow. Throughout the day, memories unfolded effortlessly – from walking out of the ceremony feeling an unexpected wave of calm, to laughing through their cake cutting, forgetting their dance moves, and ending the night with a joyful, all-in chicken dance that brought every guest to the floor.
Love in reflection: Advice from the happy couple
“As a control freak – a bridezilla, as I was told – I wish I hadn’t stressed so much,” Marina laughs. “Don’t worry… it will be amazing. Even if things go wrong, it’s ok. The most important thing is that you’re with the person you love.”
Her advice for newly engaged friends? “Get everything done early. Give yourself at least a week before the wedding to relax – book a massage, breathe… and wear comfortable shoes!”
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