Wedding photographer: Bek Smith
Natalie Buttigieg and Mark Basile met in a rather extraordinary way. The pair ironically lived down the road from each other and lived identical lives, without even knowing it. “We were delivered by the same doctor, at the same hospital. Our fathers worked together at the same company. Mark and my brother played soccer for the same team,” Natalie tells . It was inevitable that the couple were going to cross paths eventually, and they did, 11 years later in a night club where they added each other on Facebook and the rest was history!
The couple began the relationship battling long distance. Mark had to travel to Italy to compete in soccer, while Natalie took the plunge with a one way ticket to Malta where her father lives. Just before Mark was going to make his return to Australia, he stopped by to Malta to meet Natalie’s father. At this point Natalie was still unsure whether or not she would come back to Australia but after this night Natalie knew she was returning back home with Mark. “It was a warm summer night, in a quiet stoney village, on my dad’s doorstep when Mark told me he loved me for the first time. I knew then I had to fellow my heart back to Australia indefinitely,” Natalie says.
After eight years of being together, both Natalie and Mark were constantly hassled by friends and family on when Mark would pop the question. It was the morning of a big trip to Borneo that the couple had planned, and Mark thought it would be a good idea to have breakfast at a local café. “Mark grabbed my hand and without realising leads me to the bench we shared our very first kiss, I spoke about how exciting life was right now and how happy I was – I couldn’t have lined it up for him any better. He dropped to one knee pulled out the ring; I swore loudly, laughed hysterically, froze in shock then cried my eyes out,” Natalie said in excitement.
The couple knew they wanted a European destination wedding. The style the bride went for was a very modern and contemporary theme however, adding in an Italian twist. “We were very conscious to not lose ourselves in the styling of the wedding and to keep it as minimal and elegant as possible, at the same time have that destination feel about it,” Natalie mentions. The pair decided to wed at Casa Angelina in Praiano, Italy, which tied in very well to the modern and contemporary theme.
The morning of the wedding consisted of a romantic letter and gift from Mark. Natalie spent the morning with her two best friends who had stayed with her the night before. The emotions before the wedding were at high, with lots of happy tears and laughter. “It was surprisingly such a relaxing day, something I was very adamant on.”
Being a very intimate affair with only 40 guests, the couple didn’t feel the need to have a bridal party. They recommend others design their day around their own choices, making it feel relaxed and personal. “Be in the moment, close your eyes take a deep breath and feel those butterflies fly – it is the most magical day. Take it all in,” Natalie advises.
Scroll through for the rest of Natalie and Mark’s intimate Italian wedding.
“My engagement ring is custom designed from Charles Rose Jewelers which features an emerald cut diamond with a perfectly matched halo of calibrated cut baguettes and brilliants, held up by two trapezoid diamonds on a platinum band.”
Shoes by Christian Louboutin, crafted in Italy from ivory floral lace, trimmed with satin, and featuring the signature red leather sole.
Emily Lauren designed the most special custom Positano-themed invitations, shares the bride.
Just wed.
The ‘Natalie’ gown by One Day Bridal.
Mr and Mrs Basile.
Flowers from the Amalfi Coast florist, by Francesco Di Bianco.
The bride and her father walking down the aisle.
Table setting with a view.
The newlyweds listening to speeches.
An Italian-style departure from the wedding.
“Instead of a head veil I wore two veils extending from the shoulders which created a soft romantic look for the ceremony.”
Entertainment by a Neapolitan Italian quintet band.
Back detail of the bride’s incredible One Day Bridal dress.
The couple tied the knot on July 7, 2018.
The event production was by The Amalfi Coast Wedding planner.
Happily ever after.
“Mark confessed during his wedding speech that he feared if he didn’t tell me how he felt [the night we met], he may not have ever seen me again,” Natalie shares.
“The first glance of my Mark, as I turned the corner onto the aisle, his big grin and bright eyes, I will never forget it.”
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