Geraldo admits he was swept off his feet by Lia from the very beginning when they met at a mutual friend’s party. He passed on his number but a couple of weeks later there was still no call from Lia! After some prompting from their mutual friend Charissa, Lia took the plunge and they set up their first date at Tokyo Tina.
“It’s very rare to find a person who is more interested in you and what you do, but that is one of the things that is different about Lia … She is very educated and I love her values on life. One thing led to another and by the end of the first date I wanted to know everything about her.”
They officially became a couple on their second date and Geraldo bought Lia a puppy just four months later. Their early relationship was a whirlwind but both quickly realised that they shared the same values and loved the simple life at home with their dogs Ninja and Maddy.
“He is a very loyal and protective person and will just do anything for me. He is also incredible generous to me and my family; he treats them like his own family and always wants to help.”
When it came to the proposal, Geraldo’s idea of popping the question in his native Albania during a European holiday came undone. Not disheartened though, he produced the ring while they were at a winery in Tuscany (see our blog post on their engagement session).
For their wedding, Lia and Geraldo chose the beautiful Immerse Winery in the Yarra Valley for their ceremony and reception, which followed five days of Albanian celebrations. We arrived at Geraldo’s family home on the wedding day to be greeted with tables laden with desserts and sweets, speakers pumping with traditional music and plenty of space to dance and perform the traditional morning shave.
The celebrations (and loud music!) continued for the rest of the day and well into the night at Immerse once Lia and Geraldo had officially tied the knot thanks to the lovely Kate Haley. It was really the perfect day – a mixture of emotional moments, heartfelt vows, a super-fun bridal party and then a massive party at the end!
Lia and Geraldo – you guys are such a perfect match for each other and you are surrounded by such supportive, loving family and friends, we know you are going to have the most wonderful marriage. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.
Lia and Geraldo’s Dream Team: Ceremony and Reception: Immerse in the Yarra Valley | Celebrant: Kate Haley | Dress: And the Veil | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Esther | Hair and makeup: Eleni Milionis |Flowers: Kena Shurdho | Cake: Blame it on cake | Entertainment: Sunday Groove | Chauffeur: Night Owl | Videographer: Lensure
