Priti & Justin’s Catholic-Hindu fusion wedding in Melbourne: Part 1

Today’s gorgeous union is a wonderfully colourful Catholic-Hindu fusion wedding between Melbourne couple Priti Bhatia, 28, and Justin Roberts, 29. The beautiful photos are by Marc Grist Photography and Part 1 of their 18 hour wedding day begins with a full Catholic mass and ceremony in front of 220 guests at St James Catholic Church, Brighton.

In her own words, Priti tells us how it all began – with the surprise of all surprises!

“After knowing each other for almost 10 years I was certain that Justin wouldn’t be able to surprise me and I always felt I’d know when he was planning to pop the question.

“On a normal morning at work, I opened up my emails and the usual ones were there – Living Social, Groupon, etc. Red Balloon had also sent me one as they were launching a new ‘Experience Dining’ site – where you book in for a surprise Experience over dinner – and you are unaware of what exactly the experience will be. I thought it looked really interesting so straight away I clicked on the link and booked dinner at Donovan’s for about six weeks later. I told Justin to keep the night free because I had a nice evening planned.

“Six weeks went by and I confirmed our booking. On the night, I picked Justin up from work and we drove to the restaurant. The waiter took us to a private dining room which was set up for two. There were candles everywhere, an open fire, and the room opened up onto the beach and a private balcony. I nudged Justin and said, “This is amazing – see I take you to the best places!”

“We had a glass of champagne by the fire and as the sun was setting we went out onto the balcony to watch it go down – and this is where Justin proposed! I said yes – after a good minute of what I call the ugly cry!

“When we walked back into the room for dinner, I said, “I have to call my parents,” and Justin replied, “They’ll be here in a minute!”

“He then told me that he had sent me the email about the Experience Dining – that he’d built the entire website that I clicked into to make the booking! When I emailed to confirm, it was Justin I was emailing! He had booked the private room at the restaurant – and organised all the candles and pre-selected all the drinks and food – and at 8.30pm our families joined us to share dinner and celebrate!”