Eminent beauty therapist Jocelyn Petroni looked her radiant best when she tied the knot with John Clarkson in a chic black and white affair.
Jocelyn Petroni and John Clarkson happened to be introduced by our very own editor-in-chief. “We were introduced by our dear friends Edwina McCann and David Basha,” shares Jocelyn. “The four of us went out to dinner and I was incredibly nervous. Johnny was his usual talkative and hilarious self and I instantly fell in love with his smiling eyes.”
As the relationship developed, the couple decided to book in a magical trip to Whale Beach one weekend. “As soon as we arrived we grabbed champagne and glasses and walked down the road to check out the surf. It was a windy day and Johnny’s glass smashed on the footpath when he placed it on a nearby bench. I thought he was picking up the pieces when he dropped to his knee so I knelt down to help him when he said: ‘Look at me!’ I was completely taken by surprise. I love how casual our proposal was – true to Johnny and a reflection of our relationship.”
The couple are from different faiths and wanted to incorporate both elements into their wedding plans. “Johnny is Catholic and I am Buddhist, but brought up Catholic, so we wed at Johnny’s local Catholic church. We plan to travel to Bhutan for a belated honeymoon to receive blessings from the Tibetan lamas, which will be my spiritual wedding.” As for the reception dinner, they settled on a space that was quintessentially Sydney. “Catalina [in Rose Bay] is an iconic Sydney restaurant and I have always loved dinning there with my girlfriends. Being a family-owned and operated venue, the McMahons look after their guests and the spectacular food and view is all you need to keep everyone happy. And espresso martinis, of course.”
Given Jocelyn is considered one of Sydney’s best beauty therapists, the wedding planning also centred around achieving an enviable, lit-from-within glow for her big day. “My skin had to be looking its absolute best for a natural make-up look to shine through. I put my skin on an intensive wedding skin program nine months prior to the date. It was fun to treat my skin to everything available in my salon without holding back. My skin has never been so radiant and glowing.”
Scroll through to go inside this elegant Sydney wedding.
Stepping out of the wedding Rolls-Royce with her father Joseph. The bride wore a wedding dress by Elie Saab. “I asked my stylish girlfriend Nat to help me find a gown. She said her heart fluttered when she came across this Elie Saab dress and her adoration was infectious.”
“My bouquet was a surprise on the day, from Kashaya,” says Jocelyn.
Walking down the aisle with her father inside Sydney’s Mary Immaculate Catholic church.
Taking their vows inside the church. The groom wore a suit by MJ Bale.
The bride in her Elie Saab gown and handmade veil and Jimmy Choo shoes. Jocelyn’s hair was by Julia Homard and Melanie Burke, while her make-up was by Amelia Axton.
Adorable in sashed dresses and floral crowns, the two flower girls pose with their aunt.
With her five bridesmaids all dressed in Rachel Gilbert gowns.
The bridal party epitomise the theme of the event: chic, traditional and beautiful.
Jocelyn chose rings designed by her friend, Matthew Ely. “My friend, jeweller Matthew Ely, [also] created a magnificent pair of earrings for the day with a simple pair of diamonds and oversized pearls.”
Just married: the couple stroll through McKell Park.
The bride and groom in McKell Park on the shores of Sydney Harbour.
“When we entered Catalina for the reception our bridal party spontaneously danced into the venue. Johnny and I went straight to the champagne tower, filled it up and helped ourselves to the first glass and had a boogie on the dance floor. I was laughing and bursting with joy.”
A gorgeous gilded sign at the entry to the reception space.
White oversized roses, hydrangeas, orchids and greenery fill the room.
Table settings adhere to the elegant black and white style brief.
The first dance was to At Last by Etta James.
Chanel products in Catalina’s bathroom. “Working with Chanel, I filled the bathroom with Chanel fragrances. Almira Armstrong from Lumira created candles decorated with our initials, which were then placed throughout Catalina. The room smelled like heaven.”
Cutting the cake, a bold black-frosted version by Kashaya & Co., who were also the wedding planners behind the big day.
“By far my favourite moment of the wedding was my sister’s speech and her incredibly powerful words about me. I listened to her speak wanting to be the woman she was talking about, overwhelmed that I am,” shares Jocelyn.
Words by Danielle Gay
Bride & Groom: Jocelyn and John
Planning & Styling: Kashaya & Co
Gown: Elie Saab
Venue: Catalina, Rose Bay
Photography: Erin and Tara
Floral: Kashaya & Co
Rings: Matthew Ely
Hair: Julia Homard and Melanie Burke
Make Up: Amelia Axton