Wedding guests were greeted by a spectacular sight when they arrived at Torquay’s Crowne Plaza to
celebrate the wedding of Rachelle Kaleta and Claudio De Brito

Rachelle Kaleta describes her marriage as a joyous union of different cultures.
The Highton bride-to-be was determined to infuse her nuptials with an international flavour by honouring traditions from her Filipino heritage and her fiancé Claudio De Brito’s Brazilian background.

To do this Rachelle looked upon the reception at Torquay’s Crowne Plaza as a chance to treat guests to a truly multi-cultural celebration.

“Claudio proposed to me on the day he became an Australian citizen and it was the most special moment of our lives,” Rachelle says. “It is a union of cultures which is why I tried to incorporate as many traditions as possible. In Brazil, the bride and groom both wear engagement rings, because of this I decided to propose to Claudio, soon after his proposal to me.”

Following their engagement Rachelle spent 12 months carefully planning every aspect of the May 1 event to ensure nothing was left to chance.

“I put a lot of planning into the decoration for the reception. I guess I have always dreamed of this day as every girl does and I wanted everything to be perfect,” the 34-year-old says.

The Catholic couple decided upon a ceremony at St Mary’s Basilica where a Brazilian Portuguese translator ensured Claudio’s family could understand every word being spoken.

“I am usually pretty emotional, I was when I said my vows but surprisingly I was quite relaxed and so very excited to marry my beautiful husband,” Rachelle says when reflecting on the ceremony.

When the 109 wedding guests arrived at the Crowne Plaza they were treated to a memorable night that brought a touch of Brazil to the Surf Coast. Guests dined to the Latino sounds of Brazilian lounge music and later danced the night away to a selection of music by DJ Ali.

Before leaving guests could help themselves to the Brazilian Favours Bar offering a selection of sweet treats. The table was ornately decorated with candles, glassware, lights and flowers in keeping with Brazilian tradition. “I had ‘fill me as a thank you’ bags so that prior to the reception finishing the guests could go to the favours bar and fill the bags with whatever they liked,” Rachelle says.

Also on the table was a traditional four-tier wedding cake made by local firm Kiss Kakes and Casadinhos – Brazilian biscuits that symbolise unity and a wish for a sweet life together for the bride and groom. “Each guest took one at the end of the festivities and it is believed that once eaten the guest will enjoy the symbolic token of togetherness,” Rachelle explains.

Looking back the happy newlywed says she was shocked at how the details that seemed so important before the big day, actually faded into the background.

“I am a bit of a perfectionist. The candy bar seemed so important but I never really even looked at it on the night. I was so surprised at myself that I actually allowed myself to relax and just enjoy my time with Claudio.

“You go to so much effort and it’s lovely to know that everyone has enjoyed themselves. But the one thing I would say to any bride is that while you want it to be perfect, on the day all you care about is each other.”

Rachelle says she could not have got through it all without the support of her mum, sisters and bridesmaids – and, of course, Claudio.
The happy couple decided to forgo their honeymoon and instead enjoyed a travelling holiday within Australia with Claudio’s family.
It was the perfect conclusion to a day that was a meaningful celebration of family, culture and tradition.

“I just feel lucky to have the man I have got who is so beautiful and fortunate to have such beautiful family and friends who made my day just wonderful,” Rachelle says.

– Kylie Oliver