Inside celebrity stylist Meagan Concessio's wedding with photographer Sheldon Santos

For celebrity stylist Meagan Concessio and photographer Sheldon Santos, love blossomed in the most unexpected way—a casual meeting on a shoot in November 2020 where she was styling and he was behind the lens. Concessio remembers being struck by how easy it was to talk to Santos. “He wasn’t like anyone I’d ever met before. He was funny, easy to get along with, and I didn’t have to think too much before speaking. I felt we were super compatible right from the start,” she shares.

Fast forward to a seemingly ordinary day at the park, which turned out to be a turning point in their lives. As they sat on the swings chatting casually, Santos suddenly got down on one knee. “It completely took me by surprise,” Concessio recalls. Even as Santos nervously placed the ring on the wrong hand, the moment was filled with laughter and love. “Meagan said ‘ya’ instead of ‘yes,’ and we couldn’t stop laughing. It made the proposal even more special,” says Santos.

Blending tradition with personal touches, laughter with tears, and style with sentiment, their journey is surely one for the books.

Planning their dream wedding

When envisioning their wedding day, Concessio and Santos knew they wanted an experience that was true to them—personal, stylish, and filled with meaning. “The décor was even more beautiful than we had imagined, and seeing all our references and details come to life was truly fulfilling. The feeling of marrying your best friend is indescribable,” says Concessio.

The wedding seamlessly combined tradition with personal flair. The couple tied the knot in a church ceremony at St Peter’s Church in Bandra, with a short blessing ceremony with their families, adding an intimate touch before the grand exchange of vows. But what truly set their wedding apart were the personal details: their favourite football clubs, Liverpool and Manchester United, inspired the bar menu, and their chairing song, “Forever” by Chris Brown, was a nod to binge-watching The Office together during the lockdown.

Among the many exciting moments, learning their first dance with their friend Simonelle was one that truly stood out for the couple. Calling it therapeutic, the couple shared that it gave them a chance to relax and focus on each other amidst the chaos of wedding planning.

A celebration of style

Keeping it classic, Santos opted for a timeless white tuxedo styled by his friend, Abhilasha Devnani. It featured a sentimental lining made from birthday and anniversary cards and handwritten notes from Concessio. “It felt incredibly special to carry a piece of our story with me,” he shared.

Concessio’s bridal wardrobe was a testament to her love for fashion. For the church ceremony, she opted for a dramatic, not to mention very chic, ball gown, which she wore with the train for the reception for comfort and elegance during their first dance. For the after-party, Concessio chose a silk sari dress by homegrown label Gundi Studios, paired with an embroidered cap that read “marriage material.” “I knew I was being extra by changing three times, but my best friend reminded me to stay true to myself. Fashion has always been my passion, so I embraced it,” she said with a laugh.

Family, friends, and unforgettable moments

The couple’s wedding was a labour of love, made even more special by the contributions of their loved ones. From song selections to décor, the couple's friends and family poured their hearts into making the day unforgettable. Concessio’s parents, both musicians, performed lively jive songs, their friend and professional dancer, Simonelle, taught them their first dance, and Concessio’s bridesmaid Stacy meticulously planned the décor. “Our family and friends showed up for us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Their love and care made the day even more meaningful,” they said.

Walking down the aisle with her father and seeing Santos at the altar was a deeply emotional moment for Concessio. The couple relayed how the exchange of vows felt surreal. “Hearing the words ‘man and wife’ made everything feel real,” they shared.

Their advice for couples

“Start early. Speak to couples whose weddings you’ve enjoyed and try and understand what went into planning them. Always learn from people’s mistakes and try to avoid repeating them. Hire a good wedding planner and ask for help when you feel overwhelmed. Try finishing all the little things in advance so you can enjoy the week leading up to the big day. Believe that the day will be amazing, no matter what.”