If this was the proposal, imagine how massive the wedding is going to be when Bulldogs star Jacob Kiraz ties the knot with his childhood sweetheart.
The NRL star became engaged to his partner Elian Jabbour in extravagant scenes on the weekend, with the elaborate surprise party he planned doomed to be an expensive exercise in futility if she’d said no.
‘Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. It was always you,’ he posted to Instagram on Sunday.
‘The easiest yes. I love you,’ Elian replied.
Kiraz must have been supremely confident Elian would say yes after going to lengths you’d usually associate with a Hollywood rom-com movie to propose to the love of his life.
It started with a romantic proposal by Sydney Harbour, with Jacob going down on one knee under the trees with the city’s famous bridge in the background.
Jacob Kiraz went to great lengths to propose to his long-term girlfriend Elian Jabbour (pictured together)
The setup by Gigi So Sweet Events was stunning, a white picnic setting covered with red rose petals, soft blankets, candles and a picnic box from Graze & Gaze.
It was private, emotional and beautifully captured by Encore Collective in photos and video.
Elian looked amazed as Jacob proposed with a sparkling engagement ring from Patrick Nader Fine Jewels, who also created her elegant jewellery for the day.
After the proposal, the couple celebrated at Paradiso Receptions, which was transformed into a glamorous white and gold space.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and soft purple lighting filled the room.
The tables were set with gold-edged plates, crystal glasses, and custom-designed place cards by Jamie Lee Designs, each featuring a childhood photo of Jacob and Elian.
The floral arrangements were breathtaking, white orchids, blue hydrangeas, and pink roses by Gigi So Sweet Events surrounded a feature wall with Jacob and Elian written across it.
In front stood a beautiful white tiered cake made by NTA Cakes, matching the elegant style of the night.
The Bulldogs star pulled out all the stops, including a lavish engagement party including a cake
The party was held at Paradiso Receptions, a Fairfield wedding reception venue, with the building fitted out with spectacular decorations
Guests were welcomed by this sign at the door, with Kiraz obviously beyond certain that his partner was going to say yes
Jabbour is an occupational therapist who was also an Australian champion gymnast
Guests took photos in the Captured Moments Photobooth, while Jacob and Elian celebrated with family and friends.
Jacob gave a heartfelt speech beside Elian, both smiling beside their cake and flowers.
A host of Bulldogs and NRL teammates congratulated the couple including Viliame Kikau, Bronson Xerri, Jake Preston, Enari Tuala and Xavier Savage.
Xerri posted an Instagram video of his own, showing Jabbour’s shock as she walked into the venue and saw the guests and the elaborate preparations.
‘A love story written by God. So happy I get to call you my sister,’ Kiraz’s sister said, after being charged with keeping the secret and bringing Elian to the proposal site.
Jabbour is an occupational therapist in Sydney and was also an Australian champion gymnast in her teenage years.
She was named 2021 Aerobic Levels Athlete of the Year and Aerodance Athlete of the Year by Gymnastics Australia.
Earlier in her career, she received multiple titles such as Junior International Athlete of the Year (2016), Age Group Athlete of the Year (2016 and 2018), and International Representative of the Year (2018).
