An afternoon storm, eating ice-cream in a wedding dress and a time-sensitive surprise – sounds like the recipe for a few wedding dramas, but for Sarah and Billy’s city nuptials it led to one hell of a celebration. Made unforgettable by seriously good food, a performance from the heart and an iconic riverside location, this wedding has plenty to swoon over. You have been warned…
If these two ridiculously attractive faces look familiar, it’s no surprise. Sarah, a Channel Seven journalist, met Network Ten’s Couch Time presenter Billy when they were both working in Cairns. “A true modern-day love story, we locked eyes while dancing on tabletops at one of Cairns’ most popular nightclubs,” laughs Sarah. If that’s not an indication that you’ve got killer moves then we don’t know what is.
On their first date, Billy took Sarah for ice-cream at his favourite gelato shop. After such a sweet start the two fell for each other and moved back to Sarah’s hometown of Brisbane. Two years later, Billy’s plans to pop the question during a weekend away in Port Douglas faltered when his excitement got the better of him. “He got the engagement ring from the jeweller a few weeks earlier than expected and just couldn’t wait any longer,” says Sarah. “He set up a picnic blanket on our balcony with a bottle of Champagne while I was taking an afternoon nap on the couch, and when I woke up he popped the question at sunset.” Champagne, sunsets, naps – this guy knows his stuff.
Cut to the big day in 2016, and the weather seemed promising while Sarah was getting ready with her mum and bridesmaids… until they heard a huge clap of thunder. “We actually had Channel Seven’s weatherman do a personalised forecast for the big day and we knew there was a strong chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm,” says Sarah.
As the heavens opened, an anxious Billy was waiting at the church. “Billy knew my mum’s plan was not to leave home until the rain stopped, so he questioned if the wedding was going ahead that day!” Thankfully, it did stop, just as Sarah and her dad arrived at St Finbarr’s Church in Ashgrove. Right on cue, a rainbow appeared and sun streamed through the church windows as a string quartet played and Sarah walked down the aisle, dressed in an exquisite Lilli Marcs gown. Fairytale vibes, or what?
Saying “I do” and shedding a few happy tears (we’re looking at you, Billy), the two then roamed the city on a rainy photo shoot adventure. “We came across a group of scantily-clad guys filming a web series, dressed in black leather and strategically placed black gaffer-tape strips,” says Sarah. “So, of course, we invited them to join in our bridal photos! It was a hilarious moment and has raised many questions from people looking through our photos!”
Recalling the gelato theme of their first date, the couple got ice-cream cones at Mister Fitz’s in Fortitude Valley – brownie points go to Sarah who ate all her ice-cream without getting it on her dress. They then shared a bottle of Champagne with their bridal party at the nearby – and aptly named – Les Bubbles, before leisurely making their way to their reception at South Bank’s Stokehouse Q.
There was a definite sense of urgency in the air when the newlyweds finally arrived. “Our usually calm and collected MC looked panicked when we entered the bar area where our 110 guests were gathered to watch us cut our gorgeous cake, as per the run sheet,” explains Sarah. Immediately afterward, the couple and their bridal party were ushered over to the balcony for what they assumed was to be a photo backed by the city lights, when they heard a huge noise. Spotting a barge on the Brisbane River lit with their names, the two were surprised again when Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ started playing and the night sky was lit by an incredible fireworks display. “Everyone went crazy, screaming and cheering,” says Sarah. “My parents planned the whole thing and it was just amazing.”
Topping off the night with a delicious dinner, speeches and a special performance by songstress Laura, Sarah’s talented sister, the happy couple partied in style with their closest loved ones. “With espresso martinis in hand, our guests danced the night away,” reflect Sarah. “It was simply the best day.”
Bride’s Little Black Book
Photography: Sean McDonald Photography//Ceremony: St Finbarr’s Church, Ashgrove // Reception: Stokehouse Q, South Bank // Wedding dress: Lilli Marcs // Shoes: Shoes of Prey // Bridesmaid dresses:Zimmermann // Hair: Verve Hair // Makeup: Ellen Woodgate // Suits: Calibre // Flowers: Bouquet Boutique // Cake: Vanilla Pod // Fireworks: Skylighter Fireworks// Stationery: Little Peach Co // String quartet: Strings at Hand // Videographer:Matt Barwick Films Wedding // Cars: Limoso // Honeymoon: Italy
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