Adelaide millionaire Ross Makris marries former Miss Australia Olivia Stratton in New York

IT could have been Adelaide’s society wedding of the year, but Olivia Stratton and Ross Makris had a change of heart and eloped to New York.

IT could have been Adelaide’s society wedding of the year, but Olivia Stratton and Ross Makris had a change of heart and eloped to New York.

The Miss World Australia 2003 and millionaire property developer tied the knot on December 22 in an intimate ceremony before close family on the NoMad Hotel’s rooftop terrace.

“Church bells started ringing — almost on cue — from around the city as we started walking down the aisle,” the now Mrs Makris said.

The couple, who began dating in 2010, had been planning to marry here until the arrangements “snowballed” and they decided to have a “private” wedding overseas.

“You only get married once so why not do it in New York,” Mrs Makris said, adding it was one of the couple’s favourite cities.

“New York has that beautiful, classic feel to it.”

The 32-year-old bride looked stunning in a couture gown by Paolo Sebastian featuring made-to-order French lace from Kate Middleton’s lacemaker worn with Jimmy Choo glitter heels.

“For my something blue ‘Ross’ was embroidered by hand in blue thread into a hidden seam of my gown,” she said.

Her groom wore a bespoke Tailors of Distinction suit and black silk bow tie.

Following a six-week honeymoon in the US, they have returned to Adelaide to celebrate.

Family and friends were recently invited to their eastern suburbs home for a black-tie soiree.

Guests included Mr Makris’ daughter Savannah, 7, who was flower girl when the newlyweds made their entrance at the party.

“It’s nice to be a Mrs ... it feels good,” Mrs Makris said.