Robin Bailey marries Sean Pickwell in emotional ceremony
Robin Bailey has spoken of her new husband as a “precious gift” she has waited 50 years to receive as the couple wed in an emotional ceremony near Byron Bay.
Confidential
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ROBIN Bailey has spoken of her new husband Sean Pickwell as a “precious gift” she has waited 50 years to receive as the couple wed in an emotional ceremony in Newrybar near Byron Bay.
In the days leading up to the wedding, the Triple M breakfast presenter broke down in tears as she described how she had been reflecting on the ups and downs of her life in recent years, in the context of her milestone birthday and marriage.
Bailey and her family were heartbroken after losing her late husband Tony Smart to suicide in 2014, and have been on a rollercoaster ride since Pickwell’s liver cancer diagnosis last year.
Yesterday, the popular radio presenter was surrounded by love and was radiant in a Sant Elia gown, as she was escorted down the aisle at Newrybar Hall in northern NSW, by her three sons with Smart – Fin, Lewin and Piper.
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The classic hit How Sweet It Is was sung by Simon Meli. The same song was played when Pickwell arrived wearing a brightly coloured suit and flanked by his daughter Ally and son Jamie.
With their children by their side, both Bailey and Pickwell were were brought to tears during the ceremony.
“I’ve waited 50 years for this man to come into my life … but, at the same time, we came to each other when we were both ready to – the timing is everything,” she told The Sunday Mail before they exchanged vows in front of more than 120 family and friends.
“I feel like he is my absolute soulmate and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. He is the most precious gift, for my children and for myself.”
She said she had taken many quiet moments to reflect and absorb the outpouring of love, kindness and support the pair had been shown by everyone, from those closest to complete strangers, ahead of their nuptials.
“I knew after Tony died the way forward was just to keep positive, keep believing in love and just keep moving and, as long as you believe that the world is a good place, good things will happen,” she said through tears.
“One of the things that has become so clear in my life, is that even in the most awful times there has always been love and kindness.
“We (as a modern society) always talk about having to be happy all time but I think you need to recognise moments for what they are, sometimes terrible and sometimes they are wonderful – but don’t be frightened, you’ll survive, those darkest moments will always pass.
“I do genuinely feel the world is a great place, even though evil things happen. That positivity and that magic, I do feel it.”
Bailey first met Pickwell over 25 years ago, but reconnected with him in 2015, leading to a slow-burn romance that culminated in his move from Sydney to Brisbane to be by her side in May before he proposed to her at Movie World on the Gold Coast during a visit with all their children in July.
Their blended family has remained a focus, with her eldest son Fin having signed the marriage certificate as her witness, Lewin giving a toast at the reception held at Harvest and Piper reading a letter from the three of them to Pickwell.
“Sean came into their world really gently, he didn’t push them,” she said.
“He has just always been there, he says ‘I love your mum and want a relationship with you’ and I think my kids have been desperate for the normality of the family again and he has fulfilled that.”
Bailey and Pickwell were all smiles when they off in a White 64 Forde Falcon Convertible no roof with Pickwell after the ceremony.
Bailey changed into a couture dress by Toscano for the reception.
She said all five of their children would join them in the US for their honeymoon after the couple spend a few days alone.
“That’s the best way we could think of to spend our time,” she said.
Looking to the future, Bailey acknowledged Pickwell’s health battles, but said her loved one was currently feeling “really good” and the couple have learnt not to dwell on what-ifs.
“Cancer is a rollercoaster and there have been some incredible highs and incredible lows in the last 12 months,” she said.
“At the moment he is great and he is feeling really good.
“If the last five years on this planet has taught me anything, it’s that rather than worry about it you just celebrate it.
“I don’t know what next year will bring and I don’t care.
“Cancer is everywhere and it impacts everyone and people do lose their lives to cancer.
“Is that going to be Sean? Bloody hell, I hope not, but it’s pointless getting caught up in all that.”
She said the illness, which saw Pickwell undergo treatment including an operation to remove 40 per cent of his liver, had completely changed their approach to life.
“I’ve watched it change Sean’s philosophy – in some ways I wish everyone could be given gift of lessons that cancer gives and they are to not sweat the small stuff, if you have a bucket list, what are you waiting for?” she said.
In what proved to be an enormous week for the radio host, Bailey’s Triple M radio show The Big Breakfast with Marto, Robin and The Moonman also came out on top in the ratings survey.
“I don’t get fixated on numbers – my life has been so unreal over the last couple of years that I am just grateful to be here,” Bailey said.
“What a gift, to be turning 50 and to still be invested in a career I love and learning a whole new skill set.
“I’m super lucky, man, that’s a cool thing to happen. I love what I do.”
The wedding, which was planned and coordinated by Cate Allen-Ducat of Mother of Weddings, had a “glamorous and fabulous” dress code and featured a “special guest appearance” by her Triple M colleague Lawrence “The Moonman” Mooney in the character of former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
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