‘A labour of love that spanned over 450 hours’: Bride’s epic couture fairytale gown

It was the perfect day for the lucky couple – in part thanks to one mum’s jaw-dropping gift.

Photographer: Cassandra Ladru

4 min read

October 30, 2024 - 11:10AM

QWeekend

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

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With the bride’s mother a wedding planner, their big day was smooth sailing for Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins.

The couple, who met at a beach party in Sydney, married on October 5 at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane with the reception for 180 guests at a private estate.

The reception included an illustrator, a magician and CO2 guns from Osmic productions that let the bride and groom spray a blast of cool smoke over their guests.

The Sydney couple honeymooned in the Maldives, Paris and the Loire Valley.

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

How did you meet? Billie: At a beach party in Palm Beach. I had just moved back to Sydney after living in Brisbane for 18 years and it turns out we have quite a few mutual friends but had never met – it was great timing for the both of us – meant to be.

How did he propose?We had booked a trip together to Europe in July 2023. Angus organised a proposal in the Dolomites in Italy. He proposed at the top of a mountain at the end of our hike and then we went to a beautiful alpine lodge to have a lovely celebratory dinner. The thought he put in and all the time planning was so special – he can be such a romantic.

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How did you choose your wedding dress? I had always had a very classic vision for my dress. When I started shopping, I couldn’t find exactly what I had envisioned. I had modelled a few of George Wu’s beautiful gowns a few years prior and knew he had amazing attention to detail and love of the craft. During my initial appointment with him, George literally sketched the dress I had been picturing and the dress came to life from there! George and his team made the whole entire process so fun and enjoyable, I will miss our appointments. George created my fairytale gown and dream party dress and I honestly am so grateful to him. He is incredible.

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

George Wu said of the dress: “Creating Billie’s stunning French lace gown was a labour of love that spanned over 450 hours. The exquisite lace was sourced from a century-old mill in northern France, renowned for its use of the original Leavers machine. Each hem was meticulously crafted by hand, with layers of lace carefully overlapped, stitched, and trimmed to achieve a seamless finish. As the evening unfolded, we introduced a second dress designed to infuse glamour and celebration into the event.”

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

What thoughts did you have while waiting at the altar?

Angus: I had a rush of emotion when I started to see Billie’s bridesmaids walking down the aisle. I felt excitement, joy and overwhelming happiness. When I saw Billie I just thought: ‘Wow she looks perfect, like something from a fairytale.’ I loved her dress and thought she looked stunning. I felt so lucky and so in love I definitely had to hold back a tear or two.

What was the most stressful part of the wedding planning?

Angus: Not too much to it, all in all it was quite a relaxing experience, I can only recommend it.
Billie: It was made so much easier thanks to my mum. She brought our vision to life with the help of her amazing supplier team. But if I had to pick one stressful moment, selecting a guest list is definitely up there!

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

Any unique or surprising features at your wedding?

Custom ice cubes of our initials from our amazing caterers; hydrangea bridal table from Blossom Tree. Surprising our guests with a beautiful illustrator (Kaili Saba) who drew groups of guests and couples and some amazing magic from Mike Tyler. Surprising the groom with a CO2 gun from Osmic productions was definitely a highlight.

What was the standout moment of the day?

We absolutely loved our reception entrance, it was so fun seeing all of our family and friends up dancing with their napkins in the air. Our first dance was also a highlight. We had worked with the Next Step Co and they choreographed a great mash-up.

What was non-negotiable?

We were both raised Catholic and knew we wanted to get married in a church. It was especially important for Angus to be married by his family priest. We were so lucky to have such a beautiful ceremony at St Stephen’s Cathedral, the music and tradition of it all was something we’d always dreamt of.

The wedding of Billie Bridger and Angus Higgins. Picture: Cassandra Ladru

What would you do differently?

Absolutely nothing! Looking back we were so blessed with the most incredible day.

Top wedding hack?

I am biased, but my mum is truly incredible at what she does and she loves all her couples so much. Having a wedding planner and stylist as amazing as her made the whole experience so much easier. Every single supplier that was part of our wedding did the most outstanding job.

Best advice for other couples?Hire my mum!