Ballerina bride undergoes shock haircut in middle of wedding

Instead of an outfit change, Queensland Ballet dancer Sophie Zoricic opted for a mid-wedding haircut to surprise her guests

Jane Armitstead

@JaneArmitstead

4 min read

September 20, 2022 - 4:00PM

QWeekend

Brisbane mum's wedding proposal falls through the cracks

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This bride shocked guests with a bold move midway through her wedding day. Queensland Ballet dancer Sophie Zoricic decided to get a dramatic haircut between the ceremony and reception at her Whitsundays wedding to Nathan Scicluna, on August 5 this year.

The idea had been in her mind for months, she says, but she had dismissed it, only to make an impulse decision on the morning of her big day to get the chop. It added a fun reveal, says Sophie, to the Toowong couple’s intimate day at Villa Botanica in Airlie Beach, where they tied the knot in front of 25 guests.

The couple met in 2013 when Sophie joined the Queensland Ballet, with Nathan a dancer there at the time. After a few months, they were partnered together for a ballet which only strengthened their connection.

Queensland Ballet dancer Sophie Zoricic and her husband Nathan Scicluna on their wedding day. Picture: Edward Pope

Tell me about the proposal.

Sophie: It was on January 3, 2021, the most special day. After we had such a good time on our first holiday together in December 2013 – a road trip to North Queensland – we were keen to relive those memories again in December 2020. We spent New Year’s Eve at Daydream Island Resort and on our last day on the island Nathan planned a surprise helicopter flight to Whitehaven Beach where we spent an hour alone with a picnic and a bottle of champagne! As Nathan started taking photos of the scenery he pointed to something in the champagne glass. I realised I was looking at my dream ring. I burst into tears, sculled the bubbles and of course said yes, Nathan capturing the whole moment!

How did you choose the venue?

We wanted a destination wedding and the Whitsundays held a special place in our hearts with such strong memories made there. When we came across Villa website and explored their virtual tour of the estate we got so excited we booked our flights to see it in person. We fell in love with the fusion of lush gardens and ocean views with a feeling of European riviera. It was very “us” and we locked in the date right away.

How did you manage the budget? We were lucky enough to have both our parents help us out in different capacities. We didn’t want to shy away from what we wanted for our special day so we definitely ended up exceeding our original quote.

Queensland Ballet dancer Sophie Zoricic and her husband Nathan Scicluna on their wedding day. Picture: Edward Pope

How did you find your wedding dress?I had initially started designing a dress with a talented friend and designer but when she advised me to try on some dresses to see what I liked, I fell in love with one. On day one of looking, my mum and I had been to three shops with the last one being Karen Willis Holmes in Paddington and as I saw myself in The Perry gown, I couldn’t wipe the beaming smile off my face. I just had a feeling and although it wasn’t initially what I pictured for myself it made me feel elegant and timeless. The sleeves were appropriate for a winter reception in the open air and the detailing of the beads were so detailed and intricate. It was figure hugging, showing some of my back but also had a small train that looked like water draping from my hips to the floor. I also loved the vintage vibe and knew it would work perfectly with my mum’s short fish wire trimmed veil.

How did you find the planning process? We struggled not to feel guilt when finalising our invitations. Due to a lot of factors including location, distance and budget we restrained our guest list right down to a very intimate setting which ultimately is what we wanted. Planning a wedding can be very time consuming so it was also a juggle to fit it in with my rigorous rehearsal schedule for Queensland Ballet’s upcoming production of Manon.

Were there any surprises on the day? A big surprise for all the guests, and the groom, was a pre-reception hair chop! It was an idea I had a few months prior after not deciding to do an outfit change but I only decided on the morning of the wedding after being encouraged by the girls and my hairdresser that it was a fun idea. I took the plunge and went for it! I revealed it once the guests were seated on the seadeck and Nathan and I entered for our first dance. We also were surprised by some fireworks after our cake cutting due to a local festival in Airlie Beach.

Queensland Ballet dancer Sophie Zoricic shocked guests with a dramatic haircut midway through her wedding

What was a standout moment for you? The first moment we locked eyes on each other down the aisle would have to be the most special and surreal! But I think the highlight was watching the whole wedding party – including the oldest and youngest – kick their shoes off and get on the dance floor for hours on end after all the formalities were over.

Would you do anything differently? We still feel like it was a dream come true and wouldn’t change a thing.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding? Follow bridal accounts on Instagram and see what you do and don’t like but always think outside the box to make sure the wedding day is a reflection of you both rather than an impersonation of a celebrity wedding.