Bride and groom break wedding rules for dream day

These newlyweds have a big piece of advice for those about to step down the aisle: don’t be afraid to break all the wedding ‘rules’.

2 min read

December 2, 2021 - 11:30PM

QWeekend

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These newlyweds have a piece of advice for other soon-to-be-married couples – don’t be afraid to break traditional wedding “rules”.

Bride Miranda Ninnes decided to surprise her husband-to-be Dwayne Monteiro by being the one to propose.

“After four years of dating, it was actually me who popped the question in January 2020, much to Dwayne’s and everyone’s great surprise,” Miranda says.

The inner-city Brisbane couple, who married on June 12, also ditched the tradition of a wedding cake, instead organising a dessert platter for their guests.

Wedding of Miranda and Dwayne Monteiro. Picture: Megan Kelly

Miranda chose to wear a coloured dress (pictured, right) for the reception.

“Don’t be scared to break ‘rules’ or ‘traditions’, have fun, be creative and ultimately you will create memories that will last a lifetime,” Miranda says.

The couple held their ceremony at The Greek Club’s Grand Balcony, followed by a reception for 73 guests at the Acropolis and Olympus Room at The Greek Club.

How did you meet?

Through my university roommate and although Dwayne was wildly more extravagant than me at first, I knew he was someone I had to know.

First dance?

In honour of Dwayne’s family’s Indian background, our first dance was a Bollywood song with Bollywood-inspired choreography that we created, which was full of energy and fun. They were completely ecstatic to see it.

Wedding of Miranda and Dwayne Monteiro. Picture: Megan Kelly

Wedding theme?

We wanted an overseas wedding – inspired by our travels through Europe. But when Covid hit a month after our engagement, our chances of an overseas wedding looked grim. After seeing The Greek Club we decided we’d bring the destination to us.

What was the standout moment of the day?

Walking into our reception hand-in-hand
with an epic song playing and all our guests cheering while surrounded by the stunning decor. It really felt like a moment out of a European celebration.

What would you spend more or less on?

I would spend less time worrying about tiny details like the colour of a candle because what was most important for us really was having fun with our guests and feeling comfortable to dance, eat, drink good wine and celebrate.

Wedding of Miranda and Dwayne Monteiro. Picture: Megan Kelly

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Learn to let go, enjoy the moment and look for a venue that’s the perfect blank canvas like The Greek Club to customise your dream day. Lastly, don’t be scared to break “rules” or “traditions”, have fun, be creative and ultimately you will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Advice for other couples whose weddings are impacted by Covid?

Research your venues well.

Don’t forget to always have a backup plan as it’s better to be safe than sorry.