Bridgerton theme, pink dress code and a six-storey champagne tower: Is this Brisbane’s most epic wedding?
With a Disneyland proposal, a Bridgerton theme, Disney songs to walk down the aisle and pink dress code, this was one of Brisbane’s most epic weddings.
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A Bridgerton theme with all the guests wearing pink, an I spy game during cocktails, a Cadillac used in the Elvis movie, members of the wedding party entering to movie theme songs and a six-storey champagne tower were just part of the festivities at the wedding of Katrina West and Reece Watson.
The Brisbane couple, who have been together six years, become engaged in front of the Disneyland castle in Anaheim and then married on April 18 this year at Braeside Estate on the Gold Coast before 96 guests.
“The ceremony felt like a scene from Bridgerton with a harpist and violinist playing both modern and old-school love songs,” says Katrina. “We had some European-style urns and plinths set up in front of the hedge with these gorgeous pink and white floral arrangements inside.
“My grandparents and I had created our mirror welcome sign at the entrance for our guests to take photos in and I designed programs with an I spy game for our guests to take photos and videos of certain moments and share with us.”
All the guests wore pink and even the celebrant, Bec Treby, wore a pink suit.
Reece and his groomsmen entered to the Avengers Endgame theme song and Katrina’s bridal party arrived to Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You with petals being thrown down the aisle by her Man of Honour. After arriving in a 1955 Cadillac Coupe that was used in the Elvis film (in which Katrina played Ann Eastland) she walked in to Beauty and the Beast.
How did you meet?Katrina: In January 2018 at Soho Sundays at The Fox. When I saw Reece and his friends walk in, I thought they were a bit dorky but my friend knew them and said, “We have to hang out with these guys all night, they are so funny!” and so we did. Reece and I quickly realised that we had heaps of mutual friends, we lived 10 minutes from each other, went to the same University (QUT) and had been at the same events in the past (even a 21st birthday two nights prior) yet our paths had never crossed. We went on a few dates later that week and the rest is history!
The proposal?Reece proposed in the front of the Disneyland castle on December 3, 2022. I had an inkling that it was going to happen as I had shown him every episode of Disney Fairytale Weddings prior to our trip but it was on the last day of our four-day Disney stay in our matching Disney Christmas sweaters at the castle and he surprised me with a heartfelt speech before asking me to marry him.
Why did you choose your wedding venue?
We loved the idea of having a garden wedding in the Circle, but the recently renovated Pavilion (reception venue) is what really got us. You’re greeted by big chandeliers, a beautiful indoor-outdoor bar and European-style panelling. Just outside of it, is plenty of relaxed seating and an outdoor fireplace.
What was the reception like?
It was a blast. We entered The Pavilion to Geronimo by Sheppard with sparkulars firing up beside the doors as we came through. We went straight into a champagne tower with the sparkulars still firing and this was such a party starter. Our guests started with a glass of champagne and the most amazing share-plate meals by our caterers Gareth Keenan Catering. The speeches were spectacular before our cake cutting and first dance and parent dance with music played by Verity, Ben, Zach and Logan from Rhythm Road Agency. We danced to Beyond by Leon Bridges before opening up the dance floor for the night. The band were so talented. We were also really proud of our pinky promise neon sign photo-op which tied back to when Reece and I pinky promised to stay together for at least six months so I wouldn’t waste my money on flights to Queenstown with his mates – a trip he really wanted me to join him on. Our table numbers were framed images of Reece and I when we were one, two, three and four years old to reflect each table number. The reception was just a big party.
What was the budget? About $65,000.
What would you spend more or less on?
I wouldn’t necessarily spend more or less on anything, but I’d say to invest in your florals, your music (having live musicians completely set the tone for both our ceremony and our reception), and fun personalisations.
How did you go about choosing your dress?
I went to LUV Bridal in Brisbane and tried on four gowns before deciding. The video I made about my try-on experience went viral and I later found a message from LUV Bridal wanting to collaborate on social media so they ended up gifting me my reception gown.
What thoughts did you have while waiting for the bride? Reece: Katrina was running a little late so my main thought was, “I wonder when she’ll arrive”. Katrina’s Nana yelled out “Don’t worry Reece, she’s worth waiting for” to which I replied, “It’s all right, I wait for her all the time”, which gave everyone a little chuckle. When Katrina walked down the aisle I was just in absolute awe she looked so beautiful.
Any unique details?We invited our guests to wear pink, which looked amazing.
The Bride
Katrina West, 26
Profession Influencer/content creator, actor
Parents Steve and Michelle West
Bridesmaids Man of Honour AJ Hawkins, bridesmaids Emrys Baigent, Meg King, Emma Buckman, Sheridan Thomson
Dress Milla Nova and
Evie Young (reception) from LUV Bridal
Casino afterparty dress Elliatt
Hair Sass & Braids
Make-up Fernando Hervas
Flowers Arctic Fox Events
The Groom
Reece Watson, 27
Profession Software developer
Parents Craig and Jenny Watson
Groomsmen Best Man Ryan Watson, Jordan West, Jack Stock, Tom Hughes
Suit Male Manor
Entertainment Ceremony Sweethearts Music; reception Rhythm Road Agency
Transport Elite Transfers
Videographer Sunny Day Films
Cake I Heart Cakes by Casey, white chocolate mud cake, lemon buttercream.
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