Brisbane celeb pulls off epic wedding for less than $10,000
A pink Cadillac, an Elvis impersonator and tons of confetti were standouts at a Brisbane celebrity’s epic wedding pulled off on just a $10,000 budget.
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Emma Sheppard, from the popular Brisbane band Sheppard, married Liam Sheppard in an intimate Brisbane ceremony with a fun,
Vegas vibe.
The couple, who coincidentally have the same surname, live in Nashville in the US, but returned home to wed at Wham Bam Thank You Sam in Windsor on Brisbane’s northside on March 8 in a ceremony complete with a pink Cadillac and an Elvis impersonator.
The elopement-style event was before 13 guests, with a reception afterwards at Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm.
The couple are pushing ahead with plans to hold a second wedding in Mexico early next year, which was their original idea, but a family health issue led to them holding the small Brisbane ceremony first.
“Liam’s Dad has Alzheimer’s, and he would not be able to make it to Mexico … it was really important to Liam and his family to have him there,” Emma said.
Emma plays bass in the indie pop band Sheppard, which is fronted by her siblings George and Amy, while Liam is a tour manager. The Sheppard siblings relocated to Nashville last year, as the US is home to their biggest fanbase.
The couple met more than five years ago at the Function Well gym in Newstead.
Where was the proposal?
Emma: Liam proposed at my 30th birthday party at SeaWorld Resort on the Gold Coast during our residency at Movie World.
How and why did you choose your wedding venue?
We were looking for something small, fun and unique and instantly thought of Wham Bam Thank You Sam.
What was the budget for your wedding?
We wanted to keep this wedding under $10k. We are having two weddings so we wanted to keep this one as low as possible.
What would you spend more or less on?
I would have spent less on shoes. I didn’t know what shoes would go best so I had about four options.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I was so lucky that Sam from Bloom (in Newstead) had suggested I wear the Vivienne Westwood dress. When she sent me a photo I instantly loved it. I was worried if I would fit into it as I didn’t have time to get alterations. When I landed in Brisbane, I tried on the dress and it fitted perfect and was obviously meant to be. I did have fun trying on lots of other dresses but nothing trumped the Vivienne Westwood.
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?
I planned the whole wedding while living in Nashville.
What thoughts did you have while waiting, and then seeing your bride walk down the aisle?
Liam: I had a mix of nerves and excitement, mostly nerves about saying my vows and excited because I knew this is what I wanted and something I have been looking forward to for years. First thought was I picked the dress! And how lucky I am to have Emma coming down the aisle.
What would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?
Getting our flight back to Australia. We missed our first flight due to weather and then we were put on one the next night. When we got to the gate to board, the pilot came out and said “This plane isn’t going to Brisbane due to the toilets not working.” Of course I was in tears but then they found another plane and we arrived back on the morning of the 4th (four days before the wedding).
What was the standout moment of the day?
Our vows at Wham Bam and then our meal at Balfour.
Best (or least favourite or most surprising) wedding gift you received?
We asked people to donate to Queensland Brain Institute as Liam’s Dad has dementia. If you would still like to gift us a wedding present we’d love you to donate.
qbi.uq.edu.au/ways-to-donate
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What was a wedding non-negotiable for you?
Videographer and photographer.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Be open to changes and taking it in your stride.
The bride
Emma Sheppard, 30
Profession Musician
Parents Greg and Linda Sheppard
Dress Vivienne Westwood from Bloom
Hair Jools from Haus of Jools
Make-up Renee Johnson
Flowers Evoke
Engagement ring Mendlerose
Wedding stylist Me (Emma). I had styling help from Evoke and House of Harvey
The Groom
Liam Sheppard, 32
Profession Tour manager
Parents Sally and Terry Sheppard
Suit Wil Valor
Transport borrowed a pink Cadillac
Videographer Nick Reed from Reed Media
Celebrant Paul Voge
Caterer Spicers Balfour Hotel
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