Cinderella carriage, choreographed dances, how singer and dancer tie the knot
He’s a singer-songwriter and she’s a professional dancer, singer and director with her own talent agency. The Sunshine Coast couple tied the knot at an outdoor ceremony at Caloundra.
QWeekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from QWeekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JASON Fichera and Laree Gadenne are the right combination.
He’s a singer-songwriter who has worked with some of Australia’s biggest names, including Daryl Braithwaite, Shannon Noll and Tim Freedman, and she’s a professional dancer, singer and director with her own talent agency.
The couple, from the Sunshine Coast, tied the knot in style with an outdoor ceremony at Caloundra’s Sir Leslie Wilson Park – a popular wedding spot combining stunning ocean views, grassy areas and headlands.
Celebrations continued with a reception at Alex Surf Club at Alexandra Headland.
The special day was organised and executed by Laree, her mother Rhonda, and sister-in-law/bridesmaid Carmen.
Laree made a spectacular entrance when she arrived at the ceremony in a Cinderella carriage.
A hundred guests celebrated the union with entertainment that included two choreographed dances from the bride and groom, with an impressive lift manoeuvre for added impact.
How did you meet?
We met in Los Angeles as we were representing Australia at the World Championships of Performing Arts. Jason was competing for singing and Laree in the dance and acting categories. We both won gold medals and various awards from the competition.
How did Jason propose?
Jason surprised me at Airlie Beach. He organised a private gazebo covered in candles, as well as picnic food and champagne. He tricked me into a silhouette sunset photo and when I turned back he was on one knee asking me to marry him.
Hen’s night?
One on the Sunshine Coast with family and friends, and one on the Gold Coast with girlfriends.
Buck’s night?
Two nights in Brisbane, hiring a holiday house.
First dance?
We had two dances – a waltz (If You Would Come Back Home by William Fitzsimmons) and a tango (Asi Se Baila El Tango).
Honeymoon?
The Maldives – it was magical.
What made this uniquely your wedding?
Our wedding was full of entertainment and fun. Great entertainment is really important and we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding. Our bridal party learned a choreographed salsa dance routine as well.
Funny moments?
Having our wedding guests holding up our marquee while we got married as it had started to rain heavily right before the ceremony started.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Make sure you’re prepared for all kinds of weather. Don’t forget to enjoy the day as things will go wrong but it’s not the end of the world; you are still marrying the love of your life.
THE BRIDE
Laree Gadenne, 32
PROFESSION Performer and talent agent
PARENTS John and Rhonda Gadenne
BRIDESMAIDS Dimity Adams, Carmen Gadenne and Lydia Gilmour
DRESS Luv Bridal
HAIR White Rose Hair Design
MAKEUP Sophie Durbidge Make up Artist
FLOWERS We used artificial flowers
ENGAGEMENT RING By Renae and Angelo Catalano
THE GROOM
Jason Fichera, 33
PROFESSION Singer-songwriter and record label CEO
PARENTS John and Josie Fichera
GROOMSMEN David Norman, Mark Tabone and James Gadenne
SUIT Connor
TRANSPORT Cinderella carriage - Dray Horse Shire, Stretch Chrysler – Super Stretch 300
ENTERTAINMENT Nyssa Ray acoustic singer, Standing Ovation DJ and MC Brett Gadenne
CAKE Three-tier (two chocolate and one white raspberry flavour) - by Mollie Maher.
CONTACT
hannah.davies@news.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ben Connolly
Qld groom’s cheeky trick for shock beach proposal
It took just six words for this Queensland man to distract his future bride for long enough to dig out a ring and drop to one knee for the ultimate beach proposal.
‘Never cried so much’: The moment that broke Susie O’Neill
Susie O’Neill has always been unshakeable, but now the legendary swimmer and longtime breakfast radio host is staring down “the hardest thing she’s ever done”.