Couture gown, fireworks, rare cars – inside most epic wedding
It was the perfect wedding – complete with a surprise twist for guests who were expecting someone else.
QWeekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from QWeekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
After meeting at a primary school tutoring class, this couple met again in high school, went to the formal together and then when they thought they’d never meet again, ran into each other at university.
Jennie Tran and Kha Ngo have been together for the 10 years since, marrying in the Brisbane City Hall and holding their reception in the Watermall at the Queensland Art Gallery on June 3 last year. The Wishart couple, who own Espresso Hut in Eight Mile Plains, worked “seven days a week for five years straight” due to staff difficulties over Covid and were determined to have an amazing wedding and celebration.
They invited 130 guests. “We wanted an intimate wedding so we only invited the closest family and friends,” Jennie says.
The colour palette was white and silver “to feel like heaven”.
Two cultures, 370 guests, three days: Brisbane couple’s ‘glitzy’ wedding at Parliament and City Hall
What were your plans for the wedding? Owning Espresso Hut we had never found the opportunity to go on holidays as Covid had made it difficult for us to find staff, therefore we brought the holiday to us! Our goal was to surprise our guests and to make sure they had an amazing time, so we knew this wedding had to be different.
Why did you choose your wedding venue?
We had always enjoyed being in the presence of water, as that was when we were most relaxed and happy. That's why we chose the Watermall at the Queensland Art Gallery.
What was the budget? We were aiming for $100,000, but as with every wedding you go over budget. So the final cost was $150,000.
What would you spend more or less on?
We feel this is where we nailed it, we chose to spend more on the right photographer and videographer. We knew it would be a hectic day so we wanted all the best moments to be captured with the best equipment and skills.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
Jennie: I went straight to George Wu Couture and we custom designed my dress together. I chose him as he was able to create a sculptured body corset, meaning you wouldn’t have to hit the gym or a plastic surgeon to achieve that bizarre hourglass body shape!
What thoughts did you have while waiting to see the bride walk down the aisle? Kha:I definitely was feeling emotional at the altar, because there were so many happy feelings rushing through my mind! I was fighting to not shed a tear, as it was such an emotional moment. I began to feel impatient as I waited for my wife-to-be, because I felt like if she takes any longer I would actually start crying!
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?The dance lessons! We’re not good dancers, but we wanted to put on a good show! We had many, many lessons to try to perfect it.
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?Still being able to celebrate the traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony was a memory to keep forever. I feel like we are the last generation to continue the tradition. Some very beautiful and rare cars were given to us for the day by the Di Carlo Property Group, which were used to escort us around for the entire day. A very rare opportunity was given to us to have our bridal table set up on a platform over the water of the Watermall. An amazing surprise lion dance performance was organised to kickstart the reception. Throughout the evening we had a talented singer to keep the guests entertained as they enjoyed each dinner course. Later guests were invited outside for another surprise, fireworks over the Brisbane River! As for the dance floor, everyone thought we hired an ordinary DJ … until he pulled out his saxophone! The saxophone really brought so much more to the dance floor.
What was the standout moment of the day?
The fireworks! It felt amazing to be up close to the fireworks and not be shoulder to shoulder among a crowd of thousands. Having your own fireworks display and sharing the moment with 130 guests felt amazing.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you?
Family. Make sure every single one of your family members are invited, because for us it was such a magical fairytale-like day, words could not describe what it is like to be in the presence of each and every part. Make sure they’re there to experience the joy with you!
What would you do differently? Nothing. We knew what we wanted and went for it.
Top wedding hack?
If you want your dream wedding, you must have a wedding planner! Especially a wedding planner like Alysia Bridgers who would move mountains for our wedding.
Best wedding advice for other couples?
We believe planning should be fun, something to look back on as a happy memory. To spend a little bit more to have a wedding planner makes a big difference. Sit back, sip on a glass of wine, and enjoy the process!
The Bride
Jennie Tran, 29
Profession Owner of Espresso Hut
Dress George Wu Couture
Hair Paula Maree Hair
Make-up Sarah Thong
Flowers The Blossom Tree
Wedding planner/stylist Alysia Bridgers
The Groom
Kha Ngo, 29
Profession Owner of Espresso Hut
Suit Michael Innis Menswear
Entertainment DJ & Sax – Ryan Livings Music
Transport Di Carlo Property Group
Videographer Evernew Studio
Celebrant Amber Gillam
Caterer Queensland Art Gallery
Cake By Ekats Weddings: Tasmanian leatherwood honey cake and pistachio sponge with pistachio cream and raspberry coulis
‘Hundreds of messages’: Bride’s dress swap that had guests talking
Bride Amira tried 50 wedding dresses before she found the perfect gown for her big day. But it’s what she wore at the reception that really caused a stir.
‘I don’t think I’ve mentally or socially recovered’: Mel Buttle’s disastrous first birthday for son
It was at that point I decided that being a domestic goddess isn’t for me, I cracked a beer and mentally checked out of being a dutiful host.