‘Crossed the floor in the middle of our speeches’: Wedding crasher interrupts newlyweds

It was a relaxed island wedding full of music, love, surprise songs and an unexpected wedding crasher for this Brisbane couple.

It was a relaxed island wedding full of music, love, surprise songs and an unexpected wedding crasher for Brisbane couple Nicole Burry and Rob Rees. The Rochedale South couple, who have been together for five years, tied the knot in a waterfront ceremony at Peppers Blue on Blue at Nelly Bay in Magnetic Island, off Townsville, on May 20 before 100 guests.

How did you meet? Nicole: We learned about each other through mutual friends, Clare and Jane. In 2018, Jane passed my number to Rob (with my permission, of course) and Rob texted me asking if I wanted to meet. We arranged a date to meet at a local restaurant, Canvas.

The proposal? We took pastries and coffee and hiked through bushland in Daisy Hill to the old quarry, where Rob asked me the question.

The wedding of Nicole Burry and Rob Rees. Picture. Bec Wrecka Photos

How and why did you choose your wedding venue? Magnetic Island holds a special place in our hearts. I spent many childhood holidays with my family there. Rob first visited prior to meeting me and fell in love with the stunning landscape and the relaxed vibe. Since meeting each other, the island has become a regular feature in our holiday planning, and was where our daughter Lucy had her first holiday.

How did you choose your wedding dress? I did plenty of online browsing before visiting Grace Loves Lace at the Gold Coast, with my best friend. I tried on four before I found one I loved. I didn’t buy it because I thought I shouldn’t buy it at the first shop. A few months later I went back with my mother-in-law and ended up buying the same dress I’d chosen the first time.

What were your thoughts waiting for the bride? Rob: I was wondering whether our almost two-year-old daughter, Lucy, would actually make it down the aisle (as a flower girl). I remember feeling very happy and content in the moment.

Any unique details? Nicole: An old seafarer likely coming from the nearby jetty crossed the floor in the middle of our speeches pushing a trolley containing alcohol stills. Another highlight was Rob grabbing the guitar and performing a few of our favourite songs.

The wedding of Nicole Burry and Rob Rees. Picture. Bec Wrecka Photos

What was the standout moment of the day? The speeches from our friends and family and a song a friend wrote and performed for us. That was really special.

What would you do differently? We wouldn’t have done anything differently. The day went exactly as we hoped. The weather was stunning, the vibe was relaxed and our musician was fantastic.

Honeymoon? We stayed on the island for a week and are planning a weekend in Stanthorpe for a second (toddler-free) honeymoon.

Best advice for other couples? At first Rob was not keen to leave after the ceremony for photos, however, we both now agree it was definitely worth prioritising. It gave us the opportunity to take a moment to be together and enjoy the it before continuing the celebrations.

The wedding of Nicole Burry and Rob Rees. Picture. Bec Wrecka Photos

The Bride

Nicole Burry, 36

Profession Occupational therapist

Parents Jennifer Curry

Dress Grace Loves Lace

Hair and make-up Amy – Your Canvas

Flowers St. Floral

Engagement ring Antique Diamond Daisy from Empire Revival, Paddington

The Groom

Rob Rees, 34

Profession Public servant

Parents Bob and Desley Rees

Children Lucy Rees

Suit Cambridge

Entertainment Michael “Hazy” Hayes

Celebrant Bernadette Smith

Caterer Peppers Blue on Blue

Cake Ruby Bow tie Cakes. A naked iced cake decorated with gold flakes and a floral arrangement. The bottom tier was white chocolate mud cake and the top tier was lemon poppy seed with white chocolate ganache icing.