‘Handmade me the dress of my dreams’: Bride’s mum makes dress for daughter’s big day

A haka, a no-limits bar and a silk dress handmade by the bride’s mum made this wedding one to remember.

4 min read

August 27, 2024 - 5:00AM

QWeekend

Monique St Clair and Jesse Bowker’s wedding day. Picture: Milk and Honey

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This couple met as teenagers and after 12 years together they married in a beautiful, fun-filled ceremony that included a surprise Maori blessing and haka.

Southport couple Jesse Bowker and Monique St Clair met over the summer of 2011/2012 while camping with mutual friends at Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. Jesse had just turned 18 and Monique was 17 and after living in Melbourne, then travelling to Europe, they moved to the Gold Coast.

They married on August 26, 2023, at the Gold Coast Farm House before 130 guests and their first dance was You by Miley Cyrus and Jesse’s Girl by Rick Springfield.

Hen’s night?

A very colourful winery tour in the Barossa Valley, SA.

Buck’s night?

A boys’ weekend in Adelaide, (different weekend). The bride’s dad somehow found a way to attend both parties.

Monique St Clair and Jesse Bowker's wedding. Picture: Milk and Honey

How did you choose your wedding venue?

From the get-go, we knew we wanted something spectacular – a grand setting with tipis for the reception and a seamless flow from ceremony to celebration. The Gold Coast Farm House immediately stood out.

What was the budget for your wedding?

It was $50,000, but it expanded significantly. Despite the stretch, every penny was worth it for the spectacular celebration we had.

Monique St Clair in her handmade silk dress. Picture: Milk and Honey

What would you spend more or less on?

Honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing! Although we went over budget, the experience was flawless. It was expensive, but every moment was perfect.

How did you choose your wedding dress?

My mum, a design genius, and I explored various styles, then after several mock-ups, she sourced stunning gold silk from Italy and handmade me the dress of my dreams. It was classic with a sheer tulle overlay adorned with pearls, which my dad helped attach. The tulle acted as a veil during the ceremony, and I later removed it for a different look.

Monique St Clair and Jesse Bowker's wedding. Picture: Milk and Honey

What thoughts did you have while waiting for Monique to walk down the aisle?

Waiting at the altar was surreal – one of the most special moments of my life. I was incredibly excited and anxious, eagerly anticipating seeing her walk down the aisle. When I finally turned around, I was utterly awe-struck by her beauty.

What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?

Deciding on the bar menu was the toughest part. Ultimately, we chose a full range, which was a bit pricey but meant we could enjoy any leftovers the next day. The guest list also posed a challenge.

Any unique details about your wedding?

One of the most unforgettable moments was Jesse’s mother’s surprise Maori blessing ceremony. As the sun set, we were treated to a powerful display of Maori culture with dancing, singing, and a haka. The Ngapuhi tribe’s gifts, blessed by their Elders, added to the profound experience. I was blown away by how it was all kept a secret until the big moment.

The haka at Monique St Clair and Jesse Bowker's wedding. Picture: Milk and Honey

What was the standout moment of the day?

Monique: The Maori blessing ceremony was a major highlight, but another standout was when my brother played the saxophone with the DJ. The crowd’s reaction was electric, and it really brought the dancefloor to life. My dad’s morning-after comment about seeing my brother, Vic, on someone’s shoulders with the sax was hilarious – though, I reminded him, the day before was about me getting married!

What was a wedding non-negotiable for you?

Our wedding was pretty laid-back, so there wasn’t a specific non-negotiable. We just wanted it to be relaxed and fun, and it turned out perfectly that way.

Monique St Clair and Jesse Bowker's wedding. Picture: Milk and Honey

Best wedding gift you received?

The handmade Maori gifts from Jesse’s tribe were incredibly special. I received beautiful greenstone earrings and a Korowai, while Jesse was gifted a traditional Taiaha and a paddle. Each item was blessed by tribal Elders, making them deeply meaningful and memorable.

What would you do differently?

Honestly, I can’t think of anything we’d do differently. Everything fell into place perfectly, and we wouldn’t change a thing.

Top wedding hack?

Skip paying extra for photographers to cover the bride’s preparation. Instead, take those pre-ceremony photos yourself. We arrived at the venue just half an hour before the ceremony for family and bridesmaid shots, allowing the photographers to stay longer and capture the evening’s fantastic dancefloor moments.

Best advice for other couples?

While sticking to your budget can be stressful, don’t compromise on what matters most. We saved diligently and ensured our wedding was exactly what we wanted, making it the best day of our lives.