‘He started crying, bawling’: Bride reveals emotional moment with husband Reuben Cotter
After playing a match the night before, NRL player Reuben Cotter married Mackenzie Falco in a beautiful waterfront ceremony.
QWeekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from QWeekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Playing a rugby league Test match for Australia the night before your wedding is not a typical preparation for a groom. But North Queensland Cowboy, Queensland State of Origin and Australian player Reuben Cotter and his bride Mackenzie Falco took it all in their stride when he was called into the side.
Fortunately the game against Samoa in the Pacific Championships was in Townsville, also the location for the wedding.
“When Reuben got the call to represent Australia there was nothing else to say to him other than ‘You are playing’,” Mackenzie says. “I know we will look back in years to come and think it was pretty amazing for Reub to play for his country and then get married the next day.
“Also, what’s Reuben without a black eye – thankfully he pulled up very pretty after the game. Everything worked out perfectly and we got to live the best of both worlds on our special weekend. One that we will never forget.”
The couple, who live in Townsville’s North Ward, have been together nine years and share daughter Sunny, 16 months, married on October 15 in front of 140 guests at The Ville, where they also held their reception. They planned to honeymoon in Fiji after the rugby league tournament finished.
How did you meet? Mackenzie: At James Cook University, we met through mutual friends and became the very best of friends from that day. We had just finished school, I was studying education and Reub, business.
The proposal? I was pregnant with our baby, and I had a few sick days up my sleeve. Reuben told me to take the Friday off school because the weather was amazing and it was a week before the footy season was starting. We took the boat over to Maggie (Magnetic Island) … we pulled up at Florence Bay, and had the whole bay to ourselves. We snorkelled, I ran into a tree branch and scratched up all my head, we laughed. I went out to the boat to get something and while I was gone I noticed him scrimmaging around and setting up his GoPro and I thought, hello, we are on here … I walked back up (all smiley and nervous) anyway, he looked at me and started crying, like bawling! He’s like, “Will you marry me?” and I was jumping up and down laughing saying yes. So he reckons he had this whole spiel but typical Reuben could not get it out and sobbed the whole time! It was a beautiful day, the weather and the whole day was magical and everything I wanted! Simple, us and so special.
Hen’s night? I had a bridal getaway and spent a week with my Mum, sisters and daughter Sunny in Coolangatta. I then had a bridal shower by the pool at Jade Apartments Townsville, a hen’s long lunch at Shorehouse, Townsville, and finally another Barbie-themed hen’s night put on by my girlfriends.
Buck’s night? Reuben: Unfortunately, the buck’s weekend got cancelled. Tom Gilbert (Dolphins player) and myself were having a joint bucks in Airlie Beach. I had to pull out last minute due to rep football responsibilities.
First dance song? Luke Combs’ 5 Leaf Clover.
Why did you choose your wedding venue? The Ville is a beautiful spot right on the ocean.
We are both water people, so we wanted
to be by the ocean, and this gave us that
relaxed vibe.
What was the budget for your wedding? Ask our parents, ha ha.
What would you spend more or less on? We had everything we wanted and everyone had a great time, so I think we nailed our brief.
How did you choose your wedding dress? My sisters and I have always had dressmakers, so this was a no-brainer for me. I knew what style best suited me, I wanted something simple for most of the night, hence the white mini, but I also wanted a little drama for when I walked down the aisle, so I had a cape made to attach to the back. I wanted to leave my shoulders and upper arms bare so we added voluminous sleeves to the lower part of my arms. I found the whitest Mikado silk I could and went to Estelle with my design. It was truly everything I dreamt of and more.
What thoughts did you have while waiting at the altar, then seeing your bride? First I was thinking bloody hell it’s hot today, I was pretty nervous but so excited. Seeing Mackenzie in
her beautiful dress was a mix of emotions, so happy it made me cry obviously. All I could see was her – I felt full of love.
Any special or unique details? Mackenzie: My dressmaker stitched our names on the inside of my dress.
What was the standout moment of the day?
Being surrounded by everyone we love the most in our hometown.
Best wedding gift? Honestly, it was the amazing speeches that everyone gave us and our MC, Jake, created a book of them.
What would you do differently? Nothing! Everything was perfect!
The Bride
Mackenzie Falco, 26
Profession Teacher
Parents Allyson & David Falco
Bridesmaids Britt Hurney, Dana Falco
Dress custom made by Estelle the Dressmaker
Hair Nikkiz Hair (Lauren Harris)
Make-up Jordan Macklin (jordanmua)
Flowers Mel Lewty – Flower Effect
Wedding planner Dominique’s Events
Celebrant Abbey Chivers
Caterer The Ville
Videographer Robbie Bolton – 537Media
The Groom
Reuben Cotter, 25
Profession Athlete (rugby league)
Parents Ashanti & Terry Cotter
Groomsmen Malik Cotter, Mitch Dunn, Tom Gilbert
Suit MJ Bale
Entertainment Brothers Entertainment
Transport Stretched Hummer
Cake We had a huge vintage love heart cake – very simple but absolutely beautiful made by Amanda from For Bake Sakes. It was chocolate and vanilla.
Standout dish that will make you book your next visit immediately
It’s attracted celebrities and royalty in its opening weeks, now this new restaurant from the team behind Burleigh’s Rick Shores has won over our reviewer.
‘We think of the bigger picture’: Broncos hardman’s special sacrifice for love
Brisbane Broncos player Corey Jensen and wife Shannen share the highs, lows and struggles with long distances in their relationship.