‘He was persistent, I was not interested’: Lovestruck groom wins over his bride

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight when this couple met. But ten years later, they tied the knot in a stunning Scenic Rim wedding.

3 min read

June 4, 2024 - 10:00AM

QWeekend

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding Picture: Figtree Pictures

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This couple who have been together for 10 years tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Rosewood Estate at Beechmont in the Scenic Rim before 105 guests.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray held both their ceremony and reception at the
100-year-old, privately owned estate on April 6 this year, with five attendants each in the large bridal party.

“It was the only venue we looked at,” says Monica, who says the views to the east over the Gold Coast, from South Stradbroke Island to Coolangatta and the Numinbah Valley to the south, was a big factor.

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A theme of “shades of pink, orange, red” was reflected in the flowers from Bumble and Bloom, adding brightness and a lively touch to the classically dressed group.

The Cannon Hill couple became engaged at their first house and then set about planning their big day, allowing time to accumulate the alcohol (the venue is BYO) over the course of a year and choose their perfect outfits.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding. Picture: Figtree Pictures

Hen’s night?

The bridesmaids went to Mykonos, Greece.

Buck’s night?

Brisbane.

First dance song?

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

Honeymoon?

Spain.

Theme?

Shades of pink, orange and red.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding Picture: Figtree Pictures

How did you meet?

Around 2013 through mutual friends. Michael was persistent as Monica was not interested at first.

How and why did you choose your wedding venue?

We found the venue online and picked it after we looked at it due to the amazing views and the fact that you can bring your own alcohol. It was the only venue we looked at.

What was the budget for your wedding?

This is really bad but we didn’t set a specific budget but we DIY’d a lot of things. We were able to supply our own alcohol – we had been collecting it for over a year, from when our friends and family came through duty free.

What would you spend more or less on?

Less on stationery and signage – this adds up very quickly.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding Picture: Figtree Pictures

What was the most stressful part of planning?

Checking the weather forecast every three seconds in the couple of days leading up.

What was a wedding non-negotiable for you?

Cocktails!

How did you go about choosing your wedding dress?

Monica: I went to four bridal shops and tried on so many dresses. There were a couple of dresses that I didn’t mind and I was almost going to go with one of them but I ended up finding my dress which I loved in the final shop.

What thoughts did you have while waiting at the altar, then seeing your bride walk down the aisle?

Michael: My nerves were instantly lifted when I saw her.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding Picture: Figtree Pictures

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

Our names and the date were embroidered on my veil, which I loved.

What was the standout moment of the day? The bridal party’s entrance dance to the reception.

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Having a wedding co-ordinator, especially on the day, was a must.

Monica De Nino and Michael Murray's wedding Picture: Figtree Pictures

What would you do differently?

Potentially we would have started the ceremony earlier so we had more time at the reception, as the venue required us to finish at a certain time due to the noise.

Top wedding hack?

Ask for recommendations of vendors from people you know or look for vendors who have worked at the venue before. It is so much easier to organise when they know the venue.

What type of cake did you choose?

It was from Little Sprinkle Co. and it was round, sprinkled with pearls and was caramel flavoured.