Ice sculptures and fireworks: Couple hold epic Calile wedding

They had to postpone their nuptials twice, so no expense was spared when this New Farm couple finally held their extravagant wedding at the Calile Hotel.

Jane Armitstead

@JaneArmitstead

3 min read

May 4, 2022 - 6:00AM

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In a lavish celebration, featuring ice sculptures, fireworks, a dramatic wedding cake and unique table centrepieces, New Farm couple, Kate Brady and Alex De La Flor, finally tied the knot after two failed attempts.

Covid forced the couple’s original wedding, set for January, to be cancelled only for their updated wedding to be called off again as the state experienced record flooding.

But two weeks later, and third time lucky, the couple married on March 18 with the ceremony at the Cathedral of St Stephen in Elizabeth Street in Brisbane City, with a reception to follow at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley.

The pair wed in front of 95 guests who enjoyed a surprise fireworks installation.

The wedding of Kate Brady and Alex De La Flor. Pictures: Alice Mahran

How did you meet?

Kate: I had just moved up to Brisbane after finishing my Masters degree on the Gold Coast, and had been hired for an amazing opportunity with a mining company.

I had only been in Brisbane for a month before meeting Alex through a mutual friend.

Beginning a very quick romance, Alex then left for the USA for a six-week trip.

We spoke every day during this holiday and then coincidently ended up moving into the same apartment building. Soon after, we began officially dating.

The proposal?

Alex wanted to propose at Hayman Island during a trip I planned in 2020 however Covid had other plans.

They we decided to holiday closer to home and kickstart the festive season in December 2020 with five days at the Gold Coast.

After arriving at the coast and having a shop at Pacific Fair, Alex suggested freshening up for a sunset wine on the beach before having dinner at Etsu.

The nerves were high for Alex, who ended up drinking most of the wine before saying to me, “let’s head to dinner”. I stood up and turned around to find Alex on one knee to the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

We celebrated that night and continued festivities the next day on the coast, dining at our favourite restaurant Rick Shores.

The wedding of Kate Brady and Alex De La Flor. Pictures: Alice Mahran

What was the standout moment of the day?

Both of my parents walking me down the aisle and our fireworks installation by Michael from Fuse Pyrotechnics. Our friends and family had no idea what was coming. It was during our first dance and was very special.

One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?

It’s like taking on a second job but a very rewarding one. When you are finally at the special day, it is the best feeling in the world to marry the love of your life with all your family and friends, and witness your vision come to life.

Any interesting details behind your styling you can share?

In Peru, where Alex’s family is from, papaya is a symbol of good health. I wanted parts of both of our lives incorporated into every detail of the wedding. Usually it’s all about the bride, but this small detail (of having papaya as the centrepiece) was all about my husband.

The wedding of Kate Brady and Alex De La Flor. Picture: Alice Mahran

Any embarrassing or funny moments in the wedding speeches?

Alex’s dad, Alex Senior, teasing us about how we need to continue the family name of Alex that has been passed down three generations, he had everyone in stitches, it was a very
funny speech.

How did Covid affect your wedding?

Our original wedding was planned for January 7, our anniversary is the 6th, but we moved it because of Covid.

We changed it to Friday, March 4, but moved it again, not because of Covid, but due to the freak weather event that caused the floods. Ahead of the second date, we made the call on the Monday that week.

With the devastation around us from the floods, it didn’t feel right to have a wedding
that week.

Third time’s a charm meant two weeks later, Friday, March 18, we finally had our wedding.

Emotions around changing plans?

We understood that planning a wedding during Covid would mean being flexible, we just
didn’t think a freak weather event would also affect this wedding, so it was definitely
a rollercoaster ride.

Also during the lead-ups we sadly lost my grandmother, so it was certainly a testing time in our lives and only made us all stronger and the day more special.