Bride and groom’s cardboard cutouts of pets for the big day
Traditions went out the window at this wedding, with quirky touches and a vibrant, fun theme.
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After knowing each other for years, this couple, who were living in different states, started dating during Covid via Facetime.
Tim Mountford and Bernadette Syrimi married after three years together on April 20 this year at The Refinery in Brisbane’s Newstead before 90 guests.
The Noosa Heads couple broke with a few traditions, opting not to have a cake and to use that money towards a gin bar, and rather than a first dance together they asked everyone to join them in one big first dance to Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
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A party atmosphere was key and while the pair wore traditional wedding attire they asked guests to dress “formal bright”.
They also had a “ytm” logo that stands for “Yeah The Mounts” throughout all the details, from their save the dates to a massive neon sign hanging above the bridal table.
Where did you honeymoon?
Tim: We took a few weeks off and went to Melbourne. Ate at our favourite restaurants, caught up with some really good friends. We will honeymoon properly in Europe in 2025.
How did you meet?
We met in a small cafe in Darwin in 2009 called Four Birds, where Bernie worked. Tim worked on Hot 100 Radio and kept going to that same cafe (for obvious reasons). We’ve known each other for 15 years but started dating in 2021 doing long distance. Tim was back in Melbourne and Bernie was living in Brisbane. We decided to start dating despite not seeing each other in person for nearly seven years. Facetime was permanently on - when we slept, even when we weren’t home - it was like we were already living together.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We were shopping for value for money, and although we did look at quite a few venues, we always knew it was going to be The Refinery. They have such an incredible understanding of what it takes to host a spectacular day for their couples. We knew we wanted the ceremony and reception in one space. The biggest part is they are “yes” people and could see our vision and were happy to assist us in creating it. The communication from the team throughout the whole process was just so incredible.
What was the budget for your wedding?
While we did not have an initial budget, there is always a limit. Our wedding planner Kate always said, “Let’s factor in everything you dream of for the day (shoot for the stars) then we will pick and choose the items to keep to match a budget we are comfortable with.” What we did invest in were “forever” things: photography, videography, wedding bands.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I knew I wanted a wedding dress that no one else had. Anything with strong shoulders and a high neck is right up my alley. I saw my dress on Pinterest about two weeks after we got engaged. It’s the Milla Nova “Amy”. I showed mum and she said, “That is what you’re going to marry Tim in.” We were living in Melbourne at the time and I hunted and hunted to see where I could find it. Luv Bridal in Chadstone had it. I put it on and knew it was the one.
We hadn’t even picked a date, or a venue. But I knew that was my dress. She sat in the cupboard for nearly two years.
What thoughts did you have while waiting at the altar?
Tim: Standing at the altar waiting for the curtains to open was probably the most exciting time of my life. I didn’t know what music Bernie had picked to walk down to. She chose Ready For You by Black Coffee featuring Celeste. One of our favourite songs. I heard the first note and that was the absolute end of me. And then she walked out. And, oh my god, that dress!
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?
Our cats are like our babies and we really considered having them a part of our ceremony. Tim had custom-made cardboard cutouts of our two cats standing up wearing black tie suits. They were placed with the groomsmen at the altar.
What was the standout moment of the day?
Apart from signing the paperwork and being swept up in wedded bliss, it was so phenomenal to see our nearest and dearest all be in one room. Tim’s family came from Melbourne, Bernie’s came from Darwin. A good friend of Bernie’s travelled from London. The speeches from family and our bridal party were just so, so special and emotional. Everyone got up and danced with us. The whole day was just one standout moment after the other.
Best wedding gift you received?
We received some incredible gifts and we are so grateful. Our good friends Alex Milosevic and Heather Scott gifted us matching jumpers, with “ytm 20.04.2024” printed on them. We adore them.
What would you do differently?
Ideally, we would have taken an extra week off leading up to it, wedding week is crazy.
The Bride
Bernadette Syrimi, 34
Profession Restaurant manager
Parents Tracy Syrimi, George Syrimi
Bridesmaids Maria Cousins, Nathalia Battino, Em Tolson
Dress Milla Nova ‘Amy’
Hair Blush’d Brides
Make-up Blush’d Brides
Flowers Petrifleur
Engagement ring Australian Diamond Company
Wedding planner
Kate Stuart – The Supper Club Co.
The Groom
Tim Mountford, 38
Profession Radio presenter
Parents Sara Mountford and Andrew Mountford
Groomsmen Dave Loughnan, Will Mountford, James Avery
Suit Mitchell Ogilvie Tailoring – Brisbane
Entertainment Cut a Rug DJ
Videographer Graeme Passmore
Celebrant Sam Capewell – I am Celebrant Sam
Caterer The Refinery
Cake Instead we put the money towards a gin bar for our guests to enjoy
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