‘The most beautiful woman alive’: Broncos coach marries TV bride at star-studded wedding
There were cowboy boots, live music and pig on a spit when a Broncos assistant coach married his journalist bride in a country wedding.
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Channel 7 sports presenter Alissa Smith married Brisbane Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin at his family’s property near Kingaroy. The Brisbane couple – who have been together for more than five years – tied the knot at DaisyBank on October 19, with music by Alissa’s country music artist mum, Dianne Lindsay-Simpson, and stepfather Peter Simpson.
They married under the DaisyBank sign on the cattle grid before celebrating on the family’s farm with canapes in the pine forest, and a reception in a clear marquee draped in fairy lights, looking over the mountains. Their 82 guests, including NRL players and coaches, enjoyed a walk down “Memory Lane” – a surprise Matt organised for Alissa featuring photos from each year they have been together, on a path leading to the reception.
The couple met in 2019 at Fox Sports studio, when Matt came in to be an NRL expert for the television show NRL Tonight. At the time, Alissa was a presenter for Fox Sports.
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The proposal? Alissa: It was on October 13, 2023 on the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City. Matt had organised a photographer to meet us so they could have a nice photo to hang at home, or so he told me. Matt dressed in the suit he wore when we first met at Fox Sports and to my surprise proposed during the photo shoot. I had no idea.
Where did you honeymoon? America. We love sport, sporting events and adventure. We spent all our time on the west coast. We were fortunate to have sideline access to watch the LA Rams v Vikings at SoFi Stadium. We saw LeBron James and Kevin Durant play at the Lakers v Suns game at Crypto Arena. We stayed at Canyon Mountain, hiked to the Hollywood sign plenty of times, travelled to Catalina Island and took on several amazing and challenging hikes.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
With DaisyBank being Matt’s family farm, it holds many beautiful memories and we wanted to create more there, too.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
My sister Leanne organised a dress fitting in Sydney when I was visiting. My Mum, aunties, Nan and cousin were there waiting for me. I created scorecards from one to 10 and had them all rate the dresses when I came out of the fitting room. I went to three bridal shops and to two on my own in Brisbane, and settled on the dress I liked most in photos. I changed outfit half way through the night to a white mini dress, white cowgirl hat and white boots.
What did you think when you saw Alissa for the first time? Matt: Waiting for Liss to arrive was one of the most exciting – as well as calm –feelings I have had. When I saw her I thought, “She’s the most beautiful woman alive”.
Any unique wedding details? The guest list included Matt’s former NRL coach and current Titans coach Des Hasler and Matt’s Manly teammates, Steve Menzies, Jake Trbojevic, Mark Bryant, Glenn Hall and Paul Stephenson.
What special touch did you add to your ceremony? Alissa’s dad died when she was little and her uncle (dad’s brother) has always been there for her. As a nod to both, her uncle Ian Smith travelled in the bridal car and walked her to the top of the aisle. Alissa walked down it to an acoustic version of Tina Turner’s (Simply) The Best; this was her grand final. Alissa’s mum and stepdad sang and played Amazing Grace.
What were some of your favourite moments?
Alissa: During canape hour we had a “Sunnies Stand” where guests were greeted with a sign that said “Don’t Be Blinded By Our Love”. It featured black love heart sunnies for each guest. During our reception, instead of your usual name cards, we wanted to make it more personal. Under the guest’s name we wrote a paragraph about what we love about them, and a memory of them we treasure. It was attached to an envelope that featured photos of that guest with both Matt and I over the years. For the bridal flowers I dedicated the bouquet to Matt’s mother, Rhonda. Raising a family of three boys she doesn’t have a daughter, so this was my way of showing my appreciation to her for who she is.
Were there any stressful moments in the lead up to the wedding? The bridal car blew up on the day before the wedding travelling from NSW. It was a red Bentley.
What was the standout moment? Being surrounded by our loved ones. The ceremony. Seeing Matt at the end of the aisle looking ridiculously handsome in his tuxedo. The cattle coming up to the marquee to say hello and join in on the celebrations. Our first dance to a song with so much meaning to us. The three kids’ speeches: Fletcher, Murphy and Mackenzie.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? Live music. When you’re brought up in a musical family, you have to have live music.
Best wedding gift you received?
My mum gifted me a gold locket with a picture of my Dad. I attached it to my bouquet for when I walked down the aisle.
The Bride
Alissa Smith
Profession Channel 7 sports presenter
Parents Dianne Lindsay-Simpson and Peter Simpson (stepdad)
Bridesmaids Leanne Smith, Hayley Wynn, Cassandra Kingham, Tegan Abraham
Dress Made With Love
Hair Ebony O’Brien (style) and Joseph Mourad (extensions)
Make-upBrittany Ivery and Bec James
Flowers Sharon Linard, Linard Floral and Bridal Centre
Engagement and wedding ring Affinity Diamonds
Cake Mud cake with white buttercream icing
The Groom
Matt Ballin
Profession Queensland State of Origin assistant coach, Brisbane Broncos senior assistant coach
Parents David Ballin and Rhonda Ballin
Children Fletcher (best man), Murphy (best man) and Mackenzie Ballin (flower girl)
Groomsmen Tom Ballin, Jim Ballin
Suit M.J. Bale – tuxedo
Entertainment Luke Melhop Band
Videographer Jake Ainsworth
Celebrant Heather Selwood
Food Roast beef and pig on a spit, roast vegies and salads
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