How we created our dream wedding
A snap lockdown cancelled their original wedding plans last minute so this couple found a silver lining and donated their flowers.
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Warren Jiear surprised his partner Alex Hyndman Hill with a proposal in Noosa using a personalised bottle of Dom Perignon.
Jiear held a two carat diamond ring in his hands along with the bottle of champagne engraved with the words “will you marry me?”
The original proposal was set for the Maldives in June 2020 but when Covid hit Jiear hatched a new plan and was able to propose in Noosa in front of her two children, Olivia, 11 and Alfie, 9, from her first marriage.
The couple, who live in Balmoral, tied the knot in front of 100 guests on February 12 this year, with the ceremony at Maison la Plage followed by the reception at Bistro C in Noosa.
Covid disrupted their original wedding plans, set for August 7 in 2021, but the couple, who have been together for three-and-a-half years, were forced to cancel days out after a snap lockdown was announced.
How did you meet?
Alex: We both had a client in common. Warren was his lawyer and I was dealing with his PR. We had a meeting at Warren’s office then Warren invited me out for drinks.
Hens night?
My bridesmaids organised a party on The Yot and an evening at Maya. But on the morning of the party another lockdown was announced. We were all having our hair and make-up done and had to race to the boat and cram a whole day’s worth of partying into three hours.
Bucks night?
Warren’s groomsmen organised a night out in Brisbane including dinner at Moo Moo.
First dance song?
Missing Piece, Vance Joy. It was a song which reminded us of the previous Christmas when the kids and I had to travel to London during lockdown and we weren’t sure when we’d make it home.
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?
The whole ceremony had been set up outside and it started pouring with rain. It stopped just 10 minutes before the ceremony was about to start. Then, one of the planners, Christie, realised the boys didn’t have the rings and she had to sprint, while pregnant, back to the hotel to get them. Luckily, she found them and the sun came out as Alex walked down the aisle.
What was the standout moment of the day?
Having Alfie walk me down the aisle while Olivia sang an acoustic version of Marry You. For Warren, it was seeing me in my dress at our first-look shoot on the beach at Little Cove.
What would you do differently?
Nothing apart from not planning it during a pandemic, which meant Alex’s best friends from London couldn’t be there.
What would you spend more or less on?
I didn’t have another dress fitting between the first cancelled date and the new one and lost a fair amount of weight. I wish I had spent the time and money to go and have both of my dresses taken in.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Do a first-look photo shoot. I saw another bride do one and loved the idea so much. We wanted to have a private moment with just the bridal party and a few family members before the whole day got under way. Also, try and take a moment out during your reception for just the two of you. We went onto the beach after I changed into my second dress and had our first dance with just us and the photographer. It was so special.
One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?
Hire a planner. I debated over whether I needed one but it was the best decision we made, especially as we had to deal with lockdowns, a cancelled wedding, vaccine mandates, rain and forgotten rings.
Emotions around changing plans?
We cancelled the day the lockdown was extended, which was five days before our wedding, the flowers still turned up two days before the original date of August 7. I burst into tears. Warren organised a champagne and seafood lunch to turn the focus from disappointment to enjoyment. Then we started laughing. I cried again when the flowers turned up though, most of them had already been ordered. As we were in lockdown our local councillor Kara Cook suggested I donate them. So we dropped some off at the local GP, the police station and our kids’ school.
Advice for other couples whose weddings are impacted by Covid?
Elope. No, seriously we feel your pain. It was a difficult time for us and there is nothing worse than not having the people you want at your wedding. But it is really about the two of you at the end of the day. It will all work out if you just focus on what is really important to you both.
The Bride
Alex Hyndman Hill, 43
Profession Journalist
Parents James and Maureen Hyndman
Bridesmaids Olivia Hill, Olivia Bootha and Kirstie Moore
Dress Chosen By Kyha
Hair Christian Alexander (Atelier Christian Alexander)
Make-up Dale Dorning (Atelier Christian Alexander)
Flowers Mondo Floral Designs
Engagement ring AG Designer Jeweller
Wedding planner The Other Bridesmaid
Caterer Wheel and Spoon Gelato at the ceremony & Bistro C
The groom
Warren Jiear, 50
Profession: Lawyer
Parents Peter Jiear and Nan Holdsworth
Groomsmen Alfie Hill, Michael McKinlay, Trent Sowry and Graeme Holm
Suit Institchu
Entertainment Acoustic set at the ceremony by Lima Manu with our daughter Olivia Hill singing. Jeff Reid on saxophone (The Rush Group) Champagne Dress Waitress (The Rush Group)
Videographer Luke Bickley
Celebrant Beth Stevenson
Cake Zoe Clark Cakes
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