‘Well over six figures’: Gold Coast couple’s epic Bali wedding
A bold move proved a massive turning point in the lives of this couple.
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A three-day celebration at a clifftop Bali resort that spared no expense was the culmination of a love story that began three years ago.
Gold Coast couple Luke Brechin and Katie Stevens married on August 20 at Ungasan Clifftop Resort with more than 80 guests who flew in, and more than 150 family and friends joining via livestream, with an event also the night before and a recovery the day after. Guests were briefed to wear “neutrals” and dress formally.
Guests enjoyed a wedding cocktail wall and the first dance was to a mashup including J-Lo’s Let’s Get Loud and LMFAO’s Party.
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The proposal? Their fairytale began around three years ago, when Luke made the bold move to slide into Katie’s DMs on Instagram. After months of getting to know each other they knew they had each found “the one”. Fast-forward to June 2023 and Luke gatecrashed a girl’s weekend in Airlie Beach where he took Katie on a sunset walk along Whitehaven Beach and asked her to be his forever.
Hen’s night? One hen’s night wasn’t long enough for Katie to soak in quality time with her beloved girl pals, so she made a week of it. With 30 of her nearest and dearest, she stayed at a Gold Coast waterfront home, sipping vinos, dining at restaurants, and spent a day on stunning boat where they danced, played games and belly laughed until late hours.
Buck’s night? Luke’s brother Jase planned it and they spent a weekend with the lads in the Byron hinterland, with rounds of golf, party shirts, bonfires and beers.
Honeymoon?After spending three weeks in Bali – their pre-honeymoon – the couple plans to travel to Europe later this year.
How did you choose your wedding venue? Both avid travellers to Bali, their first holiday was spent there making memorable moments. The Ungasan Clifftop Resort was the only venue they visited, knowing from the moment they walked in, that was it.
What was the budget?Budget? Katie asked, although it was more than anticipated, the couple spent well over six figures.
What would you spend more or less on?
Everything was perfect.
How did you choose your dress?
After flying to Melbourne and visiting several bridal stores, I was set on creating my own dream dress. I worked with bridal couture designer Kim, owner of Kim Marcel Bridal Designs, who brought my dream dress to life. It included imported Swarovskis from the US for the sleeves, and a custom-embroidered veil with the words “All Ways in All Ways”. With monthly appointments, the dress was made over eight months.
What thoughts did you have while waiting for Katie to walk down the aisle?
I was nervous to say the least. I’ll never forget my dad sat facing me, to see my reaction when Katie walked down the aisle. Meeting her for a “champagne shot” right beforehand, standing behind a wall where I couldn’t see her, but hearing her voice helped calm the nerves!
What was the most stressful part of planning? Organising and co-ordinating our guests and their villas at the resort. As we had the resort exclusively, we wanted to ensure the experience was incredible for all our guests.
Any unique or surprising details?We surprised each guest with notes on their tables, and they loved it. Entertainment was important, we loved having a band play, our two close friends got up and sang, oh and the fireworks!
Standout moments? The night before, the wedding day and the recovery, allowing quality time with all our guests. All the finer details, and decor – Katie loves sentimental things and aesthetics. Luke was impressed with the cocktail wall where guests rang a bell to order
Best wedding gift?Katie’s best friend and bridesmaids made a memory book with letters and photos from her entire family. Luke’s would be his new surfboard!
What would you do differently?
Nothing, it was perfect. Although trivial things went “wrong”, they made great stories.
Top wedding hack?Have a wedding planner and be clear on what your vision is.
Best advice for other couples ?
Hire an incredible photographer/videographer and content creator (and drone if you can!). You’ll want to treasure the moments to re-live and reminisce about. We hired Motion House Weddings, an Australian company, with a team in Bali, as well as Katie flying over her content creator.
The Bride
Katie Stevens, 34
Profession Entrepreneur, speaker and host
Parents Mark Stevens and Robyn Dobson
Step-parents Wilina Stevens and Gordon Dobson
Bridesmaids Leah Zahl, Emma Timms, Clair Rutherford and Christie Connor
Dress Kim Marcel
Hair Hairdo_bydevina
Make-up Ellie Wright
Engagement and wedding rings AG Jewellery Designer
Wedding planner Sasha Newbold
Wedding stylist Flora Botanica Designs
The Groom
Luke Brechin, 35
Profession Commercial and logistic real estate agent
Parents Rob and
Ann-Maree Brechin
Groomsmen Jason Brechin, John Clarke, Dan Marino and Ryan Kambouris
Suits and bow ties THDR Theodore
Entertainment Soul Feggio Band & DJ Strex
Photographer and Videographer Motion House Weddings motionhouseweddings/
Celebrant Meg Glaister
MC Dan Hunjas
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