‘What the f*** are you doing?’: Bride’s surprising reaction to wedding proposal
This couple were high school sweethearts and dated for years but when the proposal came, the bride’s reaction was priceless.
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Madeleine McGovern and Brandon Wellington met in high school. But it was when Brandon, who was in grade 12 at the time, added Madeleine, in grade 11, on MSN Messenger, that the pair really started chatting. And they never stopped.
Twelve years later, the couple, who live in Everton Park, celebrated their wedding on February 12 this year at Rosewood Estate, nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
In front of 55 guests, they danced to City and Colour’s We Found Each Other In The Dark.
The couple continued the celebrations on a “minimoon” to Noosa with their dog, Archie, but are planning a proper honeymoon to Japan.
How did you meet?
Madi: In high school. Brandon was the grade above me – in grade 12 – and found my email address on MySpace and added me on MSN Messenger. We had known of each other for some time before that though. Brandon dated one of my friends in grades eight and nine and he told a friend that I had no personality! Of course, he denies this now.
The proposal?
Brandon proposed at home with our puppy, Archie, after a previous plan failed. I was completely oblivious to what was going on and said, “what the f —ck are you doing?!”
Hen’s night?
My sister booked me a weekend at The Calile Hotel. My hen’s night was a party bus to Burleigh for a sunset dinner at The Tropic. We got the party bus back to Brisbane and out for more cocktails.
Buck’s Night?
Brandon had a three-day buck’s weekend at the Gold Coast. Eight of the 12 people at the party came back with Covid. We had to be apart for a week as my hen’s party was the following weekend.
Any unique details about your wedding?
I had given my florist inspiration pictures of what I wanted for bouquets and ceremony flowers but left most of it up to her to create. I was completely in awe when the bouquets arrived on the day! The beautiful flowers are one of my favourite parts of our wedding.
What was a standout moment?
We met each other unexpectedly out on the grass at 5.30am to watch the sunrise over the beautiful hinterland before we parted ways for the day. It was a special moment between the two of us that we will cherish forever. But honestly, the entire day was incredible. We were in such a love bubble the whole day!
What would you do differently?
Nothing! The day was absolutely perfect and we had so much fun. Although, I wish my NZ family was able to come, but it was a few weeks too early for the travel restrictions and quarantine.
What would you spend more or less on?
We didn’t compromise on anything but didn’t spend on things we didn’t see value in either. We didn’t care about any table styling for example, so we did the bare minimum there. Also, our on the day co-ordinator, Ellie from The Other Bridesmaid, was worth her weight in gold, we would pay so much more for her. An absolute legend!
One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?
It’s an emotional rollercoaster and it won’t always be smooth sailing but it’s so exciting and worth it all.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Expect to be stressed and tested but try not to worry about the things you can’t control and don’t sweat the small stuff. No one remembers your table settings or if your hair isn’t perfect! Do it your way, be present and enjoy it and give your guests a decent meal.
THE BRIDE
Madeleine McGovern, 29
Profession Principal policy officer
Parents Jacinta and
late Tim McGovern
Bridesmaids Steph McGovern, Courtney Brennan, Chelsea Mulholland, Karli Kristjansson
Dress And For Love purchased from
Bloom Australia
Hair Sarah Kelly Co
Make-up Erica Coffey
Flowers Bunch It Up
Engagement ring
The True Gem Company
Wedding band
Louise Jean Jewellery
Wedding planner/stylist The Other Bridesmaid (on the day co-ordinator)
THE GROOM
Brandon Wellington, 29
Profession Strength and conditioning coach
Parents Stan Wellington and Yoni Kriewaldt
Groomsmen Brad Dennis, Blake Freeman, Darren Leng, Luan Vo
Suit Jacket, Country Road; shirt and pants, Uniqlo
Entertainment Jake Hill Music (musician), Loco Entertainment (DJ)
Transport Koala Koaches
Celebrant Celebrant Lady Love
Caterer Flamin Grillas, Saltair Kombi Bar
Cake Peace of Cake
FurnitureHire Arctic Fox Weddings
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