How our engagement party suddenly became a wedding
The guests thought they were at an engagement party but this couple surprised everyone by tying the knot instead.
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Their friends thought it would be an engagement party to remember, but Stacey Porter and Ryan Quinn surprised them all by tying the knot instead.
The couple, who lives in West End, in inner Brisbane, celebrated their special day with a ceremony and reception at CBD function space The Grove. With just a select few guests in on the secret, everyone else enjoyed a marvellous surprise.
“An hour into the party, I disappeared to get changed into my wedding dress,” explains Stacey. “While I was in hiding in a back corridor with my father at my side, the celebrant grabbed the microphone to make an announcement. Everyone thought she was my cousin and about to start speeches.
“Instead she announced that everyone was in fact attending a surprise wedding. Once the music started to play, my father and I reappeared to walk down the aisle to Ryan.”
The newly weds, who met at Riverbar at Eagle St, Brisbane, danced the night away under the lighting of a LOVE sign.
How did Ryan propose?
On our anniversary last year (November 10) at Mooloolaba Beach, on the Sunshine Coast. We were enjoying a seafood picnic when he popped the question.
First dance?
Always Remember Us This Way — Lady Gaga.
Honeymoon?
Tasmania.
What made this uniquely your wedding?
We hadn’t told anyone about the surprise except for Ryan’s two sisters who needed to fly in from London and Japan. We only told our parents a week out from the event. It was so exciting to surprise everyone on the day. They were absolutely thrilled to be a part of the celebrations. We also incorporated a Celtic tradition into the ceremony. Each of our siblings pledged a vow while binding our hands together with white ribbon.
Special memories?
Our first time seeing each other on the day was at Riverbar. We met for some bubbles and Ryan had arranged the most beautiful bouquet for me, with a small amount of blue in the foliage as my “something blue”. It was a really special touch and a lovely surprise.
Funny moments?
After the surprise ceremony, we had one more surprise up our sleeve – we had hidden the inside room of the venue from our guests and unbeknown to them it was set up for a full sit down dinner. We invited everyone to join us for dinner and as we made this announcement the blinds went up and the room was revealed.
THE BRIDE
Stacey Porter, 36
PROFESSION Property manager
PARENTS Bronwyn and Neal Porter
BRIDESMAIDS Eleanor and Meg Quinn
DRESS Stylish Brides (on Etsy)
HAIR Jessica James, 480 Queen Street
MAKEUP Studio Luxe Beauty Retreat, Newstead
FLOWERS Bumble & Bloom, Brisbane
ENGAGEMENT RING Yellow gold citrine and diamond ring
THE GROOM
Ryan Quinn, 30
PROFESSION Landscaper
PARENTS Elizabeth and Patrick Quinn
SUIT Peter Jackson
TRANSPORT N/A
ENTERTAINMENT Nick Trovas (duo) in the afternoon, DJ Brent Walters in the evening
CAKE Chantelle Fielder (it’s her part time hobby)
PHOTOGRAPHY Foy & Co Weddings
CONTACT hannah.davies@news.com.au
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