Rustic vibe lights up ex-Reds star’s glamorous wedding
A country wedding was the culmination of the relationship between ex-Red’s star Mike Harris and Courtney Jager.
QWeekend
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When former Queensland Reds player Mike Harris first met Courtney Jager at Brisbane bar Friday’s Riverside he was keen to buy her a drink. But much to his dismay, the marketing assistant, who was out on a girl’s night, ignored him. Fortunately a few months later they ran into each other again at the same bar and this time Mike was in luck.
“I do regret initially ignoring him,” says Courtney.
“But I guess everything happens for a reason and the rest is history.”
The former Brisbane couple now live in Tokyo, Japan, where Mike plays for Toshiba Brave Lupus in the country’s Top League.
They returned to Queensland for their wedding and chose the idyllic Yandina Station, on the Sunshine Coast, for a ceremony under an old fig tree. A reception for 130 guests followed inside one of the property’s original dairies.
How did Mike propose?
It was super decadent. We had an amazing dinner at Nobu in Dubai and then Mike popped the question on the balcony of the presidential suite at (five-star hotel) Atlantis the Palm. He went down on one knee, too. I don’t know how though, because his body is so broken from rugby.
Theme?
Rustic country vibes with a hint of French romance
First Dance?
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Haley Reinhart
Honeymoon?
Singapore and the Maldives
What made this uniquely your wedding?
Having all our lifelong friends and our families from all over the world (New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and interstate) in one place celebrating our love, and having them all reunite or meet for the first time.
Special memories?
Mike says, “Seeing my wife-to-be appear from behind the crowd and walk down the aisle toward me.”
Courtney says, “Spending the morning with my family and loved ones getting ready, having a few champagnes and not entirely knowing what to expect for what lay ahead that day.”
Funny moments?
Providing each table at the reception with a game of Jelly Belly ‘Beanboozled’ (basically a game of jelly bean roulette with one flavour being absolutely heinous). Honestly, the guests had so much fun with it.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
The day goes so fast so you really just need to ‘be’ in the moment and appreciate all the planning that you invested into it. Make sure you take a step back on the night with your husband, take in the room and see all the wonderful people who have come to celebrate with you. Look around at what you have spent months creating, and then make sure you get back to the party and enjoy.
THE BRIDE
Courtney Jager, 27
PROFESSION Marketing assistant
PARENTS Karen and Lance Jager
BRIDESMAIDS Gabrielle Bliss (maid of honour), Ellie Hawthorne, Kate Pearson
DRESS An incredible handcrafted creation by George Wu
HAIR Hair by Nicola
MAKEUP Tanielle Jai
FLOWERS Mondo Floral Designs
ENGAGEMENT RING 1.5 carat round brilliant diamond, set in classic platinum solitaire
THE GROOM
Mike Harris, 30
PROFESSION Professional rugby union player
PARENTS Fran and Barry Harris
GROOMSMEN Steve Harris (best man), Theo Hermans, James Jager
SUIT MJ Bale
TRANSPORT The Range Wedding Cars – 1964 Daimlers
ENTERTAINMENT Offenbach Strings (ceremony) and Hamilton Band (reception)
CAKE Croquembouche by Chocolate 2 Chilli
PLANNER Carly Baum – CL Weddings & Events
PHOTOGRAPHY
Benji & Sam Wedding Photography
CONTACT
hannah.davies@news.com.au
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