The day I fell for Dayne Zorko’s sister: our wedding
When Brisbane Lions AFL player Ryan Lester moved in with teammate Dayne Zorko in 2012, he wasn’t looking for love. But when Dayne’s sister Emi decided to visit, sparks flew.
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When Brisbane Lions AFL player Ryan Lester moved in with teammate Dayne Zorko in 2012, he wasn’t looking for love. But when Dayne’s sister Emi decided to visit, sparks flew between her and Ryan, who quickly became one of Brisbane’s hottest couples.
They tied the knot at Summergrove Estate at Carool in the Tweed, NSW. The wedding was supposed to be outside in the garden, but rain changed their plans and the couple and their guests convened in the venue’s beautiful chapel with a view of the mountains.
A cocktail reception at the estate followed, featuring lychee mojitos, canapés and bento boxes.
“We wanted it to be more of a big party with people mingling, dancing and drinking,” Emi says.
GROOM: Ryan Lester, 26
PROFESSION Professional AFL player
PARENTS Julie and Warren Lester
GROOMSMEN Dayne Zorko (best man), Sean Lester, Jamie Papanicolaou
SUIT Michael Innis Menswear
TRANSPORT Own cars
ENTERTAINMENT Acoustic for the ceremony (The White Tree), DJ Corey Fletcher (reception)
CAKE Two-tier partially naked cake in two flavours – chocolate brownie with salted caramel and white chocolate with lime curd (Petal and Peach Bespoke Cakery, Wellington Pt)
BRIDE: Emi Zorko, 27
PROFESSION Recruitment Adviser
PARENTS Joanne and Alex Zorko
BRIDESMAIDS Sasha Zorko (maid of honour), Brittany Valle, Chealsey Saunderson
DRESS Custom made hand stitched Italian lace by George Wu
HAIR Scarlett Elizabeth Hair Artistry
MAKEUP Hayley Edgar
FLOWERS Wilderness Flowers
ENGAGEMENT RING Brilliant cut diamond ring with diamonds around the white gold band (in total two carats)
PHOTOGRAPHY One, But Many – Brooke Adams, Gold Coast
How did Ryan propose?
We were in London in 2017 and Ryan asked me to marry him in Hyde Park outside Kensington Palace.
Theme?
Luxe/Hamptons.
First dance?
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur.
Honeymoon?
The Maldives – Kandima resort, which was amazing, then we finished with a trip to Bali with friends.
Special memories?
Walking down the aisle and seeing Ryan wipe a tear from his eyes. Also just the whole day was just one to remember.
Funny moments?
My nephew was the ring bearer and he ran up the aisle, turned around and ran back out. The speeches were funny as well. We had two incredible MCs who were hilarious.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Don’t stress about the small things.
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