NRL glamour couple tie the knot after two year Covid delay

After a two-year delay due to Covid, NRL player Kodi Nikorima’s hilltop wedding to Bree Tobler was more special than they could have hoped.

Amy Price

4 min read

November 8, 2022 - 8:22AM

QWeekend

Brisbane Broncos players Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima play with their newborn bubs

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As Bree Tobler concluded her vows, it wasn’t new husband Kodi Nikorima who offered the first seal of approval. “Good job, mummy,” their son Zavier, 3, yelled from his post as ring-bearer, delighting their 102 guests. It was a moment they might have missed had the couple married as planned in October 2020, before their wedding became another casualty of the Covid pandemic.

In the interim they welcomed another son, Elijah, now 1, who wore a bow tie and suspenders that matched his brother’s as Nikorima and Tobler finally tied the knot at Summergrove Estate, their dream venue in the Tweed Coast hinterland, on October 16.

Kodi Nikorima and Bree Tobler on their wedding day with sons Zavier and Elijah. Photo: Courtney, Black Palm Collective

Family has been a constant for the north Brisbane couple, who have grown used to interruptions since they met through a mutual friend eight years ago.

In 2019 Nikorima, an NRL halfback, faced a sudden mid-season shift from the Brisbane Broncos to the New Zealand Warriors a few months after Zavier was born.

And there were more ups and downs that followed during the pandemic, as was the norm in the NRL bubble, before a move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs this year and a homecoming deal inked with the Redcliffe Dolphins for 2023.

Tobler has remained staunchly by his side, moving with him across the ditch and back, newborns in tow, to keep them together. So as they celebrated their wedding as a family, a new start on the horizon, they suddenly couldn’t have imagined it being any other way.

The Nikorimas tied the knot at Summergrove Estate in the Tweed Hinterland. Photo: Courtney, Black Palm Collective

How did you meet?

In 2014 through a mutual friend. Kyarra, who was one of my bridesmaids, gave Kodi my number one night out behind my back. The rest is history.

How did he propose?

A couple of months after we moved to New Zealand, Kodi organised a private helicopter to the mountain tops in Queenstown in October 2019. It was snowing on us and he was so nervous he forgot all his words. We celebrated with a picnic and champagne on the top of the mountain.

Hen’s night?

Paint and sip at Pinot & Picasso where we all painted a picture of Kodi.

Nikorima with groomsmen, Jayden Nikorima, Harlim Nikorima, Isaiah Nikorima, Chris Frost. Photo: Courtney, Black Palm Collective

Buck’s night?

Top Golf on the Gold Coast.

First dance song?

Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur.

Honeymoon?

We’ll take one next year, we have a wedding to attend in Las Vegas, then plan to venture to the Bahamas.

Bree Tobler with bridesmaids Kyarra Stewart, Cassidy Lipins, Jasmin McDougall. Photo: Courtney, Black Palm Collective

What was the standout moment of the day?

Our guests getting to know each other – it was amazing seeing all of our family and friends coming together and celebrating us – and having our sons, Zavier and Elijah, as part of our day. Zavi was the ring-bearer. Kodi’s vows definitely overshadowed me in that department. They were amazing. We missed this part but we heard the margaritas were a hit!

What would you do differently?

A reception dress!

Something easier to move around and dance in. And an extended cocktail and canape “hour” so we’d have time to relax and mingle outside with our guests before the reception.

The couple’s children Zavier, three, and Elijah, one, were part of the ceremony. Photo: Courtney/ Black Palm Collective

Did Covid impact your original wedding plans?

Our original wedding was planned for October 2020, but was postponed due to Covid. It was disheartening having to move it so close to the date, but we were one couple of many in the same position. In the end we are grateful we had to move it, because in the interim we welcomed another beautiful son, Eli, and he got to be there on our special day.

How did you decide on the venue?

Summergrove Estate was the first and only venue we looked at, we fell in love instantly. We wanted an intimate, minimalistic wedding and Summergrove was perfect. I loved that there is a beauty room available to get ready on site.

Throughout the morning I could pop out and walk into the barn where the reception was and see all of our plans coming to life, it was beautiful.

Jordyn was the venue’s on-the-day co-ordinator and she was incredible! After it rained on us, she even got on her hands and knees trying to clean my dress with soda water when it was muddy.

The newlyweds shared a first dance to Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur. Photo: Courtney, Black Palm Collective

What helped you get through the stress of the planning?

Kodi being helpful. He took on a few of the vendors – the musician, cake, groomsmen and our boys’ attire – and handled it himself.

Jordyn was incredible on the day, as well as our styling team, Ashleigh and Michelle from The Other Bridesmaid, who were beyond helpful. They helped bring all of our visions together, and made the planning process run smoothly.

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?

The most important part is the people you have with you on your day to celebrate with. Spend the extra money on inviting the number of guests you want, having those people there is more important than extravagant flowers.

Make sure you take time with your partner to walk away and have a moment to take it all in. It can be so chaotic it’s nice to take a quiet moment together when you can.