Viral kookaburra bride reveals the moment was a sign from her late father
The bride whose wedding went viral has opened up about the moment that captivated millions worldwide.
Weeks after her wedding went viral when a kookaburra famously perched on her head mid-ceremony, Maxine Grove has opened up about the unforgettable moment that turned her big day into a worldwide sensation.
“We both think the reaction has been amazing and we will be laughing just like a kookaburra for years to come thinking about this,” Grove says.
“I still can’t believe how many people have seen the video and that we were on the national news!
“It’s been nice to see so many laughs, and messages of love from all over the world.”
Maxine was delivering her vows to her now husband Marc Edwards during their ceremony at The Valley Estate on October 25 in front of their 95 guests when the kookaburra made its surprise entrance. The moment was captured on video and now seen by millions around the world. Initially, Grove talks of the panic of not knowing what was making the guests react, but it quickly turned to disbelief and a meaningful moment for Grove who says it was a sign from her late father who died tragically when she was eight.
The Surfers Paradise couple, who have been together for four years, are still shocked at the worldwide reaction.
How did you meet? Maxine: We met in October 2021 in Brisbane at the Piano Bar in the Emporium South Bank. My first impression of Marc was wow! What an amazing guy, so handsome and funny.
Marc: I thought she was beautiful. After about 10 minutes of conversation, I thought to myself “Oh no, I think I’m in trouble here.”
The proposal?
Maxine:Marc proposed at the Jules Verne restaurant (inside the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
How did you choose your wedding venue?
The moment we drove on to the property, we immediately fell in love with it.
Theme? Timeless and elegant. I selected all white florals with no foliage and I wanted the tables to look like a Renaissance painting.
What was the budget for your wedding?We didn’t really have one, but tried to be sensible.
What would you spend more or less on?
When I reflect on the final cost, I honestly wouldn’t shift a single dollar. Not a thing.
How did you choose your wedding outfit?
I tried on more than 80 dresses and still hadn’t found “the one” so decided to do a trip to Sydney and instantly fell in love with the Valkyrie gown made by Leah Da Gloria, in Gaza fabric. My second look I bought from Kyha Studios, a two-piece top and mini skirt!
What was the most stressful part of planning? My stylist Tanya from Demavi weddings was incredibly helpful, as were the co-ordinators at The Valley Estate and all of our vendors. I had my dresses made in Sydney so had to do a lot of trips for the fittings so that made things a little more stressful as we both work full time.
Any unique details about your wedding?For my wedding gift Marc worked with Imperial Jewellery to design my 26ct diamond pear drop earrings. And we included our Pomeranian, Boo, for the ceremony and cocktail hour.
Did anything unexpected happen?The most unexpected thing to happen was a kookaburra landed on my head during my vows. I do believe it was a sign from a loved one. The morning of the wedding, I was driving to the venue and talking to my father’s spirit, as I do regularly. My dad passed away in a horrible accident when he was 40. I was just eight years old. But I do know he is watching over me, and I talk to him daily, like a guardian angel. The kookaburra sat and watched the whole ceremony from the side next to my family which is really special.
How did the moment unfold?I felt a gentle tug on my veil, and I just figured it was the wind. But then Marc lifted his hand and suddenly all our guests made this noise. Not a gasp, but this weird, concerned “ooh”. I had no idea there was a bird on my head, it was really gentle. I was focusing on not crying while reading my vows. My brain immediately went to the worst-case scenario, a wasp. It was pure panic. That’s when I whipped around! I’m way, way more terrified of wasps than any bird, so I had to see what was happening. When Marc said it was a kookaburra I was in total disbelief, I still can’t believe it happened, it really was so special.
How do you feel about the video going viral?We both think the reaction has been amazing! I still can’t believe how many people have seen the video and we were on the national news! It’s been nice to see so many laughs, and messages of love from all over the world. Of course, we’ve also seen the not-so-kind reactions. But the real story is simple: two people who found each other, fell in love, and shared a moment of pure joy. We know our truth, we know our love, and we’re grateful for it every single day.
The Bride
Maxine Grove, 36
Profession Graphic designer and illustrator
Parents Jane Grove and Timothy Mckennay
Bridesmaids Jessica Smulders, Sally Dighton, Ayumi Galvin, Kayla Oldman, Nancy Khodeir,
Phillip Morgan
Dress Ceremony dress: Leah Da Gloria; Second dress: Kyha studios
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Hair Tara Liddell from Tara Anne Artistry & Bianca Allot from Luxx Loxx
Make-up Mia Connor (bride) & Sophie Elise from Blush’d Brides
(bridesmaids)
Flowers Tanya from Demavi Weddings
The Groom
Marc Edwards, 53
Profession Stock market trader, sales and property investor
Parents Sandra and Barry Cunnington
Groomsmen Caroline Tilson, Dwayne Tilson, Aaron Hoepner, Rod Wilson, Matthew Galvin, Rob Kinney
Suit MJ Bale
Entertainment Angel Strings Quartet Band and Empire Events
Videographer Evernew Studios
Celebrant and MC Jake Smith – Married By Jake
Cake The Sweet Society Co
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Originally published as Viral kookaburra bride reveals the moment was a sign from her late father
