Fireworks light up Fijian sky after Melbourne couple’s ‘magical’ wedding
A couple who fell in love during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival recently wed in a “magical” celebration and are hoping their belated gift will be having a winner in this year’s event.
Fiona Byrne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fiona Byrne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Racing brought Melbourne glamour couple Stephanie Barrington and Hamish Macdonald together with the newlyweds hoping a belated wedding present might be them having a Group 1 runner during this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Racing brought Melbourne glamour couple Stephanie Barrington and Hamish Macdonald together with the newlyweds hoping a belated wedding present might be them having a Group 1 runner during this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Stephanie, an accomplished equestrian, and Hamish met at Flemington on Oaks Day in 2018 in the up-market Rails car park.
“It was the perfect way to meet as we both have a shared passion for horses and the races, in particular the Spring Carnival,” Stephanie said.
“We now own shares together in four racehorses and I compete on the Victorian Show Horse Team with my horse as well. We hope to have a Group 1 runner this Spring.”
Hamish proposed on Christmas Eve at their Balaclava home in 2021, getting down on one knee to pop the question.
Their wedding was held at Intercontinental Hotel in Fiji on Friday, May 26, 2023 in front of 120 guests. It was the centrepiece of four days of celebrations for the couple which included welcome drinks on the 24th, a day with the bride/groom on the 25th and a post wedding recovery day on the 27th.
“We incorporated traditional, elegant elements with magical touches to create the perfect day,” Stephanie said.
“I wanted it to feel magical, like we could have been anywhere in the world.”
The couple were married by a Fijian celebrant and were escorted to and from the ceremony by Fijian Warriors.
Stephanie walked down the aisle as a Warrior Horn sounded.
Their reception included Fijian dancers, a fire show and fireworks. Their first dance was to Beyond by Leon Bridges.
“Dad and I danced to Rockin’ Robin for the father/daughter dance which was mum and dad’s first dance song at their wedding,” Stephanie said.
Stephanie wore an exquisite custom gown by Mariana Hardwick with shoes by Badgley Mischka, hair by Christopher Leech and beauty by Hilary Holmes. Photography was by Nadi Bay Photography Fiji.
“I’m almost certain that my dress was the biggest anyone has ever brought to Fiji from Melbourne. It was my dream dress and I am so thrilled,” she said.
“The pearl chapel veil had a six metre train which I swapped to a finger length, single tier veil after the ceremony. I also changed into a gorgeous Mariana Hardwick mini dress for dancing later in the evening.”
Hamish wore a YSG suit and shirt.
Stephanie described the wedding as unique and so special.
“It meant everything to us, we are eternally grateful to have been surrounded in such a beautiful place by those who we love the most. It was everything we dreamt of and more.”
Stacey Hatfield and Natasha Carrick
Technology brought Stacey Hatfield and Natasha Carrick together in 2015 with that first meeting resulting in an epic romance.
“We met the modern way, by chatting on a new London dating app in 2015,” Natasha said.
Stacey had been invited by a mate to do some ‘customer research’ for the new dating app. In between the official research, one quiet Sunday night Stacey decided to jump online and she saw Natasha.
With the same taste in music and sport, a love of good wine, a weird like of avocado and vegemite on toast, and the fact that she didn’t shy away from a triathlon, Stacey was intrigued.
On their first date they bonded over a mutual love of Mezcal margaritas.
Their second date went even better and they have been inseparable ever since.
The couple had a joint proposal with each popping the question two days apart in Byron Bay in April 2019.
Their wedding, officiated by Elizabeth Shaw, on January 22, 2023 at Rupert on Rupert in Collingwood was “one big celebration”.
“We wanted to curate an intimate, thoughtful, fun but handcrafted day which had a modern take on old wedding traditions,” Natasha said.
“So things like a ceremony to express our own epic romance with a dose of humour, crafting meaningful moments at the table with the embroidery, English garden flowers and fruit to add a dash of our British roots, personal notes to welcome each and every person, and soulful music that got everyone on the dancefloor.
“It was magical to have all your closest and dearest in one room, especially as so many came from overseas to be with us. A day we will not forget.”
Stacey wore a sleek, timeless, low V-neck dress by Kyha. Natasha, who was six months pregnant, wore a cream, sequin gown by Rixo with a large crevasse of wildflowers on her shoulder.
Their first dance was to Florence and The Machine’s “You Got The Love, flowers were by Pomp and Splendour and images by Emily Howlett Photography.
Adele Steriadis and Joel Morandini
Tradition was honoured when Adele Steriadis and Joel Morandini wed at St. John the Baptist Church in Clifton Hill on May 27, 2023.
“We chose this church as it is a Morandini family tradition with Joel’s parents also being married there many years ago,” Adele said.
“The reception was held at The Park, Albert Park. We fell in love with the venue as it was a perfect blend of each of our individual styles. It was the first and only venue we looked at.”
Adele wore a stunning Mariana Hardwick gown which was gently gathered around the bodice and featured a side split. Joel wore a traditional black suit.
Adele said a mispronunciation added mirth to the day.
“Throughout the ceremony, our lovely priest mispronounced our first names in many ways, which made everyone laugh and became a running joke throughout the night,” she said.
“It meant more than we can put into words to be able to celebrate with our family and friends all in the one room.
“We had family and friends travel from near and very far to be with us and we couldn’t be more grateful.
“Everyone describes it as the best day of their lives, but those words truly come to life when you get the chance to experience it for yourselves.”
The couple’s first dance was to Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr.
Flowers were by Levian Events and images by APL Photography.
Adele and Joel met via a dating app in 2019 with a picnic resulting in a proposal.
“Joel organised a beautiful picnic in the Dandenong Ranges, he then proceeded to propose in his ute on the way home,” Adele recalled.
‘Goodbye now’: Listen to 3AW’s Philip Brady announce his retirement
The beloved radio identity has hung up his microphone after more than 30 years at the station, saying “it’s time to move over and give the younger guys a go”. Listen to his announce his retirement.
‘A lot of people’s hero’: Sons tell of John Farnham’s fighting spirit
As John Farnham continues to heal after his battle with mouth cancer, his sons have revealed why the rock legend is “stubborn in all the right ways” and a hero to so many as he pushes forward.