Melbourne VIP: Weddings, announcements and events
The tropical wedding of former Aussie Test cricketer Matthew Renshaw to his love of five years, Josie Harvey, hit the perfect pitch.
Fiona Byrne
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CRICKETER Matthew Renshaw was bowled over by his beautiful bride, Josie Harvey, at their picturesque wedding on the Sunshine Coast.
Matthew, a former opening batsman for the Australian Test team, and Josie exchanged vows in front of 75 family and friends at Flaxton Gardens in Queensland on May 14.
Matthew, who made his Test debut in 2016, scored 184 in just his fourth Test and now plays for the Queensland Bulls, and Josie met at a barbecue at Bribie Island five years ago.
The dashing batsman proposed on Good Friday last year.
“It was in our backyard on the freshly cut grass having a picnic with our fur baby Chester by our side,” Josie said.
Josie chose Sydney designer Velani by Nicky to create her delicate bridal gown after wearing a dress from the designer to a cricket awards gala.
“I came to know Nicky through the cricket awards where she made my dress. I knew instantly then that she was the person I wanted to make my dream dress. And she delivered,” she said.
Matthew wore a black tuxedo from Melbourne brand Mr Cuff with accessories by Arcis.
He carried his late grandfathers’ watches in his pocket to include them in the day.
The wedding was styled to be a simple and relaxed celebration with a rustic but elegant feel that reflected the stunning Sunshine Coast venue.
“Flaxton Gardens was the first venue we looked at and we kept coming back to the spot for its venue and views,” Josie said.
“It was the most amazing day of our lives to share with close family and friends.”
The wedding had initially been planned for early April, but the couple moved the date to cater for the extended Sheffield Shield season, which Queensland won last month.
Guests at the ceremony included Usman and Rachel Khawaja, Jimmy Pierson, Mitch Swepson, Erin Holland and Rebekah Labuschagne.
Photography was by Sally Davison at Ted & Li Photography and the stylist was Styled By Ramzy.
FightMND Club Launch - MCG
FightMND launched its new major donor program called the FightMND Club with a memorable and emotional evening in the Long Room at the MCG on Tuesday. The powerful and moving event acknowledged the history of the FightMND organisation while looking towards the future and the vital need to continue the fight against the “Beast” with research and funding. FightMND founderNeale Daniher was among the guests with his wife Jan and daughter Bec. Other guests included AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, JanineAllis, Bill Guest, Kate Roffey and David Neitz. Guest speaker Pat Cunningham shared an emotional insight into MND, having lost his wife Angie to the disease. The interview was sensitively handled by the evening’s MC Jason Richardson.
St Kilda Film Festival - St Kilda
The St Kilda Film Festival launched to a full house at the Astor Theatre in St Kilda on Thursday with a showing of a selection of short films from the festival’s program.
The St Kilda Film Festival is now in its 38th year.
Spotted among the big crowd at the Astor: Gyton Grantley, who hosted proceedings, Damian Walsh-Howling, Radha Mitchell, Sullivan Stapleton, Tony Ayres, Adam Elliot, City of Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford, Tony Briggs and Richard Sowada.
The Festival runs until May 29, 2021. Tickets are available at www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au
Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries launch - Yarraville
The new season of Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries promises to be an absolute delight. The first episode of the made in Melbourne series was screened at The Sun Theatre on Wednesday night at an event hosted by Acorn TV - the new home of the series. It was lovely to see Kerry Greenwood, the celebrated Melbourne author whose characters and crime novels have inspired the Miss Fisher TV empire, at the event. Cast attending included Geraldine Hakewill, Joel Jackson, Catherine McClements, Toby Truslove, Louisa Mignone and Greg Stone. The series is available on Acorn TV from June 7, 2021.
R1 Australia Active Morning - South Yarra
After cuddling up to plenty of ‘Covid kilos’ during last year’s lockdown it is time to get moving and South Yarra’s freshestand newest gym club R1 Australia is up and running at the Capital Grand in South Yarra. The venue, which opened in March,was showcased with an Active Morning on Thursday with the likes of Crystal Kimber, Georgia Mort, Monique Fontana, Zoe Henningsenand Sharon Johal sweating it out. R1 is branded the “King of Gyms” and it is certainly looking to bring style to the workoutscene.
John Wylie’s State Library Farewell - CBD
Businessman John Wylie was farewelled in style as he stepped down as President of the board of the State Library of Victoria on Tuesday evening. The former head of the Australian Sports Commission’s long and valuable contribution to the Victorian institution was celebrated with a high powered cocktail party hosted by the Library’s CEO Kate Torney in the magnificent Ian Potter Queen’s Hall at the library. Guests included John Brumby, Ted Baillieu, Paul Little, Sam Lipski, Robyn Campbell, Naomi Robson, Mike Fitzpatrick, Maxine McKew, Christine Christian, and Charles Goode.
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