‘Rode her to the reception, high heels and all’: Brisbane model enters wedding on a horse

Black-tie, pure glam and a bride on horseback - a model and her architect husband have tied the knot at one of the hottest weddings you’ve seen. Then came the first dance.

From a bride on horseback galloping into her reception to a Champagne tower and couture outfits, La’Ace de Vries and Adam Danielli celebrated their lavish wedding in style.

The Nundah couple, who have been together for 14 years, tied the knot at The Old Dairy Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, on November 9 last year.

It was an intimate celebration with 67 guests for their black-tie wedding sprinkled with an At Last theme, inspired by the Etta James song.

How did you meet? La’Ace:Through a mutual friend in March 2011. I was fresh out of high school and Adam was studying architecture. I just got my driver’s licence and was excited to catch up with my friend who was staying at Adam’s house while Adam’s parents were overseas. We connected straightaway over our love for animals, art and design. We have been inseparable ever since that night.

The wedding of La'Ace de Vries and Adam Danielli. Pictures: Shae Estella

The proposal? Adam: It was our four-year anniversary and we went to Qualia on Hamilton Island. I had planned the perfect four days with the staff that finished with a proposal on Whitehaven Beach. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy to the unpredictable weather. On the day of our anniversary, the staff at Qualia decided to set up our room beautifully as compensation for an outdoor beach picnic the weather ruled out. I saw an opportunity to propose and took my shot. I missed. I lost my voice and fumbled to get my words out. I was on one knee looking up at La’Ace with a ring box open. She looked back puzzled. Then delighted, then ecstatic.

How did you choose your wedding venue? We have spent nine years engaged and in that time we had a chance to look at many venues. We chose The Old Dairy for a few reasons. Maleny is where we officially got together and spend most anniversaries. The Old Dairy gave access to their site for the whole weekend and the service and hospitality of the venue is second to none. It’s simply the most beautiful venue.

What was the budget for your wedding?
About $70k.

The wedding of La'Ace de Vries and Adam Danielli. Pictures: Shae Estella

What would you spend more or less on? It was the perfect day. There isn’t anything we would spend more or less on. The memories created on that day were worth every cent.

How did you choose your wedding dress? Being a model I have been so lucky to wear many wedding dresses. I have known Brad from Darb Bridal since I was 15. It was a clear choice to reach out to him, he is so incredibly talented. Brad helped bring my idea and sketch to life in the most incredible way. It’s the most stunning dress I have ever seen. My dance dress was from Rosie Etienne and friend and designer Joteo made me a recovery gown.

What were your thoughts seeing your bride for the first time? Adam: I was elated. Everywhere I looked I saw family and friends, people who I care deeply for. As the music began and I saw La’Ace walking down, I couldn’t keep looking at her without succumbing to my emotions. After nine years, we were here. It was a dream come true.

What was the most stressful part of wedding planning? Financial. Second is planning down to the minute details. You’re spending so much money that you want your guests to have the best time. We are both very detailed and tried to think about everything – we wanted to create a unique day to remember forever.

The wedding of La'Ace de Vries and Adam Danielli. Pictures: Shae Estella

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding? La’Ace: We had the most beautiful black horse, Lollie, there for some photos. I’ve had horses my whole life, so it just felt natural to make a last-minute decision on the day to jump on and ride her back to the reception, high heels and all! I was unsure in the lead up as I didn’t know how she would tolerate my dress, however with the design of my dress and the leg split it allowed me to comfortably ride her in. We weren’t expecting such a reaction but all our guests were so excited by it.

What was the standout moment of the day? There is so much that we loved, it’s hard to pick. We had a Champagne tower with sparklers as we entered the reception. Our first dance was also so much fun to perform. It was definitely worth getting dance lessons with a dance choreographed for us, it was so nice to connect with each other and surprise our friends and family.

The wedding of La'Ace de Vries and Adam Danielli. Pictures: Shae Estella

What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? Having a live band with a saxophonist was important to both of us. It really lifted the party spirits. Our band rocked the night.

Top wedding hack? Buy a Cricut machine. It was a lifesaver. We created all our own signage and place names.

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding? A good spreadsheet is key to planning. Find vendors who work well with each other. Learn a choreographed dance for your first dance. Make the day your own, we loved that Adam’s brother ran our ceremony.

It made it so much more personal and special for us.

The Bride

La’Ace de Vries, 31

Profession Model/sales executive

Bridesmaids Katie Day (MOH), Clare Palmer

Dress Darb Bridal

Hair Jim Jirarnuttaruj

Make-up Jim Jirarnuttaruj

Flowers Willow Bud

Engagement ring Diamond Centre

Stylist Simply Style Co

Entertainment Franky Smart

Videographer White Leaf

Celebrant: Adam’s brother, Daniel Danielli and Sommer Saunder for the official paperwork

Caterer Penfolds Catering

The Groom

Adam Danielli, 35

Profession Architect

Parents Sue Danielli

Groomsmen Jordan Palmer (BM), Nick Gregory

Suit The Cloak Room

Cake Jocelyn’s Provisions. Two tiers with chocolate and sour cream, raspberry and white chocolate. Every year for our birthdays we order the chocolate sour cream cake from Jocelyn’s. We ordered a simple white three tier with buttercream and let Willow Bud Flowers work her magic with fresh white florals.

Originally published as ‘Rode her to the reception, high heels and all’: Brisbane model enters wedding on a horse