Wedding Feature - Emily Tate and Phillip Stephens

CELEBRATE EVERY WIN as a COUPLE - no matter how big or small!

WHO - EMILY TATE AND PHILLIP STEPHENS

WHEN - SATURDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2021

WHERE - SIRROMET WINES - CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE ARBOUR AND THE PARTY CONTINUED TO THE BARREL HALL.

FIRST MEETING

Emily – “We met at the Gold Coast Mayoress Charity Ball in 2017 after being introduced to each other THREE times that night. We thought we were both there for a fundraiser, not a matchmaking night!”

THE PROPOSAL

After multiple cancelled flights and bullet train transfers, Emily and Phillip finally made it to Kyoto in Japan for their holiday. They had to wait for the hotel room to be ready so Phil suggested they should bike 1.5 hours to The Golden Temple. Both were jetlagged, exhausted from all the travelling and not to mention in need of a shower after the bike ride but nevertheless Phil got down on one knee and proposed! He was able to time it in between all the roaming tourists.

THE BRIDE

Emily’s gown was a custom design by George Wu Couture with Yves Saint Laurent shoes with flowers by Julie Vine Florals. Her hair was by Melissa from Hair I Come and make-up by Natalie Lucas from Natalie Lucas Makeup. The engagement and wedding rings came from Calleija. Emily’s godfather the Reverend John Barnes was the celebrant. Parents: Ruth & Tom Tate

THE GROOM

Phillip wore a suit by MJ Bale with a Hermes tie and boots and belt by R.M. Williams. Parents: Gail & the late Tony Stephens Snr.

HENS AND BUCKS DAYS/NIGHTS?

Emily’s friends organised a pastel-themed hens in a gorgeous penthouse in Burleigh Heads. The afternoon consisted of fantastic cocktails, cheese grazing, mini photoshoots within the group and finished off at The Tropic. Phillip's bucks started with some friendly competition at go-karting followed by beers with mates and ended with pork knuckle and schnitzel at The Bavarian.

THE HONEYMOON

They went to the Hayman Island for their honeymoon and road tripped all the way there and back. They were extremely fortunate that Covid-19 restrictions eased the day before the wedding. The guest list numbers grew and the dance floor was able to open up. Sadly, a lot of interstate and overseas family and friends couldn't make it so they organised a livestream company to cover the ceremony with cinema-grade cameras and audio equipment. Emily and Phillip wanted everyone to be a part of their day, no matter where they were in the world.

WHAT WAS THE STANDOUT MOMENT OF THE DAY?

A surprise Whisky Bar was set up for the night called 'Tom's Bar'. This was in honour of both of their fathers. Thomas Richard Tate for his birth name and Anthony Leon Stephens who was jokingly nicknamed by his children as ‘TOM’ which stands for ‘The Old Man’.

BEST ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES?