If ever you wanted a location with a view of Surfers Paradise and the ocean, then the Hilton Surfers Paradise is it. Joel and Melissa chose this wonderful venue for their wedding, and it complemented a superb day. I had a lot of laughs with this couple along the way. At one stage, Melissa threatened that she was about to turn into a “Bridezilla”…but that didn’t happen (phew)! These guys were an absolute pleasure to work with. We did a wedding rehearsal on the day before, and the wedding organiser at the Hilton Hotel was brilliant. Everything was timed and the nervous energy with the bridal party made me smile. They were a great group of people.
Being 15 stories high certainly added “wow factor” to the wedding day since the view was amazing. Joel arrived in plenty of time with his mates in tow. When we went upstairs to the room, you could see how moved he was by the knowledge that he marrying the love of his life. Showtime arrived, but the bride didn’t…well not for 20 minutes anyway! When the music started, the room went silent. The bridesmaids looked stunning. But it was when Joel saw his daughter dressed in a gown and in makeup (I think for the first time) that the tears started flowing. Joel was so moved and anxiously awaited seeing his bride. When she appeared, Joel was totally lost in a sea of tears. It was lovely to see and I remember patting him on the back and saying, “good on you mate!”
For the whole ceremony, their eyes hardly left each other. The whole room of family and friends were truly engaged into what was happening and we all witnessed something more than just two people getting married. For Joel and Melissa, this was a blending of two families! The ceremony went without a hitch. The couple kissed, signed the documents, and went forth into a wonderful future together. I was blessed to be a part of this moment!
Peter Blades – Your Gold Coast Marriage Celebrant
Thanks, Peter for sharing this story. I often go to the Surfers Paradise but never stays at Hilton Surfers Paradise before, I think I will go next time. Joel and Melissa, sound like a wonderful couple. Wishing them a very happy married life. I wish I could watch the celebration. Can you please share the whole wedding photo shoot in your next post? Thanks!
Unfortunately I don’t have access to any video of the ceremony!