I’m pretty sure you could count on one hand how many times it has rained at Ilfracombe in late April over the past 50 years. What turned into a 1 in a 100 year rainfall event started on the very day that Heidi & Mark were married last weekend. Factoring that in was not something that was considered in the wedding planning process!
Heidi wanted to declare their vows in her Grandad’s paddock on his property outside Ilfracombe with the never-ending central Queensland outback as the backdrop. It was literally at the last minute that she had to make the call to relocate the Ceremony to the Wellshot Hotel when it became clear that the mizzling rain was going to persevere. My heart went out to Heidi in that moment, it was so disappointing. But she quickly proved that she is made of good stuff, she wasn’t going to allow an altogether unseasonal weather event to mar this special day, flipping disappointment for determination to have the amazing day they deserved.
Heidi’s Mum Tracy, has been the Wellshot Hotel publican for the past 8 years. An iconic and classic outback pub where many a yarn has been told, the place now assumed the role of magical wedding venue.
How did you two meet and what were your first impressions?
I tagged along to Mum’s work Christmas party at the RSL where I saw Mark walk in, and I knew from that moment I was going to marry that boy. I don’t think we actually spoke a word that night or even came within 10 metres of each other. I’d also like to add here, that Mark gate-crashed this party! We then officially meet a week or two later at the local pub. We exchanged numbers, and started texting. Mark was terrible at hints but finally caught onto one of them and cooked me dinner. And well, here we are. I always joke that it wasn’t until I filleted a fish and reserved the boat down the back of the yard, until Mark knew I was the one. Before we met, I had booked a 2-month backpacking trip to America. I still went, and he waited for me to come home 😊
How did he/she propose?
Heidi had been eying off a ring by a designer in America for years! Then in 2020, Heidi qualified for the half Ironman world champs to be held in Utah. Perfect! Get the dream ring and elope while we’re over there. However, Covid had other ideas. Instead, we then decided to get a similar ring made locally and used the gold from Heidi’s great-great-grandmother’s wedding ring from 1895. Heidi hadn’t seen the final product, or had no idea of an expected completion date… but her first officially full Ironman was quickly approaching and everyone thought that it would happen then. Even Heidi in her last lap of the 12hr race, thought, ‘man if he doesn’t do it now, I’m going to propose to him’. She crossed the finish line… and no ring. Knowing full well that he now had the goods, any dinner, holiday or alike, she was almost expecting it. However, Mark caught Heidi completely off guard while driving between Torrens Creek and Aramac on our way to visit her family for the Ilfracombe Races. Our favourite song was playing, Heidi looking out the window, then turned around and he had the ring, and ask. Heidi’s answer – pull over!!! Then obviously a ‘Yes’.
What do you love most about each other?
Mark said Heidi loves him because he cooks the best steak.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
M: To celebrate our friendship and future together…. And of course to give our guests a reason to visit outback Queensland, most of which have never been before.
H: Mark and I always said we wanted to throw a party where people could relax and mingle. To us, this meant no seating plan, a 5 piece band, a bucking bull, smoked meats food truck and an ice-cream cart.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
M: Wet, hectic but we had the best time.
H: Not just on our wedding day, but during entire week, we were so blown away by the love and support of our family and friends.
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
M: Seeing Heidi walk down the aisle in her dress.
H: Going to the original ceremony location in the rain, just on dark with Mark to get a few special photos.
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
M: I was surprised when someone turned up and said they had a mechanical bull for the wedding.
H: Surprise – it rained.
M & H: An honourable mention must be made to our friends and family who transformed the Wellshot Hotel into our wet weather venue 45mins before the ceremony start time. This was Heidi’s biggest surprise.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
M: Joked the same as it did before.
H: Mark now calls me his wife…
Heidi’s dress: Rue de Seine
Mark’s outfit: Brooksfield Australia Michaels Mens Wear
Bridesmaids: Shona Joy The Iconic
Groomsmen: Michaels Mens Wear
Makeup & beauty: Georgia Palmer
Hair: Sage Hair
Rings & Jewellery: Jewellery By Design
Flowers: The Flower Effect
Cake: Heidi’s Nanna – Betty Taylor
Celebrant: Nancy Savage
Caterer: Beefer BBQ Wellshot Hotel
Videographer: DWV Films
DJ/music: Ron Sellars Band
Master of Ceremonies: Jamie Bryant
Venue: Wellshot Hotel
