wedding stories
MADDY AND DIEGO
To Maddy’s surprise, Diego proposed during a holiday in Spain. Having just finished a hike, they were led to a stunning beach where the sparkling waves became the backdrop for Diego’s proposal. Maddy says, “the proposal was just right, the simplicity and intimacy of the moment made it very special.”
When choosing a venue for their special day, the couple wanted to find a location that was unique and special to Brisbane locals – Brisbane Powerhouse met such measures. With beautiful rooftop spaces overlooking the Brisbane River and a venue that allows for ceremony and reception under one roof, the pair felt like they had discovered a hidden gem.
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect venue. From the stunning Riverbend Terrace, where we exchanged our vows, to the intimate Rooftop Terrace, where we danced the night away, every aspect of our special day was magical. The Powerhouse team was incredibly attentive, organised, and accommodating, making the planning process stress-free and seamless. They worked closely with all of our vendors, ensuring that every detail was looked after. Wedding planning can be stressful, but we didn’t have to worry about the venue, our experience was enjoyable from start to finish, and we cannot thank the Powerhouse team enough for making our special day unforgettable.
Finally tying the knot in August 2022, the couple had to postpone their wedding date twice before amidst the impacts of the pandemic. While postponing their wedding day was a difficult decision, it was one of necessity as Diego’s family lived in Brazil – to have his mum, dad, two brothers, and aunty there to share in the couple’s joy was well worth the wait.
The couple’s special day incorporated Brazilian culture, making Diego’s family feel welcome and at home. Their celebrant welcomed guests in Portuguese, they had bilingual menus, and during speeches, friends helped translate English to Portuguese.
The pair’s first dance song also incorporated Brazilian culture, with a cover of ‘Loving You’ originally by Minnie Riperton, performed in a Bossa Nova style by Brazilian artist Marcela Mangabeira. “We chose this version of the song because the slow-paced Bossa Nova style felt perfect for our first dance as a married couple and we love the song”, Maddy recalls.
Finally, the couple’s party favours were Bem Casados (small individually wrapped cakes with a sweet filling), which translates to “happily married” in Portuguese – legend says these cakes represent two parts united by commitment and promise of a life of love and happiness.
