EXCLUSIVE: Chaos strikes the condom heir’s lavish three-day society wedding in an Italian villa when a Who’s Who of celebrity guests is forced to flee: “They had to evacuate everyone”
The lavish wedding of an Australian society couple was hit by extreme weather chaos, causing a Sydney social society Who’s Who to flee for safety.
Michael Porter, whose family owns Australia’s leading condom business Four Seasons, said ‘Yes, I do’ to his long-time partner Billy Mitchell at a luxurious Italian villa on Wednesday.
However, Daily Mail Australia has been told that wild hail and a thunderstorm nearly wiped out the entire event.
“The wedding was interrupted by hail and a thunderstorm and everyone had to be evacuated,” a source revealed.
However, the wild weather event didn’t put much of a brake on the three-day extravaganza attended by celebrities, models, business moguls, reality stars and influencers.
Four Seasons condom heir Michael Porter (right) and husband Billy Mitchell (left) tied the knot in a lavish wedding on Lake Como, Italy on Wednesday.
The socialite couple postponed their nuptials by three years due to travel restrictions imposed by my Covid lockdowns, and part of the extravaganza was affected by extreme weather.
Married at first sight, lovebirds Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also there to celebrate.
Although Mr. Porter’s family made its fortune in condoms and lubricants, he is the founder of the Skin Control pimple patch business.
Her husband Billy, who grew up in Perth, works in high-end public relations.
The multi-day event included a welcome party at Locanda La Tirlindana restaurant, where the couple arrived in a vintage Porsche to music and dancing on the cobbled streets.
On Wednesday, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by an elegant floral arrangement at the Villa del Balbianello, a spot known for its mesmerizing views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
Swimsuit mogul Natasha Oakley and liquor heir Theo Chambers attended the wedding, two weeks after tying the knot on Capri.
MAFS couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also on the exclusive guest list.
Bridget Malcolm, from Perth, is known for appearing in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows.
The celebrations ended with a ‘Last Dance’ themed party organized in Lido di Ossuccio, a picturesque spot set in a meadow overlooking the lake.
Guests were given specific dress instructions. via a ‘mood board’ link.
This is a strict suit and black tie affair. For gentlemen, this means wearing a tuxedo, shirt and bowtie, and female guests wear floor-length gowns,” the invitation read.
The Pinterest-style moodboard featured fashion inspirations from models, iconic celebrity moments and designer campaigns, including a ‘La Dolce Vita’ dress code for their ‘Welcome Aperitif’ soiree and a ‘Festival Del Lago’ dress code for their ‘Last Dance’ event .
Guests dressed in tuxedos and floor-length dresses for the black tie event.
Cameron MacDonald and Emma Gott didn’t let the wild weather get in the way of celebrating the couple’s big day.
the glamorous affair was also a child-free event, with the couple strongly advises the guests leave your children at home.
‘Due to the restricted number, we cannot extend the invitation to children. We will be joined by our immediate nieces and nephews on our special day. We hope you understand and enjoy your night off,’ they said.
The romantic celebration comes weeks after several high-profile Sydneysiders tied the knot abroad, including Ingham chicken heirs Tamie and Johnny and their respective partners Guillaume Brahimi and Rey Vakili; and Monday Swimwear co-founder and Chambers Liquor scion Theo Chambers.
