Brittany Higgins and her new husband, David Sharaz, kept their wedding guest list tight with a modest 80 attendees, but managed to pass along an invitation to the groom’s favorite psychic.
The couple secured a seat for Canberra-based psychic medium Carrie de Block at their venue, The Valley Estate in Currumbin Valley, on Saturday.
Sharaz is a fan of De Block, who says his services “are highly sought after and often leave clients impressed.” The Australian reported.
He has reportedly regularly sought guidance from Mrs Block, although it is understood his new wife is not a client.
The surprise invitation would likely surprise the couple’s many politicians and celebrity friends who were snubbed, including Higgins’ close friend, TV journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
Brittany Higgins and her new husband David Sharaz invited Canberra-based psychic medium Carrie de Block (pictured) to their wedding.
The friendship between Wilkinson and Higgins endured after she was the first to air her claims that she was raped by her former colleague, Bruce Lehrmann, inside Parliament in early 2019.
Lehrmann has denied the allegations, but in April a Federal Court judge determined, on a balance of probabilities, that Higgins was raped.
On Friday, a day before Higgins married Sharaz, Lehrmann filed an appeal to overturn the sentence.
The couple have endured turbulent times since Ms Higgins’ historic allegations, having faced a criminal trial, civil proceedings and intense scrutiny under the ever-watchful eye of the public.
When asked about Mrs Block’s appearance at the wedding, Mr Sharaz said: “I have friends from many walks of life and I was grateful to have them all there to celebrate my marriage to Brittany.”
Mrs Higgins wore a long-sleeved lace dress with a tulle skirt by South Australian designer Paolo Sebastian, which cost up to $30,000, while the groom wore a black tuxedo.
Sharaz was surrounded by an entourage of groomsmen, security workers and venue staff, and enveloped by a sea of large black umbrellas to protect him from the media circus waiting beyond the door.
Other notable guests included former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins and television producer Judi McCrossin, who acquired the production rights to Ms Higgins’ unpublished memoirs.
One person who watched the ceremony said the vows were “truly beautiful.”
“I’m glad to say I cried happy tears while listening to them,” he said.
The speeches began at 6 p.m. with an eruption of cheers that could be heard from far beyond the venue.
Ms Higgins’ father Matthew spoke, standing alongside his partner Kellie Jago.
Ms de Block (right) reportedly regularly offers advice to Mr Sharaz and claims that her services “are in great demand”.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Mrs Higgins was seen saying goodbye to her now-husband at their $260-a-night hotel before leaving to prepare for the ceremony with members of her wedding party, including her maid of honor Emma Webster.
The former Liberal staffer smiled as she walked away with a garment bag with the South Australian brand’s name, Paolo Sebastian, printed on the front.
The brand has designed outfits for the likes of Katy Perry and Kris Jenner.
Daily Mail Australia understands the couple’s wedding invitation referred to ‘The Sharaz’, but it is unclear whether Mrs Higgins will formally change her surname.
The boyfriend did not respond to questions Friday.
“Join us to create unforgettable memories,” the invitation read. “Come for the love, stay for the party.”
Sharaz was seen arriving at The Valley Estate late on Saturday morning, where he was protected from waiting media by an umbrella and surrounded by other security personnel.
The couple hired their own security for the big day.
Staff could be seen carrying trays of refreshments to the groomsmen, while cases of alcohol were taken to the kitchen.
A makeup artist, photographers and the wedding cake arrived around 11:30 a.m.
Set in nine acres of landscaped gardens, The Valley Estate is the “epitome of luxury,” according to its website. “A unique, personalized space designed to inspire celebration and reflection with loved ones.”
For a Saturday wedding in 2024, the venue charges a minimum spend of $47,750 on all venue offerings.
According to the current price list, packages start at $35,750 for 50 guests and go up to $52,000 for 100 guests.
This includes the ceremony venue, reception space, and basic food and beverage packages.
Couples have exclusive access to the entire property for wedding photos and golf carts to get around, as well as lawn games, security and a wedding coordinator, according to the brochure.
The incredible price does not include use of the guest house, which costs $1,300 a night from Friday to Sunday. Couples can also add an oyster bar for an additional $28 per person, or a seafood table for $60 per person.
A champagne tower costs $650 for five tiers and $950 for six, while the upgraded beverage package, which includes a selection of cocktails and spritzes as well as premium spirits, costs an additional $200 per person.
The minimum expense does not include any outside expenses, meaning the cost of a photographer, celebrant, flowers or outfits for the couple would have to be paid in addition to the $47,750 minimum.
In December last year, the couple bought a castle in the south of France with the $2.4 million the Commonwealth awarded them as compensation for the way their rape allegations were handled.
They are believed to have moved permanently to get away from their celebrity status in Australia.
After the sentencing in April, Higgins posted a statement on Instagram saying she felt vindicated: “I was raped.” No trial would ever change this truth.’
“I lived with the shame, humiliation and fear of what telling my story would mean for my life and career, like so many other victim-survivors.”