Newlyweds Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz were protected from the public by several private bodyguards who looked after the likes of Johnny Depp and Princess Anne as they tied the knot in an extravagant “black tie” wedding.
The couple tied the knot at The Valley Estate on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon, a venue that prides itself on its “luxury” where packages for an 80-person wedding cost approximately $47,000.
That doesn’t include extras like photographers, flowers, Higgins’ $30,000 dress, Sharaz’s tuxedo and a celebrant, all of which may have added an estimated $50,000 to the original price.
Groups of wedding planners, waiters and venue organizers roamed the sprawling property in golf carts, transferring boxes from one end of the property to the other in the run-up to the 3 p.m. ceremony.
There were also rumors that a party bus transported guests from the property to another location to continue the revelry when the wedding officially ended at 10 pm, with no expense spared.
But the most surprising inclusion was that of the bodyguards of the security company Exclusive Protection Service, which has protected stars of the caliber of Hollywood, the Royal Family and the cast of the fifth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz tied the knot on the Gold Coast on Saturday
Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz tied the knot in a lavish ceremony that could have cost up to $100,000.
The couple tied the knot at The Valley Estate on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon, a venue that prides itself on its “luxury” where packages for an 80-person wedding cost about $47,000.
Mrs Higgins is seen through a chapel window as she marries her long-term partner.
Bodyguards from the security company Exclusive Protection Service, which has protected characters such as Princess Anne, Johnny Depp and the cast of the fifth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, were seen at the wedding.
According to the company’s website, personal protection is carried out by security experts trained to “neutralize potential threats.”
It quickly became clear that the perceived “threats” were some television cameras and photographers scattered around the outskirts of the property, hoping to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom on their big day.
Sharaz, who arrived at the property in a maxi-taxi on Saturday morning, left his dressing room a couple of times while getting ready, but security was always quick to cover him with large black umbrellas, despite the lack of rain. .
At one point, someone tried to protect Mr. Sharaz by holding a flower pot in front of his head.
Mrs Higgins was also heavily protected with black umbrellas as she entered the chapel.
As the couple exchanged vows, staff created a walkway with umbrellas from the chapel to the reception area, so that no one could watch the newlyweds enter the world as husband and wife.
Security teams used large umbrellas to protect the newlyweds from press teams.
Even though the rain stopped, staff used umbrellas to protect the bride and groom from being seen on their big day.
Brittany Higgins wore a long-sleeved lace dress with a tulle skirt by South Australian designer Paolo Sebastian, which cost up to $30,000.
Security remained on site well into the night, lighting the grounds with torches to ensure there were no intruders while friends and family applauded loudly as they listened to the speeches.
After the speeches were over, Higgins posted photos of the moment they tied the knot on Instagram with the caption: “Mr. and Mrs. Sharaz.”
It is unclear whether Higgins will formally change his name. Sharaz did not respond to questions about the matter on Friday.
A guest who watched the ceremony said the vows were “really beautiful.”
“I’m glad to say I cried happy tears while listening to them,” he said.
Despite the wet weather forecast, the rain lasted until well after the ceremony and did not start pouring down around 6pm.
Former Liberal staffer Ms Higgins married her long-term boyfriend in a lavish ceremony at The Valley Estate in Currumbin Valley on Saturday afternoon.
Sharaz was seen surrounded by an entourage of groomsmen and other attendees, as well as a sea of large black umbrellas.
The cost of the venue included access to the entire nine-acre estate, but couples can also add extras, such as $950 for a six-tier champagne tower, an oyster bar for $28 per person, and a seafood grazing table for $60. per person.
The premium beverage package is priced at $200 per person and includes a selection of cocktails and spritzes, as well as premium spirits.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Mrs Higgins was seen saying goodbye to her now-husband at their $260-a-night hotel.
She then set off to prepare for the event with members of her bridal party, including her maid of honor Emma Webster, who wore a black Bianca Spender dress.
No politicians or celebrities attended the wedding, but former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins was present, along with television producer Judi McCrossin, who acquired the production rights to Ms Higgins’ unpublished memoirs.
About 80 friends and family gathered for the occasion.
“Join us to create unforgettable memories,” the wedding invitation read. “Come for the love, stay for the party.”
The site is a former dairy located in the Gold Coast hinterland (pictured)