The wedding of Buderim couple Ella and Jordan Daniel at beautiful Maleny Manor was so much more than a celebration of two people head over heels in love.
It was also a celebration of the news that they would soon become parents, adding another layer of happiness to the joyful occasion.
The wedding, held on March 1, 2024, had been arranged long before Ella discovered she was pregnant. “I had already chosen my dress from Kyha Studios, so it was altered to show off my baby bump,” says Ella.
Also stealing the show was the couple’s beloved pooch, Kobe, a 10-year-old husky who was on his best behaviour during the ceremony and at the reception. Another cherry on top of the perfect day was being married by celebrant Suzanne Riley, who has known Ella since she was four years old, having been neighbours in not one but two different locations.
Ella and Jordan’s love story began in 2020 at the Maroochydore Roos AFL Club, where Ella’s father, Matt Bury, was president. “I had gone along to watch my brother, Jackson, play and spotted the number eight player. I thought ‘Who the hell is that’!”
It would take another five months before they started dating. “We were both at a house party to watch the AFL grand final and I got a smooch from Jordan,” recalls Ella with a laugh. “Our first proper date was dinner at his house, and he cooked chicken parmy. It was pretty good!”
Jordan’s proposal finally came in November 2022 and was a huge surprise for Ella. “We had gone to Bali for a holiday, and Ella was expecting her mum and dad, plus Jackson, to join us a few days later,” says Jordan.
“I took her to the Double-Six Rooftop Sunset Bar at Seminyak, which has a beautiful view of the ocean. There was a photographer there and she was taking photos. Unknown to Ella, I had hired her, so when I dropped to my knee and proposed, she captured the moment. Then Ella’s family jumped out from their hiding place.”
When the time came to plan the wedding, Ella and Jordan visited three wedding venues, falling instantly in love with Maleny Manor. “It’s an incredible place – the views, the layout and set-up – it takes your breath away. Their wedding planner, Emma Anderson, was fantastic. It was such a super-chilled wedding and not stressful at all,” says Ella.
When the big day dawned, the weather was perfect. The 116 guests gathered outside for drinks and were admiring the beautiful view when a helicopter landed on the grounds. In James Bond fashion, out stepped Jordan and his three groomsmen, dressed in black suits, white shirts and bow ties – it was a spectacular entrance.
Ella’s three bridesmaids, dressed in elegant long champagne-coloured dresses, joined wedding celebrant Suzanne, Jordan and the groomsmen. Then, all eyes turned to the beaming bride, dressed in a stunning ivory gown and beaded long veil. Her father, Matt, walked her down the aisle, shedding a few happy tears. Jordan’s dad, Rob, also played a part, presenting the rings.
Making the ceremony extra special was Ella’s connection to Suzanne. “Not only were we neighbours, but I went to daycare and primary school with Suzanne’s daughter, Priscilla. I could not imagine anyone else marrying us.”
After they had taken their vows, Jordan dipped Ella for their first kiss, and as the guests cheered, he dipped her again, and they were showered with rose petals.
Ella and Jordan opted for an ‘unplugged ceremony’, which usually means no photos. However they included a fun, one-minute photo amnesty so guests could take photos. In addition to a videographer, they had a content creator to take video snippets and photos to create reels and posts for social media.
Another highlight was a full fireworks display when they had their first dance. After dinner and the speeches, DJ Dave West cranked up the music and everyone danced long into the night.
The couple agrees that it was the best day of their lives.
“Well, apart from giving birth to Frankie,” adds Ella, who is now on maternity leave from her job as a flight attendant for Qantas. Jordan, a personal trainer and construction recruitment specialist, is lucky enough to work from home. Ella says he is “the best dad”. Kobe has welcomed baby Frankie into their home, too.
Together, the family of four can look back on a beautiful celebration.
WEDDING DAY ROLL CALL
Ceremony and Reception: Maleny Manor, 894 Landsborough-Maleny Road, Maleny
Celebrant: Suzanne Riley Marriage Celebrant. @suzannecelebrant
Dress: Ella’s gown – Kyha Studios. @chosenbyKyha; bridesmaids’ gowns – Bec and Bridge; groom and groomsmen’s suits – Tarocash
Florist: Mondo Floral Designs
Photographer: Figtree Pictures
Videographer: Wedding Films by Jay