One week after meeting, Kirsty Powell and Kris Pendlington were testing out their future marriage vows.
The Gladstone, Queensland pair had hit it off chatting online and agreed to meet. But a week later Kris was badly assaulted so the relationship hit fast-forward as Kirsty helped care for him during his recovery. “That was the best decision I’ve ever made because, as cliched as it is, I knew from the moment I met him that he was the man I wanted to be with,” explains Kirsty, 27, of Kris, 29. “This time enabled us to get to know each other while I was looking after him.”
Before long they were engaged, and on May 21, 2016, they married in a gorgeous golf club wedding with 60 guests on Hope Island.
The bride, who ravished in a modified Mori Lee gown, says it was a “breathtaking” day, celebrated with her two young children, who by then, were already calling Kris ‘Dad’.
“Kris is the best thing that’s ever happened to my children and me,” says Kirsty. “He came along and taught me how to love again, how to love myself again which is so important and, perhaps the most amazing thing, that it was possible to fully and completely trust again.”
“I will be forever grateful for this amazing man.”
Photos courtesy of Playback Studios.
Evalyn Parsons Hair took care of Kirsty’s elegant ‘do, which was set off with a statement hair piece.




Originally strapless, Kirsty had sheer appliquéd sleeves added to her beautiful Mori Lee wedding gown.
“It was a very formal affair,” says Kirsty, who arrived in a sleek white Cadillac.




The newlyweds honeymooned at home, on a seven-night cruise up the Queensland coast.






Blush and gold tones created an amazing reception space for the formal golf club setting.
“The most memorable moment was a five-minute fireworks display,” which Playback Studios captured spectacularly!
Video by Playback Studios.
Bomboniere: Pink Frosting / Brides Accessories: Chrysalini, Wendy Louise Designs / Brides Gown: Mori Lee, White Lily Couture, Ella Moda / Brides Shoes: Novo Shoes / Bridesmaid Shoes: Direct Shoe Warehouse / Bridesmaids Accessories: Lovisa / Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita / Cake: Ideas in Icing / Celebrant: A Celebrant Called Kate / Entertainment: Gold Coast DJ Entertainment / Flowergirl Dress: Bride's aunty / Flowers: Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose / Grooms Attire: Connor / Grooms Shoes: Connor / Groomsmen Attire: Connor / Groomsmen Shoes: Connor / Hair: Evalyn Parsons Hair / Honeymoon: P&O Cruise / Invitations: Invitations by Tango Design, Billington Street, Little Boys Blue / Makeup: Aurum Bride / Pageboy Attire: Myer / Photobooth: DJ Rhino Entertainment / Photographer: Playback Studios / Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller / Transport: Caddy Daddy, Buggy Business / Venue: Links Hope Island / Venue Decor: Style on Q / Videographer: Playback Studios / Wedding Night Accommodation: Silvershore Apartments