By Cassie Maher
NEWLYWEDS Chelsea Zlonzak and Simon Pickering might have emerged from their wedding ceremony to the song Walkin’ On Sunshine three weeks ago, but the choice of the tune proved to be only wishful thinking.
Cold, wet and windy conditions lasted all day but, thankfully, had no impact on the ceremony held at St James’ Catholic Church in Brighton on Saturday, 17 September.
Proud parents Liz and Robin Zlonzak from Berwick joined Lyn and Ian Pickering from Narre Warren to witness their daughter and son marry at the 3.30pm ceremony, given by priest Kevin Penry, with readings delivered by Chelsea’s younger brother Rodney and Simon’s older sister Lyndel.
The 25yearold bride and former Star News Group employee was stunning in a white strapless chiffon gown, complimented by a bouquet of simple white tulips, also carried by her three bridesmaids, sister Courtney Zlonzak, and friends Karen Tivendale and Devin Beckwith who shone in apple green sateen strapless dresses.
The groom was traditionally dashing in a black suit and shirt with silver tie, and his groomsmen Dean Szybokosky, Scott Lansbury and David Walker matched their bridal partners in black suits and apple green ties.
Lots of laughs were had throughout the ceremony, with the determined bridal party even braving the worst of beach weather for some wedding snaps on the sand.
The reception, held at the Brighton Savoy, began classically with a bridal waltz to Elton John’s Your Song.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Port Douglas and will begin their new lives together in a new apartment on St Kilda Road, Melbourne.