A rum-loving Riddells Creek couple has tied the knot in a ceremony with a difference at Queensland’s iconic Bundaberg Distillery.
Brooke and Jake Mallon were the winners of a Bundaberg Rum competition, which covered the cost of their ceremony and up to $10,000 towards their reception and honeymoon.
The catch was that all big wedding decisions would be made by 400,000 loyal Bundy social media fans. That meant everything from choosing the dress, to the pair’s haircuts, food and flowers.
After receiving more than 600 entries, Brooke and Jake’s love for each other, and for Bundy, captured the hearts of the judges.
Jake’s family are long-time fans of Bundy Rum. It has been a staple at their gatherings for generations and through all life’s moments, from celebrating their happiest achievements to commemorating their loved ones.
When Jake lost his father a few years ago, the family honoured him at the funeral with a Rum can in hand and he was buried with his favourite drink, as his tombstone read “Bundy & Coke. In a tall glass. Lots of ice”.
After meeting in 2014, Bundaberg Rum remained a part of Brooke and Jake’s life’s ups and downs, so it was only fitting for it to also play a major role in their big day.
The special day saw the couple celebrate with 40 of their friends and family.
Jake arrived in a polar bear white tux and donned a brand-new mullet, while Brooke wore a matching polar bear white dress and her Bundy bottle earrings.
The couple exchanged vows compiled from the best contributions submitted by their fellow Bundy fans!
Celebrations at the famous Bundy distillery included classic Bundy U.P. Rum and Cola tinnie floral arrangement centrepieces and ‘candeliers’, made up of famous Bundy product.
The fans’ bold contributions did not stop there, as they chose the food served, which included Bundy braised ribs, polar bear cookies, and the pièce de résistance, an epic polar bear shaped cake.
The happy couple left the evening celebrations in their Bundy yellow Hot Rod getaway car with a sign that read “Bearly Married”.
