An unexpected visitor at a $200,000 wedding has captured hearts across the globe, after a kookaburra landed on the bride’s head mid-ceremony – a moment she now believes was a special message from her late father.
Maxine Edwards, 36, married her 53-year-old husband Marc in a beautiful Gold Coast ceremony on the weekend, never expecting their day to go viral around the world.
Their videographer, Ever New Studio, captured the extraordinary moment, showing Mrs Edwards mid-vows when a rather large kookaburra suddenly swooped down and perched on her head.
Guests gasped as the bride froze.
“What is it,” she asked, unable to see what had landed on her.
Mr Edwards immediately stepped forward, prompting the curious bird to take flight.
He gently smoothed his wife’s hair and veil, reassuring her everything was fine.
“It’s a really good sign,” he said.
Laughter rippled through the crowd as the kookaburra settled nearby, watching the rest of the ceremony from a nearby structure.
Thousands of social media users later commented on the viral clip.
“Ooh wow someone from the other side who didn’t want to miss this moment,” one wrote.
Another added, “That is amazing. I have had a cockatoo land on a groom’s shoulder once before. His father had passed away.”
“She has amazing trust and open energy for that to happen. This is beautiful, how special,” said a third.
“What an amazing omen for your marriage,” another agreed.
After the ceremony, Mrs Edwards told the Gold Coast Bulletin the moment carried deep personal meaning. Her father had died when she was just eight years old, and she had felt his absence deeply on her wedding day.
The groom’s mother had also passed away before the big day, making the moment even more poignant for the couple.
Mrs Edwards said she had been thinking about her father on the drive to the venue and believes the bird’s timely arrival was a sign he was there.
“The kookaburra sat and watched the whole ceremony from the side next to my whole family which is really special,” she said.
“I love you Dad.”
The couple first met at Brisbane’s Emporium piano bar in 2021, where Mrs Edwards said she was instantly drawn to Mr Edwards’ “infectious energy and calming presence.”
They got engaged under the Eiffel Tower in 2023, later tying the knot at The Valley Estate in Currumbin – a lavish $200,000 celebration that even included their beloved Pomeranian, Boo.
Images: Instagram
