Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz’s wedding: Inside the luxurious event

Newlyweds Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz were shielded from the public by several private bodyguards who looked after the likes of Johnny Depp and Princess Anne as they tied the knot at an extravagant black tie wedding.

The couple married on Saturday afternoon at The Valley Estate on the Gold Coast – a venue that prides itself on ‘luxury’ where packages for a wedding for 80 people cost around $47,000.

That doesn’t include extras like photographers, flowers, Ms. Higgins’ $30,000 dress, Mr. Sharaz’s tuxedo and a celebrant – all of which added an estimated $50,000 to the original price tag.

Groups of wedding planners, waiters and venue organizers prowled the extensive grounds in golf buggies, delivering boxes from one end of the estate to the other in the lead-up to the 3pm ceremony.

There were also rumors that a party bus took guests from the property to another location to continue the revelry when the wedding officially ended at 10pm – with no expense spared.

But the most surprising inclusion were bodyguards from security company Exclusive Protection Service, which has protected Hollywood stars, the royal family and the cast of the fifth part of Pirates of the Caribbean, among others.

According to the company’s website, personal protection is performed by security experts trained to “neutralize potential threats.”

It soon became clear that the perceived ‘threats’ consisted of a few television cameras and photographers scattered around the outskirts of the property, hoping to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom on their big day.

Mr Sharaz, who arrived at the property in a maxi taxi on Saturday morning, stepped out of his dressing room a few times while he was getting ready – but security was always quick to envelop him in large black umbrellas, despite the lack of rain.

At one point, someone tried to protect Mr. Sharaz by holding a potted plant in front of his head.

Mrs Higgins was also heavily shielded with black umbrellas as she walked into the chapel.

As the couple exchanged vows, staff created an umbrella-lined corridor from the chapel to the reception – so no one would see the newlyweds being born as husband and wife.

Security remained on site well into the evening, shining torches around the grounds to ensure there were no intruders, while friends and family cheered loudly as they listened to speeches.

When the speeches were over, Mrs Higgins posted photos of the moment they got married on Instagram with the caption: ‘Mr & Mrs Sharaz’.

It is unclear whether Ms Higgins will formally change her name. Mr Sharaz did not respond to questions about the matter on Friday.

A guest who attended the ceremony said the vows were “truly beautiful.”

“I’m happy to say I cried tears of joy listening to it,” he said.

Despite the wet weather forecast, the rain continued well after the ceremony and only started pouring down around 6pm.

The venue cost includes access to the entire nine-acre estate, but couples can also add extras – such as $950 for a six-tiered champagne tower, an oyster bar for $28 per person, and a seafood grazing table for $60 per person .

The top tier drinks package costs $200 per person and includes a selection of cocktails and spritzes, as well as premium spirits.

Earlier on Saturday morning, Mrs Higgins was seen saying goodbye to her now husband at their $260-a-night hotel.

She then proceeded to prepare for the event with members of her bridal party, including her maid of honor Emma Webster, who wore a black Bianca Spender dress.

There were no politicians or celebrities at the wedding, but present was former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins, along with television producer Judi McCrossin who bought the production rights to Ms Higgins’ unpublished memoirs.

About 80 friends and family gathered for the occasion.

“Join us in making unforgettable memories,” the wedding invitation read. ‘Come for the love, stay for the party.’