EXCLUSIVE: Chaos strikes condom heir’s lavish three-day cohabitation wedding in an Italian villa as a Who’s Who of celebrity guests is forced to flee: ‘They had to evacuate everyone’
An Australian society couple’s lavish wedding was hit by extreme weather, causing a Who’s Who of Sydney’s social set to flee for safety.
Michael Porter – whose family owns Australia’s largest condom retailer, Four Seasons – said ‘yes’ to longtime partner Billy Mitchell at a luxury Italian villa on Wednesday.
However, Daily Mail Australia has been told that a wild hail and electrical storm almost washed out the entire event.
“The wedding was rained out by a frenzied hail and electrical storm and they had to evacuate everyone,” a source revealed.
However, the wild weather did not cause much commotion three-day extravaganza attended by celebrities, models, business magnates, reality stars and influencers.
Four Seasons condom heir Michael Porter (right) and his husband Billy Mitchell (left) tied the knot in a lavish wedding in Lake Como, Italy, on Wednesday
The society couple’s wedding was postponed for three years due to travel restrictions due to my Covid lockdowns – and part of the extravaganza was hit by a bout of extreme weather
Married at first sight, lovebirds Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also there to celebrate.
While Mr. Porter’s family made its wealth from condoms and lubricants, he is the founder of Skin Control, a pimple company.
His husband Billy, who grew up in Perth, works in luxury PR.
The multi-day event included a welcome party at the Locanda La Tirlindana restaurant, where the pair arrived via vintage Porsche to music and dancing in the cobbled streets.
On Wednesday, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by a chic floral arrangement at the Villa del Balbianello, a venue known for its mesmerizing views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
Swimwear mogul Natasha Oakley and liquor heir Theo Chambers attended the wedding, two weeks after getting married in Capri themselves
MAFS couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also on the exclusive guest list
Bridget Malcolm, from Perth, is known for appearing in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows
The festivities concluded with a ‘Last Dance’ themed party at Lido di Ossuccio, a picturesque location in a meadow overlooking the lake.
Guests were given specific dress instructions via a ‘mood board’ link.
“This is a strict evening dress affair. For gentlemen, this means wearing a tuxedo, shirt and bow tie, and female guests wear floor-to-ceiling dresses,” the invitation read.
The mood board in Pinterest style featured fashion inspirations from models, iconic celebrity moments and designer campaigns, including a “La Dolce Vita” dress code for their “Welcome Aperitif” soiree and a “Festival Del Lago” dress code for their “Last Dance” event .
Guests donned tuxedos and long dresses for the black tie event
Cameron MacDonald and Emma Gott didn’t let the wild weather get in the way of the couple’s big day
The glamorous affair was also a child-free event, with the couple strongly advise guests to leave their children at home.
Due to limited numbers, we cannot extend the invitation to children. On our special day, we will be joined by our immediate cousins. We hope you understand and enjoy your evening off,” they said.
The romantic celebration comes weeks after a number of high-profile Sydneysiders got married abroad, including Ingham Chicken heirs Tamie and Johnny and their respective partners, Guillaume Brahimi and Rey Vakili; and co-founder of Monday Swimwear and Chambers Liquor scion Theo Chambers.