Chaos hits condom heir’s lavish three-day society wedding at an Italian villa as celebrity guests are forced to flee as a who’s who: ‘They all had to evacuate’
An Australian society couple’s lavish wedding was hit with extreme weather chaos, forcing the Who’s Who of Sydney’s social set to flee for safety.
Michael Porter – whose family owns Australia’s leading condom business, Four Seasons – said ‘I do’ to his long-term partner Billy Mitchell at a luxury Italian villa on Wednesday.
However, Daily Mail Australia is told a wild hail and electrical storm almost washed out the entire event.
‘The wedding was rained out by a crazy hail and electrical storm and they all had to evacuate,’ a source revealed.
However, the wild weather event did not make much of an impact on the three-day extravaganza attended by celebrities, models, business moguls, 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.
My society couple’s wedding was pushed back by three years due to Covid-lockdown travel restrictions – and part of the extravaganza was hit by extreme weather.
Married At First Sight lovebirds Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also there to celebrate.
Although Mr Porter’s family made their fortune from condoms and lubricants, he is the founder of pimple patch business Skin Control.
Her 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 couple arrived in a vintage Porsche to music and dancing on the cobblestone streets.
On Wednesday, the pair exchanged vows surrounded by a glamorous floral arrangement at Villa del Balbianello, a venue known for its mesmerizing views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills.
Swimwear mogul Natasha Oakley and wine heir Theo Chambers attended the wedding, two weeks after tying the knot in Capri.
MAFS couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli were also on the exclusive guest list
Perth’s Bridget Malcolm is known for appearing in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The celebration culminates with a ‘Last Dance’ themed-party hosted at the Lido di Ossuccio, a picturesque venue set in a meadow overlooking the lake.
Guests were issued specific dress instructions via a ‘mood board’ link.
‘It’s a strict black tie and gown affair. For gentlemen, this means wearing a tuxedo, shirt and bowtie, and female guests in floor-length gowns,’ the invitation read.
Pinterest-style mood boards feature fashion inspiration from models, iconic celebrity moments and designer campaigns, including a ‘La Dolce Vita’ dress code for their ‘Welcome Aperitif’ soirée and a ‘Festival del Lago’ dress code for their ‘Last Dance’ has event
Guests wore tuxedos and floor length gowns for the black tie event
Guests didn’t let the wild weather get in the way of celebrating the couple’s big day
The glamorous affair was also a child-free event, with the couple strongly advising guests to leave their children at home.
‘Due to limited numbers, we are unable to extend invitations to children. We will be joined by immediate nieces and nephews on our special day. We hope you understand and enjoy your night off,’ they said.
The romantic celebration comes just weeks after several high profile Sydneysiders married overseas, including Ingham chicken heiress Tammy and Johnny and their respective partners, Guillaume Brahimi and Ray Vakili; and Monday Swimwear co-founder and Chambers Liquor sign Theo Chambers.