Channel Nine Star Marries in Unconventional Tasmania Wedding with Donkey Waiters, Oyster Trough

Channel Nine Journalist’s Quirky Tasmanian Wedding Features Donkey Waiters and Oyster Trough
By Jimmy Briggs for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 04:00 BST, 3 April 2025 | Updated: 04:20 BST, 3 April 2025

Channel Nine Brisbane journalist Anna Rawlings, 32, and her partner Nick Toohey, 36, celebrated their love with a whimsical Valentine’s Day wedding at Turners Marsh Uniting Church in Tasmania earlier this year. The ceremony, brimming with quirky charm, included miniature donkeys serving drinks, an “oyster trough,” and a nod to Shrek themes.

[IMAGE 1: Anna and Nick smile at their rustic church ceremony. Caption: Anna Rawlings and Nick Toohey married at a historic church in Tasmania, owned by Anna’s parents.]

Donkey Bartenders Steal the Show
The couple’s standout feature? Two miniature donkeys acting as bartenders, trotting through the reception with saddlebags carrying Champagne magnums and local Tasmanian ale. The playful touch delighted guests and added rustic flair to the festivities. “Aside from the donkeys, it was special to marry at a venue with so much history,” Anna told the Gold Coast Bulletin. The 19th-century church, restored by her parents over years, provided a sentimental backdrop.

[IMAGE 2: Donkeys carry drinks at the reception. Caption: Miniature donkeys delivered beverages in saddlebags, adding rural fun.]

Unique Touches and Personal Tributes
The reception featured a seafood-heavy menu, including an oyster trough, and live music by local band Raccoon Dog. Anna changed into a second dress for dancing, while heartfelt speeches and canapés rounded out the evening. In a poignant gesture, the couple placed all wedding flowers on graves in the adjacent cemetery. “I surprised myself by agreeing to a photo shoot there,” Anna admitted.

[IMAGE 3: Anna and Nick toast at the reception. Caption: The newlyweds celebrated with an oyster trough and live music.]

From Dating App to Safari Honeymoon
Anna and Nick, who met on a dating site, recently returned from a safari honeymoon in South Africa. Their wedding also included themed pre-wedding events: a nautical-inspired hen’s party and a Shrek-themed buck’s night.

A Career in Spotlight
Anna, a court reporter for 9News Queensland, began her journalism career in 2013. She’s covered major events like the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Brisbane floods. Colleagues praise her dedication and vibrant personality, which have made her a newsroom staple.

The $50,000 celebration perfectly blended personal quirks and heartfelt tradition, proving that love—and donkeys—can create unforgettable memories.

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