Love conquers all for Cooper Cronk, who left his Hall Of Fame Rugby League career up in the air at the start of the year, following Fox Sports presenter Tara Rushton to Sydney, so she could forge a career of her own.
On Thursday, the smile on the 34-year-old’s face proved it was all worth it, as he finally married the beautiful 33-year-old in a low-key ceremony at Jonah’s Restaurant on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
NRL legends, former team mates and loved-ones were on hand to watch the newly-inked Sydney Rooster marry the woman of his dreams in what was undoubtedly the wedding of the year.
Wedding of the year! Cooper Cronk has married Fox Sports presenter and the woman of his dreams, Tara Rushton, in a low-key ceremony on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
The bride wore a custom couture gown, complete with lace trimming, spaghetti straps and intricate beading.
The fitted number included heavy detail and sheer panels, which revealed a glimpse of her trim pins.
As effortless as her radiance was her chemistry with the groom, who looked dapper in a grey suit, crisp white shirt and navy tie.
Tara was seen holding an ornate rose bouquet as she cuddled-up to her husband, who pinned a single red rose to his lapel.
Timeless! The bride wore a custom couture gown, complete with lace trimming, spaghetti straps and intricate beading
Says it all! As effortless as her radiance was her chemistry with the groom, who looked dapper in a grey suit, crisp white shirt and navy tie
Tara was seen holding an ornate rose bouquet as she cuddled-up to her husband, who pinned a single red rose to his lapel
Posing for the event photographer, they couldn’t contain their giddy energy, laughing and giggling their way through the brief shoot.
The turn-out was everything Cooper could have hoped for, who told Stellar in July: ‘I’m not sure where on when we’ll get married, but as long as out nearest and dearest are there, it will be a memorable day for everyone.’
Giddy! Posing for the event photographer, they couldn’t contain their giddy energy, laughing and giggling their way through the brief shoot
Known for his measured, relaxed attitude, the groom’s mentor and former Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy was the surprise packet of the day.
The 58-year-old, more commonly seen in a simple black blazer, was seen arriving in a loud shirt, emblazoned with a stitched floral spread that threatened to upstage the venue’s immaculate flower arrangements.
Surprise packet! Known for his measured, relaxed attitude, the groom’s mentor and former Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy was the surprise packet of the day
The REAL flower arrangement! The 58-year-old, more commonly seen in a simple black blazer, was seen arriving in a loud shirt, emblazoned with a stitched floral spread that threatened to upstage the venue’s immaculate flower arrangements
Former Australian Soccer captain and Tara’s Fox Sports colleague Robbie Slater showed up to Whale Beach bright and early.
He was keeping it casual in a pair of black sunglasses, seen strolling along the road en route to the venue.
Earlier, vans containing several boxes of flowers were unloaded into the private function, while a delivery driver was also spotted dropping off two wrapped gift boxes.
At the end of the day, it was a quiet celebration, befitting of the bride and groom, who had remained tight-lipped on details leading up to the event.
Despite notching the best year of his career, with premiership, World Cup and State Of Origin glory, Cooper has rarely been pictured with a bigger smile on his face than the one he wore on Thursday.
Which was no surprise, given his drive for continued on-field success has long been eclipsed by his desire to live closer to Sydney-based Tara.
Finding a home to start their future was at the top of his priorities when he parted ways with the Storm earlier this year, ensuring he had it all sorted before signing a two-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.
‘Tara, my fiancee, is based in Sydney and there’s a few things in life that are more important than football, like family, getting married and a future,’ he said at the time.
Tara sold her apartment in Kirribilli before the pair bought a four bedroom property on Mosman’s exclusive Queen street.
Cooper announced his signing to the Sydney Roosters in late October, with the two-year deal believed to be worth $1 million a season.