Taking place over five days, Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough’s Mexican nuptials are definitely going to be the showbiz wedding of the year.
Amid buzz they’ve spent upwards of $1 million on their festivities, Woman’s Day is told the couple want their big day to rival James Packer’s $6 million wedding to his now ex-wife Erica.
“Jasmine is obsessed with doing everything the same,” reveals a family friend. “She’s planned an itinerary identical to theirs. The parties are the same, as are the goody bags.”
Friends have described the billionaire as “Karl’s benefactor” and last week leaked James had “gifted” the accommodation at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo to Karl and his loved ones as a wedding present.
The first official wedding event will be on December 6 – a beach party to welcome the couple’s 150 guests. Themed parties like these are provided by the resort, where the wedding will take place on December 8, and can cost $25,000 to $30,000.
“The following day is a relaxation day and the day after the wedding is a recovery day,” reveals a second source. “This is when the partying really kicks off.”
Personal touches
Karl and Jasmine – who legally wed in a civil ceremony sometime mid-year – have written their own vows and a celebrant will officiate the black tie ceremony.
Despite the star-studded guest list – including Richard Wilkins, Grant Kenny, Julie Bishop, Shane Warne and Karl’s sister-in-law Sylvia Jeffreys – no guests have been asked to give readings.
It’s rumoured Karl’s three children, Jackson, 19, Ava, 13, and River, 12, who he shares with ex Cassandra Thorburn, won’t be at the service. However they will be in Mexico with their dad.
WATCH: Get to know Jasmine Yarbrough. Post continues…
Something new
With shoe designer Jasmine, 34, trying to make an impact on the Aussie fashion world, she’ll wear a couture gown by Sydney designer J Andretta.
“It’s quite alternative and is sure to raise an eyebrow or two,” one insider tells us.
The blushing bride has also employed Jesinta Franklin’s close friend and stylist Elliot Garnaut to oversee her wedding wardrobe, and has several dresses worth thousands for the other parties.
Karl, 44, will wear personalised RM Williams boots with his suit, and be walked down the aisle by his mother Jenny.
Party time!
After exchanging their vows, the new Mr and Mrs Stefanovic and their guests will enjoy drinks and canapes overlooking the South Pacific Ocean.
They’ll then enjoy a formal sit-down dinner on the beach.
“The resort is also taking care of the flowers and the cake,” reveals our source. “It’s a five-tiered masterpiece.”
There will also be a “Bundy Bar”, serving the couple’s own “JK Blend” of Bundaberg Rum. Jasmine has seven bridesmaids, including her younger sister Jade, while Karl will have his brothers Peter and Tom, and best mate James as groomsmen.
They’ll all be giving a group speech at the reception, led by Jade and James.
Three-stop honeymoon
Following the nuptials, Jasmine and Karl will fly to LA and spend a night at the ritzy Beverly Hills Hotel. Then they’ll head to ski resort Aspen, Colorado.
After a few days relaxing and hitting the slopes, they’ll return to Australia and continue their honeymoon in Port Douglas in Far North Queensland.
“We’re just going to be hanging around,” Karl revealed of the couple’s plans late last month, “which is going to be so nice!”