Dr Chris Brown has always been reluctant to open about his love life.
“Some people shout it from the rooftops and put it all over social media and that’s fine, each to their own. I’ve just never been someone to do that,” he once said.
Now Woman’s Day has learned the handsome vet has been keeping a very big secret that will thrill his devoted fans – he’s married his perfect match Liv Phyland in a spur-of-the-moment African wedding.
Just as Woman’s Day was going to press, a source claimed the couple decided to make their love official when Liv flew over to visit Chris in South Africa, where he’s been based since early January filming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
“It was quite the romantic reunion for them,” says a source.
“Chris and Liv have been talking to each other on the phone and FaceTiming with one another. But it was the first time they’d seen each other in weeks. They’ve missed each other so much.”
The decision to tie the knot was “quite impulsive”, continues to the source, with the couple joined by a few of Chris’ friends from the I’m A Celeb crew for the ceremony. It’s believed Liv’s good mate and The Loop co-host Scott Tweedie was also there.
Scott has been based in South Africa these last few weeks filming I’m A Celeb spin-off show Saturday Schoolies.
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“No doubt it would have meant a lot to Liv having Scott by her side, when her family wasn’t there,” says the source.
We’re told that the ceremony took place at one of the luxurious resorts within Kruger National Park, where I’m A Celebrity is filmed.
One such resort, Ulusaba, boasts spectacular views and claims on it’s website to be ideal for “the couple who want a private, romantic wedding without too much fuss.”
South Africa’s stunning Ulusaba safari lodge has hosted several celebrity weddings. (Both images: Getty)&
Love is in the air
Chris spared no expense in whisking Liv over to South Africa. He reportedly footed the bill for her flight, with Liv gushing on Instagram that it was the first time ever she’d flown business class.
The bubbly blonde also shared a photo of herself outside Sydney Airport’s International Departures Terminal, with her arms in the air and a smile plastered across her face.
Liv later amended her caption to specify “Tokyo bound” when her inquisitive followers began asking her if she was on her way to see Chris in South Africa after she shared images of herself on a layover in the Japanese capital.
We’re told it was a deliberate move to try and throw everyone off the scent regarding her true destination.
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Liv posted this pic outside Sydney airport last week. (Image: Instagram)
Her dream man
It’s been a whirlwind romance for Chris and Liv, whose romance was first revealed last November after they were spotted on a surfing getaway on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Despite rumours last month that they’d called time on their relationship, it’s clear Liv, 28, and Chris, 40, are stronger than ever.
The pair have been friends for years and moved in the same social circle, but Liv reportedly always harboured romantic feelings for Chris.
A source previously told Woman’s Day that she even once declared at a party that Chris was the “perfect man” and that he was her dream celebrity date.
Just days before the couple reportedly wed, Chris enjoyed a reunion with dad Graham and older brother Tim. (Image: @drchrisbrown Instagram)
Affinity for Africa
“It makes perfect sense that Chris would wed in Africa. He’s spent so much time over there these last four years with I’m A Celeb. But even before that, it was always one of his favourite places to visit,” reveals a second source.
“It’s become his second home and holds a very special place in his heart. He’s long wanted to share it with Liv.”
Chris will remain in South Africa for the next few weeks to finishing filming I’m A Celeb. Once he returns to Sydney later this month, he and Liv will host a party where they’ll celebrate their nuptials with their loved ones.
“Family is really important to both Liv and Chris” continues the source.
“They definitely want one of their own someday.”
“It makes perfect sense that Chris would wed in Africa.”
