Daniel Rioli, one of the AFL’s most recognisable players, has officially tied the knot with his long-time partner and renowned DJ Paris Lawrence in a deeply emotional and picturesque wedding held in Byron Bay. The ceremony, hosted at the luxurious Deux Belettes estate, was a private yet stunning affair that reflected both the couple’s style and heritage.
Although the wedding took place in late October, the couple shared their breathtaking photos just days later while enjoying their honeymoon in Japan. The images quickly captured fans’ hearts, showing a teary-eyed Rioli overwhelmed with emotion as his beautiful bride made her way down the aisle.
The intimate celebration was attended by around 80 guests, including some of the biggest names in the AFL, past and present. The Deux Belettes estate, known for its French-inspired architecture and lush surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for the special day.
A Ceremony Filled with Emotion
As Lawrence walked down the aisle in her spectacular Pallas Couture gown, Rioli couldn’t hold back tears. The Richmond triple premiership winner and current Gold Coast Suns star was visibly emotional throughout the ceremony, showcasing a softer side to the usually composed athlete.
Among the guests were several members of the Rioli football dynasty, including recently retired Willie Rioli and current Richmond player Maurice Rioli. The Riolis remain one of the most famous First Nations families in Australian football, with generations of star players marking their legacy in the sport.
AFL Royalty Among Guests
The celebration attracted a host of AFL royalty. Richmond legend Dustin Martin was in attendance, along with three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick, who now coaches the Gold Coast Suns. Rioli’s former teammates Shaun Grigg and Jacob Hopper were also present to witness the milestone moment.
Representing the Suns were teammates Mac Andrew, Ben Long, John Noble, Joel Jeffrey, Will Powell, Jy Farrar, and the recently departed Sam Flanders. Former Indigenous AFL greats Jarrod Harbrow and Xavier Clarke also joined the festivities, highlighting the deep respect and friendships Rioli has built across his career.
From Richmond Glory to Gold Coast Leadership
After earning three premierships with the Tigers and a best-and-fairest award in 2024, Rioli made a major move north to join Hardwick’s Gold Coast Suns. The transition marked a new chapter in his AFL journey, where he quickly became a key player in helping the Suns reach their first-ever finals campaign.
Rioli’s influence both on and off the field has grown immensely in recent years, making this new life milestone even more special. The celebration of love with Lawrence served as a reminder of how far he has come — not just as an athlete, but as a man grounded in family, culture, and community.
A Night of Love, Music, and Celebration
Once the vows and formalities were complete, the reception kicked off with an electric energy. True to her profession, Lawrence took control of the decks and transformed the evening into a celebration full of music and joy. Guests partied under the Byron Bay night sky as the couple danced surrounded by their closest family and friends.
“It was the best day of our lives ... We are so excited to share our day,” Lawrence said, encapsulating the joy and emotion of the occasion.
Social Media Reactions Pour In
After the couple posted their wedding photos, social media was flooded with love and admiration. Fans and friends from across the AFL community and entertainment world shared congratulatory messages celebrating the pair’s union.
“Omg !! Just Divine you two 😍🙏🏼🥹 congratulations xxx,” wrote Channel 7 commentator Abbey Holmes.
Reality TV personality and wife of Richmond premiership player Nathan Broad, Tayla Broad, also commented: “😍😍😍 stunning.”
Bella Petracca, wife of Rioli’s new teammate Christian Petracca, added: “So beautiful! Congratulations ❤️.”
Meanwhile, Kellie Finlayson shared her delight, saying: “Stunning!! Congratulations lovers 😍,” and Mikayla Crisp, wife of Collingwood star Jack Crisp, commented: “Wow wow wow 😍 stunning! Congratulations ❤️.”
The Dress That Stole the Show
Lawrence’s wedding gown became a viral talking point, with fans and followers praising the elegance of her look. Designed by Pallas Couture, the dress was hailed as one of the most beautiful bridal designs seen in recent memory.
“Oh my goodness girl you look INCREDIBLE!!! Dress is absolutely stunning. Congratulations 🥹🥹🥹,” one fan gushed, while another wrote, “Oh so beautiful! That dress has to be one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I’ve ever seen!”
A third admirer summed up the sentiment of many, saying, “Everything about her is just perfection. The dress is absolutely stunning, hands down the most beautiful bride I have seen in a very long time.”
A Union of Love and Legacy
The marriage of Daniel Rioli and Paris Lawrence not only united two public figures but also symbolised a blending of cultures, passion, and ambition. Their journey — from AFL stardom and international DJing to finding love and creating a life together — continues to inspire fans both inside and outside the sporting world.
As they celebrate the beginning of their new chapter together, Rioli and Lawrence’s wedding will be remembered not just for its glamour, but for its heartfelt moments that perfectly reflected their personalities. From tears of joy to laughter and music, it was a celebration of love in its purest form — one that captured the essence of two people whose worlds have beautifully intertwined.