Meet Nikki Webster’s little princess: ‘She’s a Mini-me!’

The darling of the Sydney Olympics is over the moon with her little lookalike, reports Shari Nementzik.

Despite her initial first-time mum nerves, Nikki Webster has taken to motherhood like a fish to water – and her gorgeous girl Skylah looks to be following in her famous footsteps. “It’s been such a wonderful journey and it’s so much fun,” says Nikki, 27. “I think every mother says it, but it’s a different kind of love … an unconditional, incredible love.

“Motherhood is obviously challenging and tiring, but it’s the wonderful moments like seeing her smile and hearing her say ‘Mummy’ that make it all worth it,” she grins, gazing at her “princess”. “It’s just amazing to watch her grow.”

Little showstopper

It’s been 10 months since Nikki and her husband Matthew McMah, 34, welcomed their precious girl into the world, and she’s growing up to resemble her iconic mother.

“I think it’s the eyes – she’s got these massive eyes!” laughs Nikki, while bouncing petite Skylah on her lap. “I mean, my mum always says she used to get stopped in the shops because of my eyes as a kid. And now I get it with her… it’s really nice.”

Watching Nikki dote on Skylah, who has already taken her first steps, it’s clear to see they share a very special mother-daughter bond. “It’s a bit of a sore point,” jokes Nikki, eyeing Matt. “Her first word was Mummy, then Daddy, then bubba… and then she said puppy.”

“I still blame the fact I was away with work,” quips Matt, who works for an airline.

Cherished moments

But it seems Skylah is just as much daddy’s little girl as she is mummy’s. “He’s a fantastic dad,” beams Nikki. “They have an awesome bond and he spoils her like crazy.”

Skylah is certainly a very lucky girl – her wardrobe is overflowing with frills and adorable outfits fit for a little princess. “She has two full wardrobes,” says Matt. “She has more clothes than me!”

“Mummy loves pinks,” admits Nikki sheepishly. “I seriously thought I was having a little boy, so to have a little girl to dress up is fantastic and I feel pretty lucky. She’s a girlie girl – she even has her ears pierced!”

But there’s a new addition to Skylah’s dress collection that stands out from the rest – a replica of the pink-and-white hibiscus frock that made Nikki famous.

“It’s pretty exciting to have a little dress for her,” she gushes.

“It’s something we’ll treasure and we’ll store the dresses together in a special place.”

Next year marks 15 years since Nikki shot to stardom when the then freckle-faced and curly-haired 13-year-old cutie soared high above Sydney’s Olympic Stadium in front of the 110,000-strong crowd and 3.7 billion people watching around the world.

“I’m an Aussie girl and to be given that opportunity at such a young age, to represent the country, it was my most incredible moment… well, until I had Skylah, now that tops the list of course!” smiles Nikki.

For the happy mum, who pulled her original dress out of storage for Woman’s Day’s photoshoot, seeing it again brings a massive smile to her face.

“It’s just a sundress and for a lot of people it’s just a little bit of pink lycra or whatever and I know it’s not the most glamorous dress in the world, but to me it has a lot of memories.

“That night has so many incredible moments for me and I remember watching Cathy Freeman lighting the flame and I was counting in my head, ‘In this many years when the next Olympics is on, I’ll be this old… and in this many years I’ll be this old… I wonder if I’ll have kids by this year’.

“So to think I now have this little girl and she’s in the same dress, it’s pretty crazy.”

But Skylah has yet to see her mum’s claim to fame. “I’ve shown her the Teletubbies on YouTube, but that’s about it,” laughs Nikki. “Maybe it’s time to bring out the old Strawberry Kisses stuff!”

Skylah has inherited more than just her mum’s good looks, too. “She loves music and I sing to her,” says Nikki. “Her favourite song is Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” adds Matt.

She also loves watching Nikki’s students at the dance studio, especially ballet. “She waves her hands in the air when the music comes on,” reveals Nikki, adding that she and Matt will support Skylah no matter what her chosen path may be.

I often take Skylah swimming at Olympic Park – that’s where it all began for me,” says Nikki. “Who knows what she’s going to do with her life. She might be into sport, she might be into music, I don’t know.

“It’s so exciting to share her journey. I just hope she has a love and a passion for something like I did. Performing was my passion and I got to do it and I hope she gets her opportunity, too.”

Pictures: Nick Cubbin/bauersyndication.com.au, Getty Images.
Makeup: Lores Giglio.
Styling: Pip Cook.
Nikki’s dress from Sheike.

Via Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster Had A Baby Girl

Nikki Webster is all grown up – in fact, she’s the mother of a baby girl now!

You might remember Nikki best as the girl in the pink dress who flew over the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony. Or maybe you remember the girl in pink vinyl singing Strawberry Kisses. Maybe the FHM shoot as a 17 year old? The Zoo Weekly pictures? Or the hyper sexual musical comeback?

Well all that is behind her, because Nikki and her husband Matthew are now proud parents to baby Skylah.

“I think people still see me as being young and can’t see me as being a mum yet,” she told Woman’s Day.

“I can’t believe I’m a mum! It’s the most incredible feeling to be given your child. It was magical and also a bit unbelievable. I’ve held newborns before but to think she is yours and you have to look after her and nurture her for her whole life…it’s pretty overwhelming.”

So what has Nikki been doing all this time? She owns her own dance school! It’s called Dance @ Nikki Webster and there are studios in Sydney and the Central Coast.

Congrats Nikki – you grew up in the spotlight, but you made it out the other side and turned into a normal grown up. We think you’ll be a great mum.

Source: The Hot Hits

Nikki Webster: Meet My Little Star

The angel of the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony is all grown up… and she’s mum to a gorgeous baby girl! By SHARI NEMENTZIK.

Nikki Webster will forever be remembered as the freckle-faced, curly-haired cutie who flew high above the crowd at the Sydney Olympics 14 years ago. But the baby-faced singer is certainly all grown up now. Nikki, 26, married her sweetheart Matthew McMah, 34, in a fairytale ceremony in 2012 and, just last month, the loved-up couple welcomed their first child, daughter Skylah.

“I think people still see me as being young and can’t see me as being a mum yet,” laughs Nikki, cradling tiny Skylah in her arms. “I can’t even believe I’m a mum! It’s the most incredible feeling to be given your child. It was magical and also a little bit unbelievable. I’ve held newborns before but to think she is yours and you have to nurture her for her whole life… it’s pretty overwhelming,” she admits.

But watching the smitten couple with their bub, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’ve been parents for years. “I read an article once that said you don’t know unconditional love until you look into your child’s eyes,” says Matt, who works for an airline. “When I first looked into Skylah’s eyes, that really resonated with me. I look at this little person and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her safe.”

Matt’s protective-dad instincts have certainly kicked in. “He is locking her up already so boys can’t have her,” jokes Nikki. “She’s not allowed to date until she’s 37!” adds Matt. Luckily for little Skylah, her youthful mum has her back. “I think the most exciting thing is building a relationship with her and having a best friend,” she says. “She can always come to me with any boy trouble and I will be there to help her and encourage her to follow her dreams.”

And she’s already looking to be following in her mum’s footsteps. “She does have strong lungs… whether she’s in pitch or not, I’m not sure,” laughs Nikki. “But we know she loves music.” So has Nikki introduced Skylah to some of her smash hits? “No, but I should start singing Strawberry Kisses to her,” she jokes. “That will make her go to sleep!”

Skylah is definitely Mum’s little princess. “I love dressing her up,” exclaims Nikki. “You open up her wardrobe and everything’s pink.” Skylah came into the world a day before her due date. “It was a beautiful process but very painful,” says Nikki of her 15-hour labour with no pain relief. “I hated seeing her in agony,” says Matt. “When our baby was finally with us, I sobbed for five minutes.”

The happy couple, who met on a blind date set up by their siblings, are closer than ever before, thanks to their beautiful new addition. “I think we have a deeper appreciation for each other because he saw what I went through and it’s really intense,” says Nikki. “We’re working as a team because this is all new to us.”

So will Skylah have any siblings? “Oh gosh, one at a time!” says Nikki. “When she first came out after all that pain, I looked at her and said, ‘You know what, honey? I think you’re going to be an only child for a while.'”

Meet
SKYLAH TIA McMAH

Born: February 6, 2014
Weight: 2.77kg
Height: 48cm

Pictures: Phillip Castleton, Getty Images.
Hair and makeup: Helen Dowsley.
Stylist: Pip Cook.

Source: Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster’s dancing with joy

To many of us, Nikki Webster will always be that bright-eyed, curly-haired poppet who flew high above Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Games. But 13 years on, the 26-year-old is taking another magical journey – starting a family with husband Matthew McMah, 33.

“It’s what everybody dreams of,” smiles Nikki, who is almost seven months pregnant. “We feel very lucky and can’t wait to be parents.”

Although the newlyweds, who tied the knot in Sydney 13 months ago, weren’t planning on having kids so soon, they’re thrilled. “We weren’t trying, so it was a beautiful surprise,” says Nikki. “I felt a bit strange, so I went to the doctor and the first thing she did was hand me a pregnancy test. I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ But it was positive!”

Nikki, who runs her own dance studios, couldn’t wait to break the news to Matt. “I took the test home, wrapped it up and gave it to him.”

“I cried,” admits Matt. “I was over the moon. I don’t think anything, apart from the wedding day, can beat that feeling.”

While many couples frantically scramble to kit out the nursery, Nikki and Matt are in no rush. “I’m just enjoying where I’m at and I think Matt can set it up while I’m in hospital, can’t he? Isn’t that what men do?” laughs Nikki, eyeing her husband. “I’m very superstitious, too. I don’t want anything set up in the house until the baby is born.”

The pair won’t find out the sex of their baby but they know just what qualities they want their bub to inherit from each other. “I hope it can cook and clean and wash like Matt, because it certainly won’t get that gene from me!” jokes Nikki. “I’m a self-confessed house-husband,” confirms Matt, who works for an airline. “If I had to pick qualities from Nikki, it’d definitely be her drive, her passion and her looks, because I don’t want it to look like me!”

“I was a really ugly baby, I just want to put that out there,” laughs Nikki.

As they argue over what other traits they want their bub to inherit, one thing is certain – it will be a talented tot. “Hopefully is has Nikki’s artistic side and my sporty side,” says Matt, a keen soccer player.

“Or who knows? It could miraculously be a genius,” giggles Nikki. “I wouldn’t know what to do if it tried to make me sit down and do maths homework!”

Either way, they know they’re in for the ride of their lives. “We’re going to make mistakes,” says Matt. “But it’s all about trying to provide the best possible life for the baby.”

“And having fun as well!” smiles Nikki.

Words: Shari Nementzik
Pictures: Yianni Aspradakis
Hair and make-up: Lores Giglio
Syling: Maia Liakos

Source: Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster Expecting First Child

By Jesselle Maminta

Nikki Webster, the wide-eyed teenager who flew high above the Olympic Stadium during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is all grown up and is now seven months pregnant.

The “Strawberry Kisses” singer tells Woman’s Day that she is expecting her first child to her husband Matthew McMah. But she also says that they did not plan to have their baby so soon.

‘We weren’t trying,’ says the former child star to the magazine. ‘So it was a beautiful surprise.’

‘I felt a bit strange so I went to the doctor and the first thing she did was hand me a pregnancy test. I said ‘what are you talking about?’ But it was positive.’

But don’t get her wrong though — she says they are now looking forward to become parents to their first born.

‘It’s what everybody dreams of,’ says a smiling Webster, who is almost seven months pregnant. ‘We feel very lucky and can’t wait to be parents.’

After her memorable performance in the Sydney Olympics, Webster released a string of albums and tracks, including “Strawberry Kisses,” “Follow Your Heart” and “Bliss.”

In 2006, she briefly relocated to the United States, supposedly to collaborate with songwriters and develop a more mature sound. But she dishes to an earlier issue of Woman’s Day that she battled deep depression and body issues alone in Los Angeles.

‘When I went to LA by myself I would call my parents constantly, sitting in a little apartment by myself sobbing and thinking I couldn’t go on any more,” recalls Webster. ‘I had so many low moments. It still gives me shivers when I think about it.’

She also ‘learned to distrust people’ after a person whom she trusted with her career and finances destroyed her.

‘I was ripped off financially – to an extreme degree – but money is money, and what you remember isn’t the money you lose, but what happened to you. People who were very close to me completely destroyed my faith in who I was…’

Webster has since moved on from that emotional phase, and after a few attempts to revive her show business career in the recent years, she now owns two dance studios and a talent and modeling agency for kids.

Webster married McMah November last year, wearing a princess-inspired gown she designed herself. Mamamia reports that she was supposed to arrive at the church in a horse carriage, but a road problem forced her to ride a bronze-colored Rolls-Royce instead.

Source: ibtimes.com

The princess bride

Nikki & Matt 10.11.12

The darling of the 2000 Olympics is on cloud nine after tying the knot in Sydney, writes SHARI NEMENTZIK.

Having flown high above Sydney’s Olympic stadium with the world’s eyes upon her, Nikki Webster should be used to being the centre of attention. But in front of her family and closest friends, Nikki couldn’t have been more nervous as she walked down the aisle to wed the man she met two-and-a-half years ago on a blind date, Matthew McMah.

“Put me in front of 1000 people to perform, and I’m fine. Make me say vows and a speech and I’m a wreck,” Nikki tells Woman’s Day. “I’m also the clumsiest girl ever. I said to Dad, ‘You better hold me up in case I trip over my dress!’”Just like on that magical night 12 years ago at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Nikki felt like her feet never touched the ground as her dream wedding came true. Nikki, 25, and Matt, 32, spent more than 18 months planning their big day, but there was still plenty of room for the unexpected.

While Matt handed Nikki the reins to create her dream wedding, he still managed to surprise her with a fairytale grand entrance. “He got me a horse and carriage,” gushes Nikki. “It was so romantic!” “I did it because her grandmother and her mother arrived at the church on their wedding days in a horse and carriage,” explains Matt. “I thought it would be a lovely gesture, especially since her grandparents came all the way from the UK for the wedding. I looked at a few and picked the one that most looked like a princess carriage.”

Unfortunately, due to a technical hitch on the roads, Nikki wasn’t able to travel to the church in the carriage, but she still felt like royalty arriving in a Rolls Royce in her breathtaking Arushie gown she designed herself. “I felt beautiful in the dress,” says Nikki. “Like a princess. I couldn’t wait for Matt to see me in it.”

As she made her way down the aisle at the historic Hunter Baillie Memorial Church to the sound of her close friend Anthony Callea singing his hit rendition of The Prayer, Nikki couldn’t fight the emotions. “I always thought I’d be the tough one, but it was hard to keep the tears under control,” Nikki admits. “It was just beautiful. It was everything I’d wished for.” And her groom was equally overwhelmed. “I was absolutely gobsmacked,” says Matt. “She was incredible. She was so beautiful. I felt like the luckiest man alive.”

In front of 150 of their closest family and friends, Nikki and Matt shared the vows they wrote. “You have shown me what love is,” Matt told Nikki, holding her hand tightly in his. “I promise to protect you, provide for you and care for you.” “You’re my best friend,” she responded. “I fall in love with you again and again every time I see you. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives.” To symbolise their union, the newlyweds released two white doves outside the church. “It’s just a beautiful symbol of our relationship,” Nikki says. “It’s like releasing life and releasing love into the world and it was a nice moment for us to breathe and say, ‘Oh, we’re actually married!'”

The newlyweds then headed to Sydney’s iconic hot spot Ivy. “We’re very passionate about Sydney. I’ve had my whole career in Australia, so I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Nikki explains. “So why not get married in the world’s most beautiful city?”

Nikki and Matt met on a date on Australia Day two years ago set up by Nikki’s brother and Matt’s sister, who are long-time friends. “I knew very early on that she was someone special,” says Matt, who works for an airline. “I knew within a month that there was nobody else I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. She’s one of the most inspirational, motivational people I’ve ever met. She makes me want to be a better person and she always puts everyone else first.”

Matt wasn’t the only one with surprises up his sleeve. During the celebrations, Nikki floored her groom when she sang a song she had written especially for him. “I organised a band for him because he’s always wanted a band, and he thought we were just having a DJ,” she explains. “And then I wrote a song for Matt that I sang after my thank-you speech called Into Your Heart.” “I was absolutely dumbfounded. I had no idea,” says a chuffed Matt. “It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.”

The two have been inseparable ever since their blind date, and exactly one year after their first meeting, Matt proposed in Fiji. “It was so romantic – we were watching the sunset and he got down on one knee,” smiles Nikki. “But it started raining, so we had to run back to the hotel. It was a tropical storm!” On their big day, the Sydney weather didn’t disappoint. “It was perfect,” says Nikki. “It was a little overcast, and everyone says you get the best shots when it’s like that, so we were extra lucky.”

The reception was held at Le Montage, overlooking Sydney’s glistening Iron Cove Bay, and the event space was just as sparkling. “Nikki wanted it to be beautiful and intimate,” says her wedding planner Diane Khoury. “She wanted it to be romantic with crystals and candlelight.” “The centrepieces create this magical story,” beams Nikki. “They were all handmade and they just blew me away. It was a real dream-come-true for me.”

Nikki and Matt have certainly found their happily-ever-after. “I’d love a family at some point,” Matt tells us. “It’s something we both want. But I think more than anything, I’m looking forward to growing old with Nikki. It’s a cliche, but she really does complete me.”

Now, there’s just one more surprise in store for Nikki – their honeymoon destination. “I have no idea where we are going!” she says. “All I know is I’ll find out at the boarding gate!”

The Dress

It was no coincidence that Nikki felt like a princess in her stunning $25, 000 gown, created by Arushie Bridal Couture. That’s exactly the look she was after when she helped design it with Arushie’s Jojo Marquez. Custom-made using pure Italian silk dupioni and crinkled organza, the vintage-style dress with modern touches took six months to make, and was embellished with tens of thousands of certified Swarovoski crystals, each individually hand-sewn. Arushie (www.arushie.com.au) also created the elegant headpiece and veil. Nikki’s earrings were by Elizabeth & Jayde (www.elizabethjayde.com.au).

The Menu

Canapes & Drinks

Entree
Zucchini and red pepper frittata with smoked salmon or Antipasto

Main
Grain-fed char-grilled beef mignon or Roasted breast of chicken wrapped in pancetta

Dessert
Passionfruit gelato cone or Soft chocolate pudding with poached baby pear

Photographer: Cliff Kent
Cake: Planet Cake
Dress: Arushie Bridal Couture
Handmade Crystal Centrepieces: Centrepiece By Design, www.centrepiecebydesign.com
Florist for bridal bouquets and ceremony flowers: Vesna Grasso Floral designs, vesnagrasso.com.au
Wedding coordination and planning: Diane Khoury, www.weddingsbydianekhoury.com.au
Custom-designed menus, place cards, guestbook: Diane Khoury
Mirrored wishing well and seating frame: Diane Khoury
Shoes: Sistar Shoes

Source: Woman’s Day
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Woman’s Day letters page, December 3, 2012:

NIKKI’S ALL GROWN UP

I loved reading about Nikki Webster’s wedding and couldn’t believe it was the same little girl who graced our TV screens all those years ago. She looked amazing and so happy. Everything from the bright blue bridesmaids’ dresses to the princess carriage was OTT!

Kate Summers, Lane Cove, NSW.

High School Formal

Nikki Webster
Performer and recording artist
McDonald College of Performing Arts, Sydney – Class of 2004

What do you remember of your high school formal?
The most memorable part of the night was everyone in my year arriving in their beautiful gowns and the love and happiness that were spread throughout the room.

What is your favourite memory from the night?
My favourite memory of the night was actually graduating. I never thought I could do it! Also being able to share such a wonderful night with family and friends.

Did you take a date, go with friends or go alone?
I took a great school friend, as I knew he would feel comfortable and I wouldn’t have to baby-sit all night. We still keep in contact. Continue reading High School Formal