Olympic medallist and dual world champion James Magnussen has married his longtime partner Rose McEvoy in a waterfront ceremony in Sydney‘s Watsons Bay.
The couple took their decade-long relationship to the next level with family and loved ones on Friday.
Magnussen was one of Australia’s leading swimmers during the early 2010s, winning world titles in the 100m freestyle and claiming Olympic silver and bronze medals, while McEvoy built her own profile as a model and former Miss Universe Australia.
Sydney’s wet weather on the day added an extra layer of coordination as guests arrived and the bridal party made their way into the venue.
McEvoy wore an off-the-shoulder white gown with a structured bodice and a full skirt that flowed as she moved.
The fabric gathered in soft layers, and attendants were seen lifting sections of the dress as she stepped along the wet pavement to keep it clean and in place.
Olympic medallist James Magnussen marries longtime partner Rose McEvoy in a waterfront ceremony at Watsons Bay in Sydney
The couple celebrated their wedding after a decade-long relationship surrounded by close friends, family and loved ones
Bride Rose McEvoy wore an off-the-shoulder white gown with a structured bodice and flowing skirt on arrival
Wet weather in Sydney created challenging conditions as guests and the bridal party arrived at the harbourside venue
Her hair was styled in a neat updo, covered by a sheer veil, and she carried a bouquet of white flowers with green accents.
She paired the look with pointed white heels, moving carefully as she approached the entrance.
Magnussen, known throughout his career as ‘The Missile’, wore a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie.
He remained close to McEvoy as she arrived, watching on as helpers adjusted her gown and guided her through the entrance.
At one point, she stepped out from a car under an umbrella as multiple attendants worked around her, lifting the dress and helping her up onto the curb.
The movement of the gown created a sense of motion as it was gathered and carried, with the bride balancing carefully on her heels.
Another moment shows McEvoy standing at the doorway of the venue holding her bouquet, composed as she prepared to enter, while Magnussen stood nearby as guests gathered behind them.
Guests arrived in formal attire, navigating the wet ground and moving quickly between cars and the venue.
The couple were seen coordinating entry as helpers managed the gown and guided the bride indoors
Attendants lifted sections of McEvoy’s gown to protect it as she carefully walked across the wet pavement
McEvoy completed her bridal look with a veil, white heels and a bouquet of white flowers and greenery
Magnussen wore a classic black tuxedo and stayed close as McEvoy arrived at the venue
One guest stood out in a bright red dress under a long coat, holding an umbrella and smiling as she approached.
Other attendees in tuxedos were seen adjusting jackets and chatting as they walked inside.
A vintage white car was used for part of the arrival, with McEvoy briefly visible through the window before stepping out. The vehicle added a traditional touch to the setting.
The wedding follows Magnussen’s proposal in Croatia, which took place shortly after he had been working around the Olympic Games.
In front of family and friends, he dropped to one knee and asked McEvoy to marry him.
‘If you push me in [the water] I’m going home,’ he said.
‘I love you, will you marry me?’
McEvoy later shared the moment publicly, writing: ‘For the first time in my life, I was speechless.’
Groups of guests were seen chatting together as they carefully stepped around puddles near the venue
Guests remained upbeat, smiling and interacting as they gathered outside before the ceremony began
Some attendees assisted others, helping manage umbrellas and navigate the slippery pavement outside the ceremony
The guest list included close friends and family who had supported the couple throughout their long relationship
‘You can assume it’s a YES… I love you more than words can describe.’
The pair have been together for around 10 years, having met through mutual connections when Magnussen was establishing himself as one of Australia’s leading freestyle swimmers.
Over that time, their relationship has remained largely private, with only occasional glimpses shared on social media.
Magnussen retired from competitive swimming in 2019 after a career that included multiple international medals across the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Known for his strength and sprinting ability in the pool, he was one of the fastest 100m freestyle swimmers of his era.
Since stepping away from full-time competition, he has remained in the public eye through media appearances and television, while also briefly returning to headlines in recent years with his involvement in the proposed Enhanced Games.
McEvoy has maintained her own career across modelling and media, and has often supported Magnussen throughout his swimming career and beyond.
