Page 35 - Port Douglas Magazine 26

STORIES OF ROMANCE

STEPH & BEN

Left a Melbourne winter behind for a beautiful destination wedding...
Coral Sea dreaming - romantic, delicious and modern

Whilst out celebrating Australia Day with friends in St Kilda, Cape Grim beef, succulent lamb and an abundance of fresh
Steph surprised herself when she asked actor Ben Nichols local produce added to their excitement.
(aka Stingray from Neighbours) for his telephone number. “Ben and I consider ourselves foodies, so we were thrilled
He happily obliged, the first date was set and the happy when they took our guests’ dietary requirements in their
couple’s relationship quickly blossomed. stride, keeping things relaxed whilst tantalising our taste
A few years later, after a busy day at work, Ben whisked buds with a unique sophistication. To be honest we were
Steph off to the Melbourne’s International Airport Lounge, blown away!” Steph said.
handed her suitcase to her, along with a glass of bubbles “To top it off, their talented pastry chef, Brad, personally
and announced they were off on holidays to New Zealand! designed a beautiful Pina Colada cake for us. We truly felt
More surprises followed, includng a romantic dinner at Lake we had found the ultimate in food, service and styling, we
Tekapo and Ben & Steph returned home engaged. knew Port Douglas was not going to disappoint.”
“We decided we wanted to do a destination style wedding. When they arrived back in Melbourne their excitement grew.
We considered Noosa and Hamilton Island but after seeing a Regular communication by email provided the couple with
friend of a friend’s sensational wedding photos we decided photos and detailed explanations, answering any questions
to book flights and make a whistlestop trip to Port Douglas they had. “ It was a breeze with Dean coordinating and we
to take a look for ourselves,” said Steph. felt confident our wedding day was going to be everything
“The drive from Cairns to Port Douglas felt like something we had hoped for,” Steph said.
out of “Jurassic Park” - Ben and I had never been this far Friends and family flew in from as far away as LA to help
north in our lives! Our first stop in the quaint main street celebrate. Their overwhelming reaction was: “We feel so
was Floral Edge. Their flowers were amazing, the girls so relaxed, its sunny, and with lush palm trees it feels like a
friendly and helpful and they recommended our next stop, different world” Their holiday mood and the weather just
Port Douglas Catering & Events. I think we knew we had set the scene for an intimate, fun and unforgettable day.
found our perfect partners when we found ourselves in the “Our lovely celebrant, Sarah Woods, guided us through
capable hands of Dean, Tommy and their team who sat with our personal vows, witnessed by the Coral Sea and most
us for an hour and gave us the full run down”. importantly surrounded by the people we love most in the
The suggestion of Little Cove for the ceremony appealed world,” she said.
immediately but they felt the Sugar Wharf as a venue may “After our ceremony, we got to explore some wonderful
be in the “too hard basket,” with the need to decorate it to and quirky backdrops with our photographer Matthew while
turn it into a magical place. our guests got a chance to visit the iconic Courthouse Hotel
“As soon as we set foot in the Cove we fell in love as the before strolling to our Sugar Wharf recepton.
views were simply stunning . Then as soon as we peeked “Stepping into this beautifully themed and romantic setting,
in the window of the Sugar Wharf we decided yessss, hell the natural beauty of a Coral Sea and mountains promising a
yess!!” she said. sunset to remember, we knew so many of our friends would
With the help of Port Douglas Catering & Event’s be in awe of our North Queensland choice.
allrounders, suddenly the blank canvas this historic Wharf As the celebrations begun and Ben sang Ed Sheeran’s
provided really excited the couple. They had some fantastic ‘Perfect’ to me (amazing how you can still learn about your
ideas and also encouraged Ben and Steph to contribute partner’s special skills!), through our smiles we thought, “It
personal touches. Mouthwatering menu choices filled with most certainly is!”
fresh seafood, creative canapes, suggestions of premium

CONTACT Ceremony: Little Cove
Port Douglas Catering & Events Reception: Sugar Wharf
07 4099 4233 Wedding Planner: Port Douglas Catering & Events
pdcatering.com.au Flowers: Floral Edge
Photography: Matthew Evans Photography
Celebrant: Sarah Woods
PA & Audio: Tropica Entertainment
Bride dressed by: Upwey Deb and Bridal room
Groom dressed by: Oscar Hunt

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 35