Page 41 - Port Douglas Magazine 29

#storiesofromance

Romance
STORIES OF

BRITTANY & PATRICK

WORDS by Cassie Flinn

Destined for love, Brittany and Patrick have known each other since
childhood, with romance blossoming after a homecoming to remote Weipa

t wasn’t love at first sight for Brittany and Patrick ... they were On the big day the atmosphere was relaxed. No rushing, no fuss,
only in primary school when their paths first crossed but it was everyone just in the moment. Tammy the celebrant set the scene,
Ia destined love that blossomed upon returning to their remote Jason the photographer provided some stunning backdrops for the
home town of Weipa. Enjoying the lifestyle offered by FIFO work, album and Rhys and Paul from Salsa was so calm and organised.
the couple decided to lay their hat in Cairns and share all that the With the bridal party dressed the nerves slipped away, replaced
Tropical North has to offer. only with excitement.
Both keen fisherman, Patrick’s suggestion one Sunday of a day It was a beautiful personalised ceremony under the afternoon
out on the Coral Sea seemed like a great idea. The day boasted glow and a blissful couple left the chapel looking forward to
10 knots, blue skies and a fine catch onboard. Patrick made a celebrating. Happy hour was a highlight served at the iconic
B-line for Russel Heads and landed on the beach just as the sun Sugar Wharf with sweeping views across the ocean and delicious
began to set. With one knee in the sand and a ring in his pocket canapes prepared by the Salsa crew, and this was just the start of
he proposed, and the rhetorical yes celebrations commenced with the reception.
a secretly packed bottle of wine bottle and homemade pizza! As the sun dipped over the Daintree Ranges, guests strolled over
A few months into their engagement the wedding plans kicked off to the famous open-air Queenslander, Salsa Bar & Grill. Effortless,
with a visit to ‘Save the Date Wedding Expo’ where they instantly right in the heart of Port Douglas, they knew it was going to be
clicked with civil celebrant Tammy and were drawn to the work of an unforgettable night. Its relaxed space felt inviting and intimate.
Jason, The Raw Photographer. However, choosing a venue for the Embracing the restaurant’s natural charm, Brittany opted for
ceremony and reception was proving more difficult as nowhere simple and selective styling to make it their very own piece of
yet felt truly right. paradise.
A friend suggested a day trip to Port Douglas. The day started A sit-down dinner menu was cooked to order in the open chefs’
with one of the most amazing coastal drives in the world and kitchen with a choice of dishes to die for. The mouthwatering
ended with them asking themselves why they had forgotten this black angus eye fillet with its amazing flavours, cooked to
absolute paradise right on their doorstep. As they took time to perfection, locally caught reef fish with blood orange laksa and
soak up the village atmosphere, two things began to ring wedding of course Salsa’s famous desserts! Sharing platters showed off
bells for them. Firstly was their lazy lunch under the swaying local tropical produce in artlike morsels completing the guests’
palm trees, feasting on divine dishes and enjoying the service unique gourmet experience. And a special cheers too for the
at the local’s beloved Salsa Bar & Grill. Secondly was admiring, talented mixologist and one of the bride tribe’s favourite, the Bird
from afar, a little white chapel by the water that was sparkling in of Paradise cocktail.
the sunshine. They knew they had found their perfect reception Well fed, well-watered and happily married! There was only one
partner in Salsa but after a closer look inside the Chapel, (known thing left to do, and that was to hit the dance floor! Enjoying
as St Mary’s by The Sea), they fell in love again. They now had the their private venue, leaving inhibitions behind, Port Douglas had
perfect venue for their ceremony. captured their imagination, hearts and maybe even some new
They looked for dates in the beautiful month of May and snapped dance moves.
up the16th as they didn’t want to wait another day longer! With And the all-round good news? Tomorrow was the start of a
nearly 100 guests invited, they were so happy when friends and new day officially as Mr. & Mrs. but also a fabulous holiday to
family jumped at the chance to join them for their wedding, but remember ... with everyone!
also a holiday. The bride and groom were booked in for a 4-night
stay at Oaks Lagoon, and now most of the wedding guests were
too!

Salsa Bar & Grill
26 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
(07) 4099 4922
salsaportdouglas.com.au

Ceremony : St Mary’s by The Sea Planning & Cake: Bride + Port Douglas Weddings
Reception: Salsa Bar & Grill Hair & Make Up: DS Hair & Makeup Port Douglas
Photographer: The Raw Photographer Civil Celebrant : Creating Moments

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 43