Page 39 - Port Douglas Magazine 31

Romance
STORIES OF

LISA & TOM

WORDS by Sofia Cullen
Young and adventurous Tom and Lisa were both enjoying Wharf. Next was the food! “We contacted a few catering
travels abroad when their paths crossed for three weeks companies and decided on Dean and Port Douglas Catering.
on a Contiki Tour. Good times rolled, however post party, He made us feel so comfortable. He was knowledgeable
Lisa was destined for Melbourne and Tom headed off to play but chilled. Above all he listened, was flexible and took our
county cricket in England! Though the trip had been short the wishes of a BYO (bring your own) drinks option in his stride.
two of them realised they had found something really special He also provided some excellent ideas and recommendations.
and after six months of doing the “long distance thing,” Our other partners fell quickly into place.
events evolved quickly. Before they knew it, they had spent Our photographer Matthew Evans worked under a similar
five years in Tom’s hometown of Adelaide and in 2018 were ethos. He was relaxed and professional yet understood we
moving back to Lisa’s hometown of Melbourne. Then later didn’t want to take hours away from our guests. We simply
that year they moved into their first home, on the beautiful couldn’t have asked for more. His shots were amazing and to
Mornington Peninsula. include our bridal party too, it was so much fun!
Still keen to continue on their adventures, Tom had often Then there was Gabs. After only one phone conversation
talked about Port Douglas as one of his favourite Australian with Gabby from Nine Blooms our florals went from, we have
destinations so when Lisa’s sister decided to get married no idea to absolutely gorgeous. I especially loved my unique
close by in Palm Cove, they had the perfect excuse to add a and colourful floral crown for the reception.
sneaky week on and go exploring. Tom meanwhile worked on the all-important tunes. We loved
After a fantastic day out at the reef, snorkelling, flying high the sound and playlist of local musician, Cam Kettle. On our
above the reef by helicopter, they returned to Port Douglas wedding day, we saw the sun set, the waves lapped at the
happy, sun kissed and tired! As Lisa was settling into her Wharf, the night stars glistened, and the dance floor was, as
pool lounge for the afternoon Tom insisted that they hit the we had hoped, on fire all night!
beach and enjoy some sunset beers. Reluctantly she agreed.
The sunset was beautiful but as they strolled hand in hand To add to our perfect team were also two very special
Lisa found Tom’s silence a little strange and then he dropped presents. From my sister, a competition win to have the
most fabulous wedding Gelato cart – seriously who doesn’t
to one knee … so Lisa did too! “I had no idea what he was love Gelato? It was so charismatic and was definitely a sweet
doing so I got down on my knees too. Then Tom proposed, I
was in shock but so happy and I knew Port Douglas would be highlight. And from a group of our dear friends, every last
forever sealed as a special place in our hearts.” moment captured forever through the talented lens of Tayla of
Jade Films and Wedding Video. Cherished memories.
The next day the happy couple had a superb lunch at Salsa Bar
& Grill celebrating with family before taking a stroll across We really were thrilled with our choice of a destination
wedding. We had 125 of our nearest and dearest, happy to
the park. A wedding was being set up on the Sugar Wharf. escape Winter and excited to share this tropical paradise with
The setting was divine, tropical, outdoors … in short magical.
us. Above all, we got to spend quality time with everyone –
Post celebrations and back at home, Tom and Lisa had begun dinners out (the Tin Shed was great for a big group), time to
to plan their own wedding. “We were struggling to decide relax at our gorgeous villa at Niramaya Villas & Spa and so
between Adelaide and Melbourne and then Port Douglas many good reasons to sample Port Douglas’ cocktail menus.
popped back into our minds. We both loved the destination, Port Douglas Magazine: “Would you change anything?”
as did our families and we had all seen firsthand that the park
and the Sugar Wharf could provide a perfect backdrop, with “No not at all, it was the best day and time of our lives! Well
those sweeping views across the Coral Sea and sunsets to okay, maybe one small thing .. I’d tell myself next time Lisa
die for. don’t actually throw the wedding bouquet with such gusto it
A decision quickly made, August dates were booked in for their actually leaves the Wharf and disappears into the Coral Sea.
ceremony at Little Cove followed by a reception at the Sugar Oops – May I borrow another bouquet please?”

Catering - Port Douglas Catering & Events
Photography - Matthew Evans Photography
Hair - DS Hair & Makeup
Makeup - Love Danni
Gelato! - FNQ Gelato Cart
Entertainment - Cam Kettle
Flowers - Nine Blooms
Marriage Celebrant - Kylie Canty

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 39